After Hyperkin launched its loving recreation of the iconic "Duke" Xbox controller, it decided to go all the way by recreating the original Xbox 360 controller as the "Xenon" and the original Xbox S controller as the "DuchesS".
Out of these two retro revivals, the DuchesS is my 2nd favorite nostalgia-inspired Xbox controller, and it's now on sale for $34.24 at Amazon thanks to this early Black Friday 32% discount.
Why the DuchesS is worth swearing controller fealty to
While the nostalgia factor of the Hyperkin DuchesS isn't strong for me compared to "The Duke", as I didn't own the original Xbox 'S' controller as a kid, that doesn't stop me from enjoying it.
It's a wonderfully crafted Xbox accessory that manages to successfully bring about nostalgic childhood memories for fans who grew up with the Xbox back in the early 2000s, with its 1:1 recreation of the Xbox S controller's design.
At the same time, the DuchesS incorporates modern controller engineering design choices to make it fit to play current Xbox titles and those on PC.
It features a form-fitting ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to hold while staying faithful to its source material.
The DuchesS also features a Share button so you can take screenshots and video clips while playing Xbox Series X|S titles, a 3.5mm headphone jack to fit in compatible gaming headphones, and Dynamic Impulse Triggers with Enhanced Tactile Feedback to sweeten your immersion while playing games.
By far the best feature of the DuchesS is that it includes Hall Effect Sensors for the analog sticks. With these magnetic sensors, your analog sticks will detect the slightest of hand movements, so they can greatly increase your accuracy when firing guns in first-person shooters like Call of Duty, Battlefield, or Halo.
Additionally, the Hall Effect sensors will protect your analog sticks from "Stick-Drift" so your controller doesn't unintentionally move your gun's aim or your character in-game while you're not touching the sticks.
So, if you want a superb retro-styled Xbox controller that just feels even better to use than the official Xbox controller, thanks to its Hall Effect sensors, then I cannot recommend the Hyperkin DuchesS enough (unless you're adverse to wired-only controllers).
The Hyperkin DuchesS can be yours for 32% off its original MSRP $49.99 for a limited time at Amazon for $32.24, courtesy of one of many early Black Friday deals it will be hosting over the coming weeks.
FAQ
What platforms is the Hyperkin DuchesS controller compatible with?
The Hyperkin DuchesS' platform compatibility includes Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows 11 PCs.
It is not, unfortunately, compatible with the original Xbox or the Xbox 360.
Is the Hyperkin DuchesS wireless?
No. The Hyperkin DuchesS is a wired-only controller that connects to Xbox consoles and PC through a 10ft detachable USB-C cable.
Are the black and white buttons remappable?
No, they are not, because they mimic the functions of the Xbox S Controller's black and white buttons for a nostalgia factor.
However, the Hyperkin DuchesS includes new shoulder bumpers that share the same functionality of the black and white buttons, so you don't have to use them if you don't want to.
When does Black Friday start?
Black Friday will start on November 28, 2025, and will be active throughout the following weekend until December 1, 2025.
However, don't wait until then for big discounts, as retailers both offline and online have already begun hosting throughout November.
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