There was a time when I never would have suggested that I’d enjoy using a PlayStation controller on Xbox. It was all about the analog stick placement — as soon as those sticks started to overtake d-pads as the main control method in the PS2/PS3 generations, Xbox’s layout just made more sense and felt more comfortable to me.

I’m not really sure what happened, but I quite enjoy using PlayStation controllers these days, and the same can be said for Hyperkin’s “The Competitor” on my Xbox Series X — a controller that’s designed to give you a PlayStation-style experience at a budget price point. It’s not big and flashy, but it gets the job done without breaking the bank.

First thing’s first — this is a wired controller, but I absolutely love the USB-C cable they’ve shipped it with. It feels good quality, and at 10 feet long, I can stretch it all over my living room without any issues. I’ve been surprised by how much I’ve wanted to use The Competitor purely because of the cable length alone!

In the hand, The Competitor feels really nice, with textured grips behind each palm and premium-feeling Hall Effect sticks that also contain textured ridges. The split d-pad is perhaps a little spongy for my liking, but it gets the job done and I still prefer it to the standard d-pad on Xbox controllers, while the buttons feel very reminiscent of what we’re used to on Xbox already, albeit with not quite as much of a clicky sound.

The triggers are pretty nice, but they’re only very lightly textured and don’t protrude as much as on the official Xbox controller, while the LB and RB buttons are very familiar but not as wide as the standard Xbox controller design.

So, I’ve been using The Competitor for about a week now in games like Fable and High on Life 2, and I’m pleased to say I don’t feel a desire to go back to my usual Xbox controllers yet. As someone who doesn’t own a PlayStation 5, there’s a real novelty in playing these games with a slightly different controller layout, and the solid build and pleasant feel of The Competitor is enticing me to stick around and make it part of my regular rotation.

I only have two grumbles — the first is that the central Xbox guide button feels a little mushy, and the second is that I keep accidentally pressing the two back buttons near the grips, but that can be easily rectified with the little lock switch on either side if you want to stop them from functioning altogether.

Looking online, The Competitor is going for £39.99 / $49.99 at various outlets right now, and I think that’s a good price for a comfortable PS5-style controller with seemingly great build quality. I say “seemingly” because I haven’t been using mine for long, but the reviews are 4.5/5 on Amazon in both the UK and US, so it appears to be going down well with the majority of buyers to date.

I’ll leave you with some links below (there are more colours too), and do let us know if you’ve bought one already!

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Liking the look of Hyperkin’s Competitor controller for Xbox? Tell us down in the comments section.

Overview: The Competitor By hyperkin

If you’ve been searching for a PS5-style controller that works seamlessly on Xbox consoles, Hyperkin’s “The Competitor” offers a compelling, budget-friendly alternative. Unlike many controllers designed around their original platforms, The Competitor bridges the gap by delivering a PS5-inspired form factor optimized specifically for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One users.

This review covers key aspects like build quality, compatibility, performance, affordability, and whether Hyperkin’s offering is truly worth the hype compared to pricier official Xbox controllers or other third-party options.

Design & Build Quality

The Competitor is unmistakably inspired by the PS5 DualSense controller’s sleek shape, featuring similar ergonomics that many users find comfortable for long gaming sessions.Here’s what stands out:

• Ergonomic Grip: The controller’s curved handles fit nicely in hand, with textured grips that prevent slipping.
• Button Layout: While it mimics PS5’s symmetrical analog sticks and button positioning, The Competitor cleverly rearranges buttons to match xbox’s console mapping for ease of use.
• Quality Materials: Solid plastic body with matte and gloss accents gives it a premium feel despite its affordable price tag.
• Triggers and Bumpers: These are tactile and responsive with a satisfying click,comparable to official Xbox controllers.

Hyperkin nails a balance between form and function that appeals to gamers wanting PS5 aesthetics without sacrificing Xbox compatibility.

Compatibility & Performance

One of The Competitor’s strongest features is its broad compatibility with Xbox consoles, including Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Series S. Hyperkin ensures plug-and-play compatibility without requiring additional drivers or complicated setup.

• Low Input Lag: The controller impresses with input lag similar to official Xbox controllers (reported between 4ms to 21ms depending on the console environment), ensuring competitive gaming performance.¹
• Wired & Wireless Options: Wireless connectivity is stable over Bluetooth with a decent range, and there is a wired USB-C option for zero latency.
• Cross-platform use: Tho designed mainly for Xbox consoles, some users report limited success using it on PC (windows 10/11) with both wired and wireless modes.

Note: For compatibility with all Xbox titles, including newer releases, The Competitor remains consistently functional, unlike some controllers which have issues with select xbox series games.

Affordable Pricing & Value

Hyperkin strategically priced The competitor to appeal to budget-conscious gamers who desire premium features without the premium cost. Compared to official Xbox Series controllers retailing upwards of $60-$70, The Competitor can often be found at around $50 or less, making it a competitive choice.

This affordability does not drastically compromise quality or performance, as it delivers:

• Reliable durability over months of heavy use
• Comparable button responsiveness
• Modern USB-C charging and wireless tech

It’s a fantastic option for multiplayer setups, casual gamers, or as a secondary controller.

Feature Comparison: The Competitor vs. Official Xbox Controller

First-Hand Experience: What Gamers Are Saying

Early adopter reviews reinforce The Competitor’s appeal among Xbox owners wanting the PS5 controller look and feel:

• Comfort: Many appreciate the ergonomic grip and symmetrical design that reduces hand fatigue over major sessions.
• Reliability: Users report stable input without unexpected disconnects or lag spikes during both casual and competitive gaming.
• Build Quality: Feedback mentions a solid, sturdy feel though some note the controller is slightly heavier than official models.
• Value for Money: The budget-friendly price is repeatedly praised compared to pricier alternatives.

some critiques include the lack of advanced features like haptic feedback or adaptive triggers found on the official DualSense, but these are understandable trade-offs for the price.

Practical Tips for Using The Competitor Controller on Xbox

• Firmware Updates: Check Hyperkin’s site regularly for firmware updates that improve controller compatibility and fix bugs.
• Wired Mode: Use the USB-C wired connection for the lowest latency, especially in competitive multiplayer titles.
• Button Mapping: Customize your button layouts through Xbox system settings to optimize your playstyle.
• Charging: Always use quality USB-C cables to avoid charging issues and prolong battery health.

Who Shoudl Buy The Competitor Controller?

The Competitor is an excellent choice for:

• Xbox gamers who prefer the familiarity and style of the PS5 DualSense controller
• Budget-conscious players wanting a reliable wireless controller under $60
• Casual and competitive players needing low input lag for responsive gameplay
• Collectors or gamers who want a unique controller to complement their setup

Its solid performance, stylish design, and affordability create considerable value in a crowded market.

Summary Table: Pros and Cons of Hyperkin’s The Competitor