Hyperkin Duke Review: The Big Pad Is Back
6.5/10 — Hyperkin Duke Wired Controller
Works with: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Pros
- Faithful recreation of the original Duke
- Officially licensed by Microsoft
- Logo screen plays the original Xbox startup animation
- Adds modern bumpers and buttons
Cons
- Still huge
- Wired only
- A nostalgia piece more than a daily driver
The original Xbox’s “Duke” controller was famously enormous, and in 2018, Hyperkin brought it back. Its officially licensed Duke recreates the classic design for modern Xbox consoles and PCs.
Design and features
It looks almost exactly like the original, right down to the giant central jewel, which now houses a small screen that plays the original Xbox startup animation. To work with modern games, it adds small bumpers and the View and Menu buttons. It’s wired, with a detachable cable.
Verdict
The Hyperkin Duke is a fun, faithful tribute to a much-loved controller. It’s just as big as the original, and most players will prefer a modern pad for everyday gaming. But for original Xbox fans, it’s a brilliant nostalgia trip.
