Is This Worth $50?!? Hyperkin Xenon Xbox Controller Review

In this video, we are going to unbox and test out the Xenon controller from Hyperkin, designed to replicate the look and feel of the original Xbox 360 controller.Show more

Over the years, I have been pretty outspoken on my dislike of previous-generation Microsoft controllers. The Duke and S Controller are two of my least favorite of all time. The Xbox 360 controller is also one that I am not the biggest fan of. In early 2023, Hyperkin announced their Xenon series of controllers. Patterned after the Xbox 360 controllers, but designed for the Xbox Series S, Series X, One X, and One S. Would they be any better for what I prefer in a controller than the originals from Microsoft?

One of the major differences between the original Xbox 360 controller and the Xenon controller is how it connects to your system. The original controller utilized a huge battery pack on the back of the controller that housed rechargeable or alkaline AA batteries. The Xenon controller is a wired controller that utilizes a USB-C type cable to connect to your system. While not as convenient as wireless, at least in my opinion it drastically improves the ergonomics of the controller.

The overall layout and design of the Xenon pretty perfectly mimics that of the original controller. The button placements are identical, the triggers feel the same, the bumpers are the same, it's almost an exact one-for-one replica. The major difference is going to be the lack of that hump on the back from the battery pack.

When we first covered the Xenon controller announcement, there were four total colors. Now there are six as they have added two more additional colors from the original announcement. One of the really cool things is the fact that Hyperkin also includes a matching 10 ft long USB-C cable. This really helps complete the overall look and feel of the package.

Upon holding the controller in my hands I was astounded at how comfortable I thought it was. I literally hate the 360 controllers, and I think the omission of the battery pack hump on the back is a huge difference-maker. My hands just fall into place, I now understand a little bit more why so many people may have loved this controller. Perhaps if Microsoft would have gone with internal rechargeable batteries I would have been a bigger fan of the original 360 controller. But in my opinion, the Xenon controller is vastly superior to the original Xbox 360 Controller from Microsoft themselves.

Playing a wide variety of games, the Xenon controller just worked. Even the d-pad, something that the original 360 controller was heavily criticized for is very good on this controller. I pulled off all of my moves in Street Fighter, platformers felt great, and the D-pad is actually very good. The analog sticks also worked very well, and although they are not Hall effect sensors they are very smooth.

Why it RoX:
- Six different color options
- USB-C for connection
- Matching USB-C cable color
- Improved ergonomics without the battery pack
- It just works

What could be improved
- $50 for a wired controller is a bit expensive in my opinion
- Wireless would be phenomenal
- Concave and convex buttons for the face buttons would be huge

Should you buy one?
I'd love to see the Xenon released for the Xbox 360 with an internal rechargeable battery, I think that would be absolutely a game changer. As it is, as a wired controller for the Xbox One and Series S and X line of systems, this is darn good. It is probably, no it is my favorite incarnation of the Xbox 360 controller. I can see using and enjoying this in the future, and if it's something that I like, as someone who hated the 360 controller, I can only imagine those who love the 360 controller and what they might think of it. At $50 it's a bit pricey compared to wireless units, but the performance matches the price fairly well. Job well done Hyperkin!

#Hyperkin #XenonController #Xbox360 #XboxSeriesX #XboxSeriesS #FYP #fypシ