Bow before Xbox controller royalty — Hyperkin’s ‘DuchesS’ is the perfect marriage of retro design and modern engineering

Following the successful release of their retro-style “Duke” Xbox controller, Hyperkin expanded their line by recreating both the original Xbox 360 controller, named “Xenon,” and the original Xbox S controller, called “DuchesS.”

The DuchesS controller, a retro-inspired design for Xbox, is currently 32% off at Amazon as part of their early Black Friday deals, bringing the price down to just $34.24. It’s my second favorite controller of this style!

Why the DuchesS is worth swearing controller fealty to

I didn’t grow up with the original Xbox ‘S’ controller, so the Hyperkin DuchesS doesn’t evoke the same strong nostalgic feelings as “The Duke” for some people, but I still appreciate it.

As a researcher, I’ve been really impressed with this Xbox accessory. It perfectly recreates the original Xbox S controller, and it instantly brings back a flood of happy childhood memories for those of us who grew up with the console in the early 2000s. It’s a beautifully made piece that really captures the nostalgia.

The Duchess also uses up-to-date controller technology, allowing it to work seamlessly with modern Xbox and PC games.

It’s designed to be comfortable to hold, with a shape that fits your hand perfectly, while still looking like the original.

The DuchesS controller lets you easily share gameplay moments with screenshots and video clips while playing Xbox Series X|S games. It also includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack for your favorite gaming headphones, and features dynamic triggers and enhanced tactile feedback to make games feel even more immersive.

The DuchesS controller’s biggest advantage is its use of Hall Effect Sensors in the analog sticks. These sensors are incredibly precise, picking up even the smallest movements you make with your hands. This leads to much better accuracy when aiming in games like Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Halo.

As an analyst, I can confirm these controllers utilize Hall Effect sensors, which are a key feature in preventing stick drift. Essentially, this technology eliminates unwanted movement in your game – your aim won’t drift on its own, and your character won’t move unless you’re actually touching the sticks. It’s a significant improvement for precision and control.

If you’re looking for a fantastic, retro-inspired Xbox controller that’s even more comfortable to use than the standard one – especially thanks to its precise Hall Effect sensors – the Hyperkin DuchesS is a great choice. Just be aware that it only connects with a wire.

For a limited time, Amazon is offering the Hyperkin DuchesS for $32.24 – that’s 32% off its regular price of $49.99. This is one of the early Black Friday deals Amazon will be running in the weeks ahead.

FAQ

What platforms is the Hyperkin DuchesS controller compatible with?

The Hyperkin DuchesS works with Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and computers running Windows 11.

It is not, unfortunately, compatible with the original Xbox or the Xbox 360.

Is the Hyperkin DuchesS wireless?

The Hyperkin DuchesS is a controller that connects to Xbox consoles and PCs using a wired connection only. It comes with a 10-foot USB-C cable that can be detached.

Are the black and white buttons remappable?

No, they don’t actually work like that. They’re designed to *look* like the black and white buttons from the Xbox S Controller, mainly to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

As an analyst, I’ve found the Hyperkin DuchesS offers a nice bit of flexibility. It includes these new shoulder bumpers, but they actually work just like the black and white buttons, meaning you can completely ignore them if you prefer – they’re optional, not required.

When does Black Friday start?

As a huge shopper, I’m already marking my calendar! Black Friday 2025 kicks off on November 28th and all the deals will be running through the weekend until December 1st. I can’t wait!

You don’t have to wait for major sales events – many stores, both physical and online, are already offering discounts throughout November.

Read More

2025-11-06 15:42