If you’ve been eagerly waiting for a fresh take on the classic Xbox controller, the wait is almost over. Hyperkin has officially opened pre-orders for its highly anticipated "The Competitor" wired controller, giving gamers a concrete date to mark on their calendars. After its initial tease at CES 2025 left us with more questions than answers, the full picture is now clear, and it’s shaping up to be a compelling option for serious players.
The Wait is Over: Price, Colors, and Release Date
The speculation can end. Hyperkin's The Competitor is now available for pre-order directly from the Hyperkin store and through Amazon for $49.99. This positions it as a competitively priced premium controller, sitting comfortably between first-party offerings and high-end pro models.
For those ready to commit, the initial launch will feature two classic colorways: a sleek Black and a clean White. But the color story doesn't end there. Hyperkin has also revealed Blue, Red, and Gold variants, though these vibrant options are not part of the initial pre-order wave. Availability for these additional colors is expected to follow, though it's worth noting that regional variations might apply.
The most important detail for eager fans? The official release date is set for October 29. So, while you can secure your controller today, you'll have to hold on just a little longer for it to ship.
Ready to secure yours? Pre-order The Competitor now:
More Than Just an Xbox Pad: A Fusion of Designs
So, what exactly makes "The Competitor" stand out in a crowded market? At its core, it’s a wired controller designed for the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC, ensuring broad compatibility. However, its true intrigue lies in its unique design philosophy.
Hyperkin has taken a bold step by drawing inspiration from the PlayStation 5's acclaimed DualSense controller. The most immediate visual departure is the symmetrical thumbstick layout. Unlike the standard offset sticks on an Xbox pad, both thumbsticks are placed in parallel at the bottom of the controller's face, a configuration many gamers swear by for precision.
Adding to its unique identity is a segmented D-pad, reminiscent of classic fighting game controllers, promising pinpoint accuracy for directional inputs. This hybrid approach creates a controller that feels both familiar and entirely new.
Premium Features for the Discerning Gamer
Beyond its unique form factor, The Competitor is packed with high-end features that justify its "premium" label. The headline technology here is the widespread use of Hall Effect sensors.
- Hall Effect Thumbsticks and Triggers: Unlike traditional potentiometers that use physical contact and are prone to wear and "drift" over time, Hall Effect components use magnetic fields to register input. This means the thumbsticks and impulse triggers are far more durable and should be completely immune to stick drift—a huge win for longevity and consistent performance.
- Enhanced Gameplay Ergonomics: The controller doesn’t stop at great internals. It includes anti-friction gates and metal glide rings for a smoother, more fluid thumbstick movement. The stick caps are also removable, and the controller ships with both domed and concave options, allowing you to customize the feel to your preference.
- Programmable Back Buttons: Keeping up with modern pro controllers, The Competitor features two programmable back buttons. These can be mapped to any other button on the controller, giving you a tactical advantage by letting you keep your thumbs on the sticks. A simple physical switch allows you to lock them to prevent accidental presses.
- Modern Conveniences: Rounding out the feature set are all the buttons today's gamers expect: a dedicated mic mute button, a share button for quick screenshots and clips, plus the standard menu and view buttons.
Like many modern wired controllers, such as the popular GameSir G7 Pro, The Competitor connects via a USB-C cable for a reliable, low-latency connection. Hyperkin includes a generous 6-foot braided USB-C cable in the box, ensuring you have plenty of room to get comfortable.
With its unique hybrid design, drift-resistant Hall Effect components, and a wallet-friendly price of $49.99, Hyperkin's The Competitor is poised to make a serious splash this fall. Whether you're a PC player, an Xbox enthusiast looking for a new feel, or someone who simply prefers the symmetrical layout, this controller is shaping up to be a compelling contender.
Post a Comment