Hyperkin has officially begun shipping The Competitor, its long-awaited premium game controller.. First unveiled at CES earlier this year, The Competitor has generated buzz among console and PC players for one key reason — it’s the first officially licensed Xbox controller with symmetrical thumbsticks, offering PC and Steam gamers a proper alternative to first-party designs without breaking the bank. At an MSRP of $49.99, The Competitor undercuts many premium controllers while packing in a long list of high-end features that make it a serious contender for both casual and competitive play.
A Premium Feel Without the Premium Price
Hyperkin’s latest controller lives up to its name, offering performance and polish at a mid-range price point. Its symmetrical thumbstick layout feels instantly familiar to anyone accustomed to PlayStation-style controllers, while full Xbox licensing ensures native button mapping and proper prompt display in both Xbox and PC environments — no more mismatched icons or tedious remapping.
Inside, Hall Effect sensors replace traditional analog components on both sticks and triggers, virtually eliminating stick drift and ensuring consistent input precision over years of use. For added personalization, players can swap between concave or domed stick caps, depending on preference. The thumbsticks themselves glide on metal rings and anti-friction gates, giving a smooth, consistent feel perfect for long gaming sessions.
Hyperkin didn’t stop at comfort — The Competitor lives up to its name with low-latency polling rates on PC, offering faster response times than many first-party controllers. The segmented D-pad and cushioned action buttons are tuned for precision, giving retro fans and fighting game enthusiasts the tactile feedback they crave.
The controller also includes twin programmable back buttons, allowing players to remap key functions on the fly — a must-have for FPS and competitive titles. Other thoughtful touches include a mic-mute button, 3.5mm headset jack, and trigger locks for quick reaction control in shooters or racing games.
Built for Gamers Everywhere
While officially licensed for Xbox consoles, The Competitor is designed to work seamlessly across platforms, including PC, Steam, and cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass. This makes it an appealing option for players who split time between console and desktop setups or who want a single controller that just works no matter where they play.
Slade “Dude” Suzuki, Hyperkin’s Lead Product Developer, reflected on the launch:
“Having announced The Competitor at CES back in January, we’re pleased to see it in gamers’ hands today. The response we’ve had to The Competitor has blown us away; it has clearly resonated with gamers’ want for an innovative yet accessible premium controller.”
The Competitor is available now in White and Black for North America, UK, EU, and Australia, with Blue and Gold editions coming soon.
With its robust feature set, symmetrical layout, and wallet-friendly price, The Competitor may just be the new go-to controller for gamers who want elite performance without the elite price tag. The Competitor is available now in White and Black for North America, with Blue and Gold editions coming soon. All four colorways are available now in the UK, EU, and Australia.
