Classic 'Duke' Xbox controller will make its return in March for $70

Several months ago, gaming peripheral maker Hyperkin announced plans to release a working replica of the original "Duke" controller that was first released with the original Xbox. Now, the massive controller is nearly ready for its debut.

Seamus Blackley, who was on the original Xbox launch team and has been involved in bringing the project to life, has announced on Twitter that the controller will be available at the end of March for a cool $69.99.

Hyperkin originally billed the controller as a "faithful recreation of the original controller's form-factor," but some tweaks have also been made for modern gamers. The biggest update is that the massive Xbox logo in the center of the controller has been replaced with an OLED display screen. Left and right bumpers have also been added, and a detachable 9-foot cable is included as well. And if you want to do some PC gaming, the Duke will work with Windows 10 in addition to your Xbox One.

Sure, the "Duke" controller was comically large and had its fair share of detractors. But with original Xbox games now hitting backward compatibility, now's as good a time as any to try to replicate the feel of the OG console.

Are you planning to pick up the Duke when it's available in March?