The upcoming Xenon Xbox 360 controller arrives for the console’s 17th anniversary
An officially licensed recreation of Microsoft’s first Xbox 360 controller is being released by peripheral manufacturer Hyperkin in the Xenon Xbox 360 controller. Named after the development codename for the successor to the original Xbox, the Xenon will offer modernized features including a new slate of buttons, and 3.5mm headphone jack, and a detachable USB-C connection.
USB-C in 2022? Logitech, we hope you’re reading this. The Hyperkin Xenon Xbox 360 controller announcement arrives just in time for the 17th birthday of 2007’s Microsoft Xbox 360 gaming console and is compatible with the Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, and along with Windows 10 and 11.
In an official announcement, Hyperkin (@Hyperkin) tweeted:
Today, 17 years ago, the #Xbox360 launched to much acclaim. Now announcing the Xenon, a replica of the official #Xbox 360 Controller – licensed with Designed for Xbox – for Xbox Series X|S/Xbox One/Windows 10|11 PCs.
Full circle. Back in control.
Details to come!
One huge downside is that the Xenon doesn’t support wireless functionalities — it can only be used when wired. For a new gaming console peripheral, especially one that’s a modern-day recreation of a classic, that’s highly frowned upon.
Depending on the unit’s pricing, we can alleviate our standards a bit, but Hyperkin’s Duke controller that’s redesigned using the original Xbox controller costs $70. Since pricing hasn’t been confirmed for the Xenon, we’d assume it’s along the same lines. At least the USB-C cable is detachable, but still a bummer nonetheless.
As for the shape of the Hyperkin Xenon Xbox 360 controller, they’ve nailed it. It looks as ergonomic as the original 360 controller and comes in a variety of colors including white, black, red, and pink. Fingers crossed that the D-pad issue has been fixed, as the original’s felt super mushy and wasn’t fun to use for side-scrollers and retro games.