During CES 2025, I came across a new controller from Hyperkin called the Competitor. At first glance, I thought it was a third-party DualSense controller. It was intriguing and I had hoped to get more info about the device. However, after the event, Hyperkin went dark and there was no further info about the controller to be released.
Fast forward to PAX West 2025, and the controller made another appearance. Thanks to a PR tip, I knew to swing by the booth, which was tucked away and easy to overlook. Once there, I met a sales representative from Hyperkin, who talked me through the latest details.
Why does this controller exist? According to Hyperkin, a number of Xbox and PC gamers like the feel of Sony’s DualSense but still want the familiar Xbox button layout. It may sound like a strange mix, but the company decided to bring that request to life.
At first sight, the Competitor really does look like a DualSense. It shares the same overall shape and symmetrical analog stick design. The biggest differences are the swapped touchpad for the Xbox home button and the use of Xbox-style face buttons.
It is not just a simple clone, though. The Competitor includes Hall Effect sensors, which help prevent stick drift and are something the big three still refuse to include in their official controllers. The analog stick caps can be swapped out, and the back features two additional buttons along with trigger stops. It also feels lighter than a DualSense, which makes sense since it lacks Sony’s proprietary internals such as haptics and adaptive triggers.
For now, the Competitor is a wired controller. However, Hyperkin is currently working with Microsoft to obtain official certification. If that happens, the controller could also see a wireless version released later.
Who exactly is this for? Fans of the DualSense who do not want to pay the higher cost for Sony’s controller and prefer to use a similar layout on Xbox Series X|S or PC. It is a niche idea, but one that could find an audience once the controller is available.
The Hyperkin Competitor is scheduled to launch in October 2025 for $50. It will be available for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
