The original Xbox controller is coming back for Xbox One and Windows 10

By Dan Thorp-Lancaster
published

Get ready to scratch your nostalgia itch: Microsoft's original Xbox controller is coming back — sort of. As reported by Gizmodo, accessory maker Hyperkin is gearing up to release a working replica of the original "Duke" controller that was bundled with the first release on the original Xbox.

The original Xbox controller was known mainly for its massive size, and Hyperkin claims its controller will keep that intact as a "faithful recreation of the original controller's form-factor." There are a couple of new goodies here as well; the Xbox logo has been replaced with a display screen, left and right bumpers have been added, and it includes a 9-foot detachable cable.

The description of the teaser video says that the controller was created with the "assistance and the blessing of Seamus Blackley," who was part of the original Xbox team.

If you're eager to get your hands on one, Hyperkin says the retro controller will release this holiday season, and it'll work with the entire Xbox One lineup and Windows 10. Given that the Xbox backward compatibility is being expanded to include original Xbox games, the timing couldn't be better.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster
Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl. 

31 Comments
  • Yes. This is what I need. So long hand cramps.
  • Not that i was the biggest fan of the first edition of the Xbox controller, but I have to agree with the cramps. The 360 controller was perfect (except for the sticks and buttons sticking), the XB1 controller my fingers cramp from the triggers after about 5 solid hours of play.
  • Maybe you need a break? 5 hours is a big chunk of time!
  • One shouldn't have to stop playing due to poor ergonomics. =P
  • Agreed. But you're older now. Give your hands a break every now and then, even if the controller is just right 😉
  • Yeah, now I do have to agree with the age part. Dealing with the pain now is probably causing a whole lot more in the future. Oh well, we only live once.
  • Ah, yes, the original Xbox controller.  You could use it to play games and for hand-to-hand combat. =P
  • Lol
  • It could even survive that cheating Ninja Gaiden... Err, or so I heard.
  • Finally, a controller that will fit our normal American sized hands again instead of the small lady hands.
  • but your president has small lady hands
  • Sure he does, but can you fairly call him a "normal American?"
  • The size of his hands has what to do with average size American hands?
  • So it has Bluetooth? Or just the Xbox Wireless chip?
  • Yuss!
  • Now...if they can make a dongle for my Steel Battalion controller to work...I'll be a happy man.
  • Soo this isn't a Microsoft product? Just licensed?
  • Guy who made OG xbox originally is making it, under licence i guess.
  • It is under license. Hyperkin is making it the same size, and adding a couple of updates. For instance, the white and black buttons were replaced with Bumpers from x360 and x1. So they are adding the bumpers as well as the black and white buttons.
  • Would be an awesome nostalgic item if these weren't so ugly.
  • I still got my original Xbox. Time to dust it off.
  • Or play OG Xbox games on any Xbox One.
  • That logo logo is huge
  • Why can't they make an XL version of the one's... It's so tiny
  • This would be a fine adition to my mancave. Nostalgia OVERLOAD!
  • Sold
  • I am buying this!
  • I honestly thought I was the only human that liked this controller. I'd love love to have another one but if it isn't wireless, I'll pass.
  • The Duke!
  • I still have my original Duke
  • Honestly, I would just like the team to add in the black and white buttons to the front of the current controllers, I think that will make for the perfect controller, I've been saying it for years and I'll continue saying it.