Hyperkin has released The Competitor, a controller designed to bring the aesthetic and layout of Sony's PlayStation 5 DualSense to Xbox and PC users. While it incorporates several upgrades over the standard Xbox pad, it remains wired-only and lacks some key DualSense features. Priced at $50, it offers a comfortable alternative for gamers seeking a familiar feel across platforms.
The Xbox controller's layout has remained largely unchanged since its debut, influencing the industry standard for gamepads. However, many Xbox players envy the sleek, symmetrical design of the PlayStation 5's DualSense. Hyperkin's The Competitor addresses this by rearranging inputs to mimic the DualSense while maintaining compatibility with Xbox consoles and PCs.
Available in a two-tone black-and-white model or solid black, The Competitor features symmetrical horizontal thumbsticks instead of the Xbox's asymmetric ones. The D-pad appears as separate buttons, and the ABXY face buttons are spaced farther apart. In place of the DualSense touchpad, it includes the Xbox home, menu, view, and share buttons, with an LED ring around the home button echoing the DualSense's lighting.
Thumbcaps match the DualSense's convex style, though Xbox concave caps are included for swapping. Two programmable rear buttons, M1 and M2, default to duplicating A and B inputs but can be remapped or locked. A built-in audio mute button adds convenience alongside the 3.5-mm headphone jack.
Weighing 232 grams with a microtextured underside, the controller provides a secure grip for extended play. Hall effect thumbsticks prevent drift, anti-friction rings ensure smooth motion, and metal stems enhance durability. Impulse triggers incorporate Hall effect technology for precise control and individual rumble motors for haptic feedback. Shoulder buttons resemble those on the DualSense but are slightly longer.
Despite these enhancements, The Competitor connects via a 3-meter USB-A to USB-C cable, limiting mobility compared to wireless options. It cannot replicate the DualSense's touchpad, gyroscopic sensors, or adaptive triggers. For casual gamers wanting a DualSense-inspired Xbox controller, it delivers comfort and performance at a budget price, though the wired design may frustrate living-room play.
