Review sample provided by Hyperkin.
Hyperkin has no lack of imagination when it comes to making controllers for Retro and modern platforms. With Xbox in particular the resurrection of the Duke and the announced Xenon have come as unexpected surprises but it is the X91 line of classic 90’s controllers that are a true curiosity. The X91 line isn’t anything new at this point, being available for well over 5 years now. What is new is the Xbox Series X/S standardized Share button and a pair of new color options being added to the mix. With an ever-growing number of classic compilations hitting Xbox and PC, the X91 aims to be a perfect companion to drive nostalgic gameplay and for the most part, it pulls it off.
The design of the X91 is reminiscent both of the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo controllers with its shape and button layouts. Build quality feels top-notch and the compact size will make gamers with smaller hands happy. Players with larger hands might have to get creative with hand placement depending on the game. Lightly textured plastic offers a good grip when combined with the raised edges on the back of the hand grips. The green color scheme of this review sample combined with glossy black accents gives it a stunning look that any gamer will enjoy. As expected, each standard Xbox input option is present including the aforementioned Share button. A pleasant surprise is the inclusion of rumble motors and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Being a wired controller, the X91 features negligible latency perfect for any reactionary title, retro or modern. Face buttons have a glossy flat surface to them, unlike Microsoft pads which are more rounded, and have a good tactile feel when pressed. Each button sits firmly in place and thankfully, doesn’t have an obnoxious hollow clickiness when repeatedly pressed-- a vast improvement over the first generation of Hyperkin Dukes. The spacing between each button is identical to a standard Xbox controller so gamers won’t have to worry about feeling cramped or pressing the wrong buttons by accident. In games, each button registers promptly and accurately with not a single hint of a missed input to be found.
The X91 retains the offset thumbstick layout Xbox players have come to prefer but it quickly becomes apparent that a symmetrical layout would have been ideal. Retro compilations make heavy use of the D-pad and placing a thumb under the left stick to reach it can be awkward during longer play sessions due to the controller’s smaller form factor. But each stick offers players perfect resistance and good grip to ensure no accidental slipping during play. During matches of Apex Legends stick performance always matched the standard Series X controller. The form factor does make intense moments difficult but it is a usable option. Likewise, the D-pad is a good size and offers excellent rollability and accuracy ideal for any number of games but especially fighters.
Bumpers and triggers are where the X91 takes its first real hit in usability. While the large bumpers offer excellent accessibility and a satisfying click when pressed, the triggers have an awkward placement making them harder to use in gameplay. An additional finger can be brought in to make up for the trigger placement but this sacrifices grip on the controller, resulting again in an awkward situation while playing. This was often the case in shooters like Apex Legends and other fast-paced titles that rely heavily on triggers. The whole situation is rather unfortunate as the triggers do offer up decent resistance when pressed and solid performance in games.
Hyperkin has constructed quite the curiosity with the X91. Due to its form factor and triggers, its best use case will be with retro compilations. Whether enjoying the Mega Man X Legacy Collection, Sonic Origins, or Teenage Mutant Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection the X91 is a solid performer that enhances the sense of nostalgia for these 90s titles. Shifting into modern titles will push the X91 to its usability limits. Awkward trigger placement that asks players to sacrifice grip on the controller will make any fast-paced titles more of a chore to enjoy and excel at. Understanding these limits before diving in will be vital in knowing if the X91 is worth the purchase.
