At PAX West, Hyperkin showcased its newest wired controller, The Competitor. Going in MP1st got a chance to demo the product, and I wasn’t expecting much. After all, the controller space is already packed with heavy hitters from Sony, Microsoft, and a growing list of third-party brands. But after spending some time with it across multiple games, I was surprisingly impressed than I thought I’d be.
The phrase every modern gamers wants to hear is right there in Hyperkin’s pitch: Hall Effect sticks. For years, controller drift has been the bane for all joy-con controllers, and seeing a budget-friendly option for drift-free technology is enough to raise some eyebrows. But is that alone enough to make The Competitor stand out? Well MP1st was given a controller to do a more extensive review on it.
Familiar Comfort with Subtle Tweaks
The first thing you notice is the form factor. If you’re used to the PS5 DualSense, you’ll feel right at home.
The grip size and shape are similar to Sony’s design, but the input layout leans Xbox, striking a hybrid balance that feels natural. On top of that, Hyperkin has given it a futuristic-inspired shell, a translucent D-pad, and four precision-tuned buttons that give it a sleek, high-tech edge.
Another subtle change: the symmetrical analog sticks. Perfectly aligned for ambidextrous comfort, they deliver ergonomics that work for long sessions. Compared to my DualSense, the Competitor felt just as comfortable, if not slightly tighter in responsiveness.
Hyperkin kept things wired-only for this first release, due to licensing restriction and other legality that is not my forte to discuss on behalf of. While some will see that as a drawback in 2025, the benefits are undeniable: no charging, no battery swaps, and virtually no latency. Latency is practically non-existent, which is a blessing if you’re into fighters or competitive shooters. The downside is obvious too being tethered to your setup. The included cable stretches around three meters (roughly 10 feet). For my setup, that was just long enough to reach from console to couch. Anything further, though, and you might feel restricted.
Still, I can see why Hyperkin chose this route. Keeping it wired keeps the price low, and at $50, it’s hard to complain.
Hall Effect Sticks – The Star of the Show
This is where Hyperkin earns attention from gamers like me. he Hall Effect joysticks use magnetic sensors instead of contact-based parts, meaning no stick drift, buttery smooth movement, and serious durability.
Hyperkin added small but meaningful touches:
- Swappable stick caps for texture preference
- Metal glide rings for friction-free rotation
- Anti-friction gates to prevent wear over time
The result? Movement that felt tighter than my DualSense and about on par with the Xbox Elite in smoothness. From fighters like 2XKO to rhythm tests in Ratatan , the performance was consistent and responsive.
Built for the Long Haul
The Competitor doesn’t just rely on Hall Effect sticks, its impulse triggers use the same tech for smooth pulls, longer durability, and subtle vibration feedback that feels responsive without being stiff. The ABXY buttons, reinforced with a crystal-style build, are snappy and consistent, while the segmented D-pad strikes a nice balance between Xbox and PlayStation designs, delivering clean inputs in fighting games like Mortal Kombat 11.
Other quality-of-life features stand out:
- Two programmable back buttons for on-the-fly customization
- Physical paddle locks to disable them when not needed
- Instant mic mute button for streamers and squad leaders
It’s these small but thoughtful design touches that make the Competitor feel more premium than its price suggests.
Price, Colors, and Availability
Across all these, the performance was consistent. It didn’t feel like a budget controller. At $49.99 MSRP, The Competitor punches above its weight. That’s nearly half the price of premium controllers, yet it doesn’t skimp on durability or feel.
Color options are a bit limited at launch just black and white in the U.S., while Europe is getting red and blue right away, with more colors promised later this year. It’s a safe start, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Hyperkin rolls out themed editions down the line. Add in the fact that Hyperkin is throwing in a free month of Xbox Game Pass with every unit, and you’re looking at an even sweeter deal for budget-conscious gamers.
Availability starts late September in the U.S., with wider rollout into Europe shortly after.
After my time with The Competitor, I walked away with more positives than negatives. Sure, being wired-only in 2025 feels like a step back for some setups, but it also keeps latency down and cost affordable. The real star is the Hall Effect stick and trigger combo something usually reserved for controllers two or three times the price.
If you’re tired of stick drift, need a reliable cross-platform pad, or just want a budget-friendly secondary controller, Hyperkin has delivered something worth looking at. At $50, it’s hard not to recommend, especially with the small quality-of-life features like grip texture, swappable caps, and paddle locks.
You can pre order now Hyperkin The Competitor Controller on their website.
