Hyperkin The Competitor Review: A Surprisingly Solid Budget Xbox Controller
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The Hyperkin The Competitor offers a compelling blend of functionality and affordability, proving that a great gaming experience doesn’t always require a premium price tag.Available now for $49.99 / £39.99 (around AU$74.95), this Xbox and PC-compatible controller distinguishes itself with drift-resistant Hall effect sticks and a design reminiscent of the popular DualSense controller, all while remaining refreshingly simple.
A Simpler Approach to Gaming
In a market saturated with feature-rich controllers like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro and GameSir Tarantula Pro, The Competitor takes a different tack.As one reviewer noted, it’s a “blissfully simple controller” that eschews extras like RGB lighting, gyro sensors, trigger locks, and wireless connectivity. This stripped-down approach isn’t a compromise, but rather a intentional design choice that results in a surprisingly appealing gamepad. It’s a stark reminder that controllers “don’t need to be a smorgasbord to remain appealing in the contemporary market.”
Price and Availability
Currently, The Competitor is available for purchase at $49.99 / £39.99 (around AU$74.95) from major retailers including Amazon in the US and UK, and also Best Buy in the US and Argos in the UK. It competes directly with other budget-friendly options like the GameSir Kaleid ($49.99 / £59.99) and 8BitDo Pro 2 ($44.99 / £39.99), offering comparable quality at a competitive price point.
here’s a quick look at the key specifications:
- Price: $49.99 / £39.99 (around AU$74.95)
- Weight: 7.1oz / 200g
- Dimensions: 6.2 x 5.0 x 2.5in / 158 x 127 x 64mm
- Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- connection type: Wired (USB-C)
- Battery life: N/A
Design and Features: Familiar Yet Functional
The Competitor’s design is immediately recognizable, borrowing heavily from the aesthetics of the DualSense Wireless Controller.It features the same “boomerang-esque” shape, D-pad, and face buttons. While build quality doesn’t quite reach the DualSense standard, it’s more than adequate for the price. “Nothing about the controller screams cut corners or lazy design,” according to one assessment.
The controller boasts a pleasing black and white color scheme and a comfortable grip. The Hall effect sticks are a standout feature, promising to eliminate stick drift – a common annoyance for gamers. The face buttons are responsive and have a satisfying click, and the D-pad is well-defined for precise directional input.
Performance and Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of The Competitor’s performance compared to other popular controllers:
| Feature | The Competitor | DualSense Wireless Controller | Xbox Wireless Controller |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 / £39.99 | $69.99 / £59.99 | $59.99 / £54.99 |
| Platform Compatibility | Xbox, PC | PlayStation 5, PC | Xbox, PC |
| Connection | Wired (USB-C) | Wireless (Bluetooth, USB) | Wireless (Bluetooth, USB) |
| Stick Type | Hall effect | Analog | Analog |
| Special Features | drift-resistant sticks | Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers | Impulse Triggers |
| Supported Consoles | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One |
Testing Methodology
The Competitor was tested for one week primarily on a gaming PC with a Steam library. Games including Final Fantasy 14 Online, Tekken 8, Elden Ring Nightreign, and Tokyo Xtreme Racer were used to evaluate performance. The controller was directly compared to the DualSense Wireless Controller, noting differences in build quality, responsiveness, and overall feel.
First reviewed in December 2025, The Competitor represents a compelling option for gamers seeking a reliable