In the ever-evolving world of gaming peripherals, Hyperkin has made a notable entry with its new gaming controller, The Competitor. Launched in October, this controller merges the design of Xbox and PlayStation controllers, intended for Xbox consoles and PC use. Its unique selling point is the PlayStation-like analog stick placement paired with the Xbox button layout, offering a potentially transformative gaming experience.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Competitor arrives in a robust package and includes a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription—a welcome bonus for gaming enthusiasts. Inside the box, you’ll find the controller itself, a 10-foot USB-C to A cable, two extra joysticks, a user manual, and a Hyperkin sticker.
Design and Features
The Competitor sports a PS5-esque design with a black and white color scheme, and the ergonomic placement of the joysticks is reminiscent of the PS5 DualSense controller. The ABXY buttons are medium-sized and not wobbly, though the D-Pad, while decent, lacks the premium feel of its PS5 counterpart. Interestingly, Hyperkin’s controller uses Hall Effect technology to prevent stick drift, providing smooth operation.
The controller includes programmable buttons at the rear, a mute button, and a 3.5mm jack for headsets, enhancing its usability for long gaming sessions. The textured grips add to the comfort, making it suitable for extended play.
Performance and Compatibility
While The Competitor is wired-only, this may appeal to gamers who prioritize immediate response times. However, testers found the polling rate at just 250 Hz with an average latency of 4 ms, which is below the standard for many wired controllers. This might not meet the expectations of competitive gamers.
Compatible with Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11, The Competitor is primarily aimed at console gamers who might appreciate its unique design. However, its lack of wireless capability could be a drawback for those looking to connect to a wider range of devices.
The Verdict
The Competitor makes a bold attempt to stand out with its design and features. While it excels in build quality and comfort, its performance in terms of polling rate and latency might not satisfy those looking for a competitive edge. **In a competitive market, these limitations might impact its appeal, especially at its $49 price point.**
Overall, if you are captivated by its DualSense-inspired aesthetics and prioritize comfort over high-speed performance, The Competitor might be worth considering. However, if cutting-edge responsiveness is your goal, exploring other options might be beneficial.