I love Xbox controllers, but I'll be the first to admit they're not ideal for playing 2D side-scrollers due to the awkward positioning of the D-Pad and the fact that the D-Pad buttons are not segmented, which can lead to input errors.
Thankfully, Hyperkin has produced a special Xbox controller to fix that issue in the form of the PlayStation 5-inspired Competitor controller, which is now having its first-ever discount sale for $41.99 on Amazon for Cyber Monday. (Sale has now ended; though we'll keep checking to see if it goes back down again. In the meantime, we have an alternative below.) In the meantime, check out the Hyperkin DuchesS for $34.24 at Amazon!
Sunday, Nov. 30 @ 1:20 PM ET: The discount for the Hyperkin Competitor is over and is back to its normal MSRP of $49.99. I have inserted an alternative deal for the Hyperkin DuchesS, which is on sale $32.24. — Alexander Cope, Contributor
The discount for the Hyperkin Competitor has now ceased. Fortunately, there are alternative controllers also made by Hyperkin on sale for Cyber Monday.
Like the Hyperkin DuchesS, which is a perfect recreation of the original Xbox's "S" controller, complete with tech upgrades like Hall Effects and Dynamic Impulse Triggers to combine nostalgic design with modern engineering.
Why buy the Hyperkin Competitor controller?
The Hyperkin Competitor is, without a doubt, the best Xbox controller I've owned since the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma.
It has a hefty and sturdy yet comfortable build, its remappable controls feel so responsive, and the analog sticks suffer no input latency or stick drift thanks to being equipped with Hall Effect sensors.
The best feature of this controller, however, is its PlayStation 5-style controller layout and segmented D-Pad. It makes moving around and performing complicated special moves in 2D sidescrollers like Hollow Knight: Silksong, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, and Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons so much easier and less frustrating than a regular Xbox controller.
The only major drawback of this controller is that it's wired-only, so it may not be for players who wish to avoid cable management.
If you can stomach having to manoeuvre through a USB-C to USB-A cable, then I highly recommend the Hyperkin Competitor for any Xbox player looking for a better way to enjoy 2D games or any game in general, as it's no slouch when it comes to playing 3D games either.
The Hyperkin Competitor is having its first-ever discount on Amazon, as Cyber Monday has reduced its $49.99 MSRP to $42.49 for a limited time.
FAQ
What platforms is the Hyperkin "Competitor" compatible with?
This controller is compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Windows 11).
Is it the the Hyperkin Competitor wireless?
No. This is a wired-only controller that connects to consoles via a USB-C to USB-A cable.
What are Hall Effect analog sticks and why are they important for the Hyperkin Competitor?
Hall Effect analog sticks feature magnetic sensors that grant them greater accuracy for reading a player's thumb movements, extra durability to make them last longer and prevent stick drift so the controller doesn't make any unintentional inputs.
What day is Cyber Monday 2025?
Cyber Monday starts on Monday, December 1, 2025, but, as with Black Friday, it has already begun appearing as the theme for deals at certain retailers. While its discounts are generally restricted to the day itself, some deals may extend into Tuesday and beyond.
When does Cyber Monday start on Amazon?
Cyber Monday has already started on Amazon US, with its promotional messaging shifting away from Black Friday in the early hours of Saturday morning, on November 29, 2025, and is expected to last until the end of Monday, December 1, 2025.
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More Cyber Monday 2025 — Quick links
- All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: Just the best
- Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
- GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
- Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
- Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
- Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
- Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
- ANC headphones: great Cyber Monday deals on the best ANC headphones
Even more Cyber Monday deals: - Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
- Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
- Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
- Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
- Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
- Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
- Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
- Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17
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