My favorite Xbox controller is making a comeback, and it’s immune to stick drift
Jan. 11, 2024No drifting for this Duchess
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Announced viaThe Verge, the new “DuchesS” wired Xbox controller by Hyperkin is effectively a modern-day pad in disguise. In other words, it’ll connect to your Xbox Series X/S and gaming PC rather thanMicrosoft’s old console using USB, but otherwise retains the look and feel of something from 20 years ago. Contemporary additions to the ensemble include a 3.5mm audio jack, a central ‘share’ button, and a detachable USB-C cable. There’s even a white version that’ll avoid offending your Xbox Series S.
Of course, this isn’t the first Xbox controller homage by Hyperkin. The company has previously taken a crack at making thebest Xbox Series X controllerby revising both the original chonky Duke pad and the iconic Xbox 360 controller. Normally, I’d imagine most players would automatically opt for that latter option, especially since it has a universally liked form factor. Yet, the DuchesS actually features newer tech inside, as it’s armed with Hall Effect joysticks and triggers. That’s a huge win in the fight against stick drift wear and tear, and something I imagine will win more people over.
Hyperkin hasn’t announced a price or release date yet, and the pad’s MSRP could factor into whether it’s worth picking up. After all, it’s not the only controller out there with hall effect qualities, as options like theGameSir T4 Kaleidalready combat stick drift at a reasonable price. That said, if you’re like me, you’re probably just into the idea of using an old Xbox pad to pretend you’re playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on a console from your childhood.
In association with ROG Ally.
Looking for more gamepads? Check out thebest PS5 controllersbfor console flavored options.
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I’ve been messing around with PCs, video game consoles, and tech since before I could speak. Don’t get me wrong, I kickstarted my relationship with technology by jamming a Hot Wheels double-decker bus into my parent’s VCR, but we all have to start somewhere. I even somehow managed to become a walking, talking buyer’s guide at my teenage supermarket job, which helped me accept my career fate. So, rather than try to realise my musician dreams, or see out my University degree, I started running my own retro pop culture site and writing about video games and tech for the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, and the BBC before eventually ending up with a job covering graphics card shenanigans at PCGamesN. Now, I’m your friendly neighbourhood Hardware Editor at GamesRadar, and it’s my job to make sure you can kick butt in all your favourite games using the best gaming hardware, whether you’re a sucker for handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch or a hardcore gaming PC enthusiast.
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