Hyperkin’s “The Competitor” finally delivers the perfect controller I always wanted for 2D gaming on Xbox

by

I’ve used Xbox controllers for almost twenty years, but I sometimes wish I could go back to using a PlayStation controller. Its classic shape and button arrangement were especially great for 2D games like platformers, fighting games, and beat ’em ups.

I often thought it would have been better if the Xbox controller had been designed more like the PlayStation’s. The usual Xbox controller shape feels better for games with a lot of 3D elements or first-person shooting, but a different design might have been nice.

I never imagined my wish would come true in 2025 with today’s topic: the “Competitor” controller by Hyperkin.

Hyperkin provided us with a sample unit for this review. We want to assure readers that Hyperkin had no influence on the review and didn’t see it before it was published.

Not so subtle, but still unique

I recently came across this interesting controller. It’s made by Hyperkin, a company known for gaming accessories, and it’s clearly modeled after the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller. It’s pretty obvious they were aiming for that look and feel.

I was intrigued by the Hyperkin Competitor when it was shown at CES 2025, especially since I liked Hyperkin’s retro-style ‘Duke’ Xbox controller.

I recently had a chance to try it out before its release on October 29, 2025, and I was really blown away.

I genuinely love this Xbox controller – it’s quickly become one of my favorites. I’d recommend it to any Xbox fan who wants a more intuitive way to play 2D games, as long as they’re okay with it being a wired controller.

Perfect for playing 2D games

The Hyperkin Competitor is a wired controller for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PCs. It connects with the included USB-C to USB-A cable and comes with extra thumbstick caps. Plus, you get a one-month free trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

As an analyst, I’ve been examining this controller, and I’m impressed with its build quality. It’s made from a solid plastic that feels great in your hands. The design is clearly inspired by the PlayStation 5’s controller, and it’s very comfortable to hold for extended periods.

As a tech enthusiast, I’ve been checking out the Hyperkin Competitor controllers, and they’re packed with features! You get a standard D-pad and face buttons, but they’ve also included really nice Hall Effect analog sticks – those are super precise and avoid drift. Plus, they’ve got shoulder buttons, Hall Effect Impulse Triggers with haptic feedback for immersive feels, and all the usual buttons like Select and Start. They even thought of gamers who use headsets with a 3.5mm audio jack, and there are two back buttons you can customize to your liking. It’s a seriously well-equipped controller!

The controller also features buttons specifically designed for Xbox, including a dedicated home button—also known as the Nexus button—and a Share button.

Just so you know, you can customize the extra buttons on the back of the controller. To do this, press and hold the ‘M’ button, then hold the button you want to change until the light changes. Release that button and then press the button you want to assign as its new function.

I prefer to map the L3 and R3 buttons (the ones you press down on the analog sticks) to the back buttons on my controller. It’s more dependable than pressing the sticks themselves, and it helps protect them from wear and tear. You can also lock the back buttons so they don’t get pressed accidentally, which is great during challenging moments like boss fights.

Overall, the Hyperkin Competitor was much more comfortable for playing 2D games using a PlayStation controller layout compared to an Xbox one.

It feels strange at first to see a PlayStation-like button arrangement on an Xbox controller, but it actually feels great when you hold it. I was able to execute complex button combinations quickly and accurately, with no lag or missed inputs.

The analog sticks and triggers were incredibly accurate, making me feel like my aim was actually getting better in fast-paced games like DOOM: The Dark Ages. Plus, I didn’t experience any annoying stick drift, which kept my shots on target.

The controller’s triggers provide satisfying vibrations when you press them, adding to the experience. This is especially noticeable in shooting games, where it feels more realistic – like you’re actually firing a weapon with recoil and impact.

Overall, the Hyperkin Competitor was significantly more comfortable for playing 2D games because of its PlayStation-style button layout. The D-Pad felt much more intuitive when playing 2D side-scrollers like Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons and Ninja Gaiden Ragebound.

The PlayStation-style D-pad, broken into separate sections, made it much simpler to perform complex moves in fighting games or navigate 2D environments.

The Hyperkin Competitor is actually quite good with 3D games. I played demanding titles like Ninja Gaiden 4 and Monster Hunter Wilds and found it worked surprisingly well.

Although that’s partly due to my past familiarity using PlayStation controllers in my youth.

Okay, so I recently tried out the Hyperkin Competitor controller, and if you’re not used to PlayStation-style controllers, it might feel a little weird at first. But trust me, once you get the hang of it, it’s *so* worth the learning curve – it’s incredibly satisfying to use!

Hyperkin The Competitor: Final thoughts

✅You should buy this if …

  • If you want a wired Xbox controller with responsive and accurate controls, excellent build quality, and comfortable ergonomics.
  • An Xbox controller with a PlayStation-style D-Pad+Analog layout to better play 2D games.

❌You should not buy this if …

  • If you want a wireless controller to avoid cable management.
  • If you want a 3rd-party controller with advanced features but with the traditional Xbox D-Pad/Analog stick layout.

I really have no complaints about this controller – it’s that good, and easily one of the best Xbox controllers available. The only downside is that it’s wired only; it doesn’t offer wireless or Bluetooth connectivity, which is a minor drawback.

I personally don’t mind, since I prefer wired controllers, but if you dislike dealing with cables, this controller might not be ideal. However, if you’re an Xbox or PC gamer looking for a great wired controller, especially for 2D games, the Competitor is definitely worth checking out.

Read More

2025-10-25 16:11