The ongoing console war between Xbox and PlayStation has always been about more than just exclusive titles. While blockbuster games often dominate the conversation, the hardware itself—whether it’s the console’s power, design, or the feel of its controllers—plays a crucial role in shaping the gaming experience. For years, gamers have debated which controller offers the superior edge: the ergonomic Xbox controller or Sony’s innovative DualSense.
Now, the discussion has been reignited as Xbox unveils a surprising piece of hardware that borrows heavily from the PlayStation design philosophy. The newly announced controller, designed by Hyperkin, is called The Competitor—a name that couldn’t be more fitting given its intention to rival Sony’s DualSense in both aesthetics and functionality.
A Shift in Controller Philosophy
For many players, controllers are personal. Some prefer the familiarity of the Xbox controller, often celebrated for its durability, size, and comfortable grip. Others, like myself, lean toward Sony’s DualSense controller, which introduced features such as adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and a sleek futuristic design.
While Xbox has remained fairly consistent with its controller design over the years, Hyperkin has taken a bold step by crafting The Competitor, which resembles the PlayStation DualSense more than any traditional Xbox peripheral. The most noticeable change is the repositioning of the D-pad and thumbstick. Unlike the classic Xbox layout, The Competitor moves the D-pad to the left and places the left thumbstick lower—mirroring the DualSense layout.
Even the color scheme mimics Sony’s PlayStation controllers, with a crisp white-and-black aesthetic. Of course, one key difference remains: instead of a central touchpad like the DualSense, the Xbox logo sits prominently at the top center, reminding gamers that this is still, ultimately, an Xbox accessory.
Designed by Hyperkin: More Than Just a Copy
At first glance, some might dismiss The Competitor as a mere imitation. But Hyperkin has ensured that this controller isn’t just about looks. It comes with a robust set of features designed to appeal to both casual and competitive gamers.
Here’s what players can expect:
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Twin Hall Effect Stick Layout – Built for precision and durability, reducing wear and tear over time.
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Hall Effect Impulse Triggers – Designed to enhance responsiveness and improve trigger longevity.
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Separated D-pad – Allowing for sharper, more accurate inputs, especially useful in fighting games.
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Durable Membrane ABXY Buttons – Ensuring consistency with the standard Xbox feel.
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Programmable Back Buttons with Locks – A pro-gamer feature that provides customization and faster input control.
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Domed and Concave Stick Caps – Giving players the freedom to choose their preferred grip style.
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Metal Glide Rings & Anti-Friction Gates – Aimed at providing smooth stick movement and reducing resistance.
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Laser-Textured Grip – Offering better handling, even during long gaming sessions.
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Integrated Mic Mute Button – A modern must-have for gamers who spend hours in online chats.
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Low Latency with Fast Response Times – Crucial for competitive online gaming where every millisecond counts.
This feature list makes it clear that The Competitor is not just a cosmetic knockoff—it’s a serious attempt to create a high-performance Xbox controller with a PlayStation-inspired flair.
Pricing and Availability
Set to launch in October 2025, Hyperkin’s Competitor controller will retail at $49.99 USD. Compared to other premium controllers on the market, this price point is highly competitive. For context, Sony’s DualSense typically retails for $69.99, while Microsoft’s Elite Series 2 controller can cost upwards of $179.99.
By pricing The Competitor at under $50, Hyperkin is clearly targeting a wide audience of gamers—from budget-conscious players looking for a reliable backup controller to enthusiasts who simply want to try something new.
Wired, Not Wireless: A Double-Edged Sword
One detail worth noting is that The Competitor is a wired controller. While this might turn some gamers away, others may see it as an advantage. Wired controllers are often favored by competitive gamers for their zero-latency connection and the reliability of never running out of battery mid-game.
The absence of wireless functionality also helps keep the price affordable, making this controller an attractive option for those who value performance and affordability over convenience.
Xbox vs PlayStation: The Design Crossover
The fact that Xbox is releasing a controller so visually similar to Sony’s DualSense raises an interesting question: Are the lines between console ecosystems starting to blur?
Traditionally, Xbox has focused on consistency, keeping its controller design largely unchanged across generations. PlayStation, on the other hand, has experimented with more radical redesigns, especially with the DualShock to DualSense evolution.
By introducing The Competitor, Hyperkin seems to be acknowledging that Sony’s innovations resonate with gamers, enough to influence Xbox’s design philosophy. For players who admire the DualSense but remain loyal to Xbox’s ecosystem, this hybrid controller may offer the best of both worlds.
Early Reactions and Gamer Expectations
Although the official release is still a couple of months away, early buzz around The Competitor suggests that gamers are divided but curious. Some Xbox fans see it as an exciting new option, while others argue that Xbox should maintain its unique identity rather than borrowing from PlayStation.
Still, given the competitive price point and strong feature set, there’s little doubt that this controller will attract significant interest when it hits the market.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?
If you’ve been considering buying a new Xbox controller and want something fresh, The Competitor might be the perfect choice. Its design is inspired by PlayStation’s DualSense, but it stays true to Xbox’s ecosystem, ensuring compatibility across Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
At just $49.99, it offers features typically found in much more expensive controllers. While it won’t replace the innovation of the DualSense or the elite customization of Microsoft’s premium controllers, it fills an important niche: affordable, reliable, and stylish hardware for everyday gaming.
For now, the battle between Xbox and PlayStation continues—not just in games, but also in the way we hold and interact with them. And with The Competitor, Xbox has made a bold move that shows it’s willing to blur the lines to keep gamers happy.
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