TL;DR
Hyperkin’s The Competitor reshapes an Xbox-style pad to look and feel closer to Sony’s DualSense while remaining compatible with Xbox consoles and PCs. It adds Hall effect sticks, impulse-style triggers, swappable thumbcaps and rear remappable buttons, but is wired-only and lacks core DualSense features like a touchpad, gyros and adaptive trigger resistance.
What happened
Hyperkin released The Competitor, a controller for Xbox consoles and PCs that borrows visual and layout cues from the PlayStation 5 DualSense. The two-tone model mimics the PS5’s black-and-white aesthetic and flips the usual Xbox asymmetrical stick layout to a symmetrical arrangement, while splitting the D-pad’s cardinal directions and spacing the face buttons a bit wider. Inside, the pad uses Hall effect thumbsticks with metal stems and anti-friction rings, and its so-called Impulse Triggers also employ Hall effect sensing plus individual rumble motors. The unit includes swappable thumbcaps (DualSense-style convex caps plus Xbox-standard concave caps), two programmable rear buttons (M1/M2) with a Mode remap function and physical locks, and a hidden mute button for headsets. It connects by a 3-meter USB-A to USB-C cable, weighs 232 grams, and is sold at a $50 price point. The review gave it a positive but mixed score, noting its performance upgrades but criticizing the wired-only design and the inability to replicate PS5-specific features.
Why it matters
- Offers Xbox and PC players a controller that resembles the PS5 DualSense in layout and styling without switching platforms.
- Hall effect sticks and metal stems promise greater longevity and precision compared with conventional potentiometer sticks.
- Mappable rear buttons and impulse-style triggers let players customize inputs and fine-tune analog control for certain genres.
- Being wired-only affects living-room console use and limits adoption among players who prefer wireless pads.
Key facts
- Compatibility: Xbox consoles and PC (explicitly stated).
- Price: $50 (available at Amazon, GameStop, Hyperkin).
- Connection: Wired only, 3-meter USB-A to USB-C cable; cable is rubber-coated, not braided.
- Weight: 232 grams.
- Input hardware: Hall effect thumbsticks with metal stems and anti-friction rings.
- Triggers: 'Impulse Triggers' using Hall effect sensing and individual rumble motors.
- Extras: Swappable thumbcaps (PS5-style convex caps and Xbox-style concave caps), LED ring around the home button, built-in headset mute button.
- Controls: Two programmable rear buttons (M1/M2) that default to A and B; Mode button used to remap; physical locks to disable rear buttons.
- Design: Available in two-tone (white/black) and solid black; symmetry and layout intentionally echo DualSense styling.
- Review score cited: 7/10.
What to watch next
- Whether Hyperkin releases a wireless or braided-cable variant in the future is not confirmed in the source.
- Potential firmware or software updates to expand remapping or customization options are not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Hall effect stick: An analog stick that uses magnetic sensors to detect position, reducing physical contact and lowering the risk of stick drift over time.
- Stick drift: Unintended in-game movement caused by wear or faults in an analog stick’s position sensing over time.
- Impulse trigger: A trigger mechanism that provides vibration or nuanced force feedback, often to simulate in-game sensations like recoil or road texture.
- Touchpad: A flat, touch-sensitive surface on some controllers that can register swipes, taps and presses as input.
Reader FAQ
Is The Competitor wireless?
No. The controller is wired-only and connects via a 3-meter USB-A to USB-C cable.
Does it replicate the PS5 DualSense’s adaptive triggers and gyroscope?
No. The controller does not include the DualSense’s adaptive trigger resistance or gyroscopic sensors and lacks a touchpad.
Can I remap the rear buttons?
Yes. There are two rear buttons (M1 and M2) that default to A and B and can be remapped using the Mode button; physical locks can disable them.
How much does it cost?
$50, according to the source.
Does it work on PlayStation or other platforms?
Not confirmed in the source.
MATT KAMEN GEAR DEC 27, 2025 7:30 AM Review: Hyperkin The Competitor Controller This copycat controller can’t clone the PS5’s best features, but it’s a solid option for Xbox and…
Sources
- Hyperkin The Competitor Controller Review: A DualSense Copycat
- Hyperkin The Competitor Controller
- Hyperkin The Competitor Wired Controller for Xbox Series …
- Forget Sony's DualSense — I tried Hyperkin's Competitor …
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