Close to absolute perfection. - Hyperkin Xenon
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Promos
Check out MSI’s epic Summer Sale today using the link below! msi.page Resident console expert David is here to talk about Hyperkin's new Xenon that's styled like one of the greatest controllers of all time -- the Xbox 360 controller. Will David be impressed with this throwback, or is there a reason Microsoft left the design behind? Want us to unbox something? Make a suggestion at lmg.gg ► GET MERCH: lttstore.com ► LTX 2023 TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW: lmg.gg ► GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON FLOATPLANE: lmg.gg ► SPONSORS, AFFILIATES, AND PARTNERS: lmg.gg ► PRODUCTS WE USE ON THE SHORTCIRCUIT SET: lmg.gg FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Instagram: @shortcircuityt TikTok: @linustech Facebook: @ShortCircuitYT CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 The GOAT of controllers? 0:53 What's in the box 1:31 Design impressions and comparisons to OG 4:53 Sponsor - MSI 5:29 Other colour options 7:30 Gaming impressions 9:53 Pricing and overall thoughts 11:12 Outro
The video begins with the host recounting the affection many players have for the Xbox 360 controller, noting its influence and comparing it to other console controllers of the era. The Hyperkin Xenon is introduced as a tribute that recreates the classic 360 design while updating certain aspects, such as rumble triggers and a modern USB-C wired connection, to maintain compatibility and ease of use. The unboxing reveals the package contents: a long USB-C cable, a quick start guide, and the cardboard packaging, with Hyperkin emphasizing a true throwback feel. Initial impressions focus on build quality, weight, and the tactile quality of the buttons and sticks, drawing direct comparisons to the original 360 controller and noting that the Xenon mimics the layout, silhouette, and overall ergonomics very closely, albeit with some compromises like the D-pad and slightly stiffer plastics. The host also discusses the change from a proprietary port to a standard 3.5 mm jack for accessories, calling this upgrade one of the best improvements in the last decade for game controllers. A sponsor segment for MSI interrupts the review, highlighting MSI laptops and products and linking to a Summer Sale before resuming with color variants and aesthetics. Finally, the host tests the Xenon in real gameplay, commenting on the level of rumble, trigger feel, shoulder buttons, and stick height, while weighing the value proposition against a more modern Xbox controller, and concludes with a measured verdict on whether the Xenon is worth the $50 asking price depending on the user’s desire for the exact 360 feel. The wrap-up notes that while the Xenon is a solid recreation, it sits behind modern controllers in several respects, especially in terms of overall feel, and suggests that those seeking an authentic 360 experience should consider it but acknowledges the option to wire it immediately out of the box and the potential for a wireless dongle as a caveat. The video closes with a final summary of their stance, thanking viewers and inviting them to subscribe for more controller reviews.
Topics · technology · gaming · peripherals · retro-gaming · review
Questions answered
- Why is hall effect a sticking point for some buyers of the Hyperkin Xenon?
- Some buyers feel hall effect sticks offer longer life and less drift, and they consider 50 dollars for a wired controller not a good value without hall effect sensors.
- Can the Hyperkin Xenon connect wirelessly to Xbox consoles?
- The Xenon is a wired controller with a USB-C connection; wireless compatibility would require an official Microsoft wireless dongle or licensed solution, which the Xenon does not include.
- Is the Xenon worth buying for someone who wants a true 360 feel?
- If the goal is an authentic 360 feel and you are okay with a wired, non hall effect option, the Xenon is a strong recreation though it falls short of modern controllers in some areas.