When it comes to Xbox controllers, they don't get more iconic than the "Duke" for the original Xbox with its bulky, arcade-like face button, and that massive nexus button that's become a staple for nearly every modern controller.
I love this beast of a gamepad, and its 20th Anniversary Edition is now on an early Black Friday sale for $55.24 at Amazon for us retro Xbox fans to enjoy.
Why the "Duke" is still one of the greatest Xbox controllers ever
When Hyperkin launched its recreation of the Duke controller back in 2018, I had to get my hands on it to relive the good old days of playing Halo 1 and 2 with my buddies.
After my nostalgia trip was over, I then decided to play it with modern Xbox games at the time, like Monster Hunter World and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, for a laugh. To my surprise, the Duke's design still holds up even after 20 years despite its questionable size.
Hyperkin's take on the Duke is a well-made Xbox controller in its own right. The original face buttons and d-pad are responsive, and Hyperkin's newly added shoulder buttons and precision analog triggers give the Duke much-needed improvement while staying true to the original Xbox controller's design.
It also has a few extra features like an OLED screen for the Nexus button (which plays the original Xbox's boot-up animation), a 3.5mm audio jack port for headphone jack, and a detachable USB-C cable.
While modern gamers may find this controller cumbersome due to its mammoth-sized build, unfit for smaller hands, old-school Xbox fans will absolutely love this controller.
It is a perfect revival of an ancient piece of Xbox history and one that helped set the standard for the future best Xbox controllers to come.
If you want to play Xbox games like I did in the early 2000s, especially with the upcoming Halo: Campaign Evolved, you can get your hands on the Hyperkin Duke Controller for 39% off its $89.99 MSRP with this early Black Friday bargain for $55.24 at Amazon.
FAQ
What platforms is the Hyperkin Duke controller compatible with?
The Hyperkin Duke controller is compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows 11 PCs.
Is the Hyperkin Duke controller wireless?
No. It is a wired-only controller that connects to Xbox and PC platforms via a USB-C cable.
Does the Hyperkin Duke feature Hall Effect triggers and analog sticks?
No. Hyperkin's Duke controller doesn't feature Hall Effect sensors for its analog sticks or triggers like the Hyperkin Duchess controller does.
Is it comfortable to use despite it's size?
If you have big, giant holds, you can hold the Hyperkin Duke controller no problem. If you have smaller hands, however, you may have some difficulty reaching for the bumper and triggers, which are positioned far back.
When does Black Friday start?
Black Friday commences on November 28, 2025, the final Friday of the month after Thanksgiving.
Yet many retailers are already offering Black Friday-themed deals to cash in on the early event.
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