Hyperkin Competitor review: The $50 Xbox controller that finally nails 2D gaming with a PlayStation‑style twist

I have been playing games with Xbox controllers for nearly two decades now, but I will admit, there are times when I miss playing with a PlayStation controller. Its iconic design and button layout were perfect for playing 2D games like sidescrollers, beat 'em ups, and other fighting games.

Sometimes I wished someone had made an Xbox controller that followed the PlayStation's design rather than the traditional Xbox controllers, which are more suited for 3D games and first-person shooters.

Little did I know I would finally get my wish in 2025 with the subject for today: Hyperkin's "The Competitor" controller.

Not so subtle, but still unique

This curious gadget is, indeed, an Xbox controller from the broadly recognized third-party gaming accessory manufacturer, Hyperkin, unmistakably designed to emulate the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller.

When I first saw the Hyperkin Competitor's reveal during CES 2025, I was curious to try it out as I enjoyed Hyperkin's throwback to the classic 'Duke' Xbox controller.

Thankfully, I was recently given the opportunity to play with it ahead of its October 29, 2025, release date, and it's left me beyond impressed.

I'd even go as far as to say that's now one of my new favorite Xbox controllers and one I'd recommend to any Xbox fan wanting to experience 2D with more natural control, provided they don't mind wired-only controllers.

Perfect for playing 2D games

The Hyperkin Competitor is a wired-only controller that's compatible with Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC via a USB-C to USB-A cable packaged with it. It's also bundled with a pair of spare analog stick toppers and a free-month trial for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

The controller itself is a stacked unit, built with sturdy plastic construction that feels good to touch and comfortable to hold, thanks to its PlayStation-5-inspired ergonomic design.

Hyperkin's Competitor controls consist of a D-pad, four face buttons, two Hall Effect analog sticks, shoulder buttons, Hall Effect Impulse Triggers with haptic feedback, Select and Start buttons, a mic mute button, a 3.5mm audio jack port for gaming headsets, and two reprogrammable back buttons.

It also includes Xbox-centric buttons such as an Xbox home button (a.k.a. Nexus button) and a "Share" button.

On a side note, if you want to remap the extra back buttons, you can hold the 'M' button on the back of the controller, then hold the back button you want to remap for a few seconds, let go, then press the button you want to assign to it.

I personally assign the analog sticks' L3 and R3 buttons to the back buttons, as it's more reliable than having to press the analog sticks to use them. Plus, it reduces the risk of damaging them. You can also lock the back buttons in place if you don't feel like using them or want to avoid accidental inputs in the middle of a boss fight.

It's kind of surreal seeing a PlayStation-style layout on an Xbox controller, but it works extraordinarily well in-hand. Latency wasn't an issue for performing complicated moves using the D-Pad and face buttons, ensuring I didn't suffer from any input error or dropped combos.

The Hall Effect analog sticks and triggers felt so precise when detecting my inputs that I physically felt my aim improving when playing FPS titles like DOOM: The Dark Ages, with no stick drift to throw off my aim whatsoever.

Moreover, the triggers' haptic feedback, well, 'trigger' a satisfying rumble from the controller when pulling them. It feels immersively enjoyable when playing FPS titles, as it makes you feel like you're actually pulling the trigger on a gun and feeling it roar to life as it sprays bullets on enemies.

Above all, though, the Hyperkin Competitor felt so much better to play 2D games with a PlayStation-style layout than an Xbox-style layout. The placement of the D-Pad just feels much more natural for playing 2D sidescrolling titles like Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons, and Ninja Gaiden Ragebound.

Not to mention the segmented PlayStation-style D-pad made it much easier to pull off complicated, fighting game-esque inputs for special moves or simply moving about on a 2D plane.

That doesn't mean to say that the Hyperkin Competitor isn't capable of performing well with 3D games, far from it. I was able to play action-heavy 3D titles like Ninja Gaiden 4 and Monster Hunter Wilds with gratifying ease.

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

If you have never used a PlayStation-style controller before and decide to get the Hyperkin Competitor, it may take some getting used to, but the immense satisfaction you'll get from using it will be worth it.

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 honestly have no personal complaints with this controller at all; it's just simply that good, and a contender to rank among the best Xbox controllers. The only objectionable drawback I can think of is that this controller is purely wired, with no wireless/Bluetooth connectivity whatsoever, barely costing it half a point.

I'm personally not affected by it, as I prefer wired controllers, but if you can't stand having to deal with cable management, this controller may not be for you. Otherwise, the Competitor is an absolute must-try for Xbox fans and even PC fans yearning for a high-quality, wired controller to better enjoy 2D games.

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