Hyperkin's Competitor Upgrades the Xbox Controller by Copying Sony's Design

"There's an odd quirk about the Xbox controller. Its general layout is so successful that it has not only gone essentially unchanged since the very first generation of the console, it effectively became the de facto design for game pads across the industry. Despite that ubiquity, it's sometimes hard for Xbox players to look at the likes of the PlayStation 5's sleek, monochrome, symmetrical DualSense controller and not feel the tiniest pang of envy."

"While the likes of Thrustmaster's H.E.A.R.T. controller also opt for a black-and-white look that subtly evokes the PS5's palette, the Hyperkin is more ... let's say "directly inspired," at least for the two-tone model (it's also available in solid black). The white of the outer hand grips meet in the center, with a black base. That black contrast edges in at the top, subtly creating a fitting "X" design."

Hyperkin's The Competitor is a DualSense-inspired controller compatible with Xbox consoles and PCs. The controller rearranges inputs to echo Sony's current-generation layout and adopts a two-tone, minimalist aesthetic. Functional additions include Hall effect sticks, impulse triggers, swappable thumbcaps, and mappable rear buttons. The unit is corded only, and the changes focus largely on cosmetics and layout rather than reproducing PS5-exclusive haptics or adaptive features. The design continues Hyperkin's trend of playful, nostalgic takes on controllers and offers Xbox and PC players an alternative with upgraded internals and a distinctive look.

Read at WIRED