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 90s controllers that are a true curiosity.
The X91 line isn’t anything new at this point, being available for 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.
Hyperkin X91 ICE Wired Controller
The Hyperkin X91 ICE is a retro-inspired controller built for giving a classic gameplay experience on modern systems!
- Retro Inspired Design
- Excellent Performance In Games
- Thumb Sticks On Par With First-Party Controllers
- Break Away Cable
- Great For Players With Smaller Hands
- Large Bumpers
- D-Pad Blocked by Left Thumb Stick
- Awkward Triggers
- Grip On Controller Is Less Than Ideal For Certain genres
Aesthetics And Build Quality
The design of the X91 is reminiscent both of the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo controllers with its shape and button layouts. As expected, each standard Xbox input option is present, including the aforementioned Share button. Face buttons have a glossy flat surface and have an excellent tactile feel when pressed. Each button sits firmly in place and thankfully, doesn’t have an obnoxious hollow clickiness when repeatedly pressed. 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.
The X91 retains the offset thumb stick layout Xbox players have come to expect. Sticks have a good height, grip, and resistance. The included D-pad is a good size and feels great to the touch while offering excellent rollability. Bumpers are extra-large, making them easy to use with a satisfying click. Triggers on the X91 are an awkward sight jutting out the back of the controller. Their resistance is ideal, and the recessed groove makes using them easier.
Build quality is top-notch, and the compact size will make gamers with smaller hands happy. 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. A pleasant surprise is the inclusion of rumble motors and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The built-in 10-foot USB cord connects firmly to Xbox consoles and PC with a breakaway port found at the end to prevent any damage to the controller or system if accidental tripping takes place.
Gameplay
Being a wired controller, the X91 features negligible latency perfect for any reactionary title, retro or modern. Putting the controller up against a number of test titles has had nothing but pleasing results as far as face buttons are concerned. In games, each one registers promptly and accurately with no hint of a missed input or sticking button to be found. Even after prolonged use during the review period, the controller still turns in a solid performance!
While many Xbox players likely prefer offset thumb sticks, it quickly becomes apparent that a symmetrical layout would have been ideal for the X91. 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. Using it for inventory management in modern titles has also resulted in some accidental thumb stick bumps. To its benefit, the D-pad has been exceptionally accurate and ideal for any number of games, especially fighters.
Thankfully, for most games, using the thumb sticks has been a very pleasing experience. During matches of Apex Legends stick performance always matched the standard Series X controller, making swapping between the two an easy process. Lining up shots and most movement has been a breeze, but the form factor can make intense moments difficult. Players with larger hands will have to get creative with hand placement depending on the game to get the most out of the controller.
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 are awkward, making them harder to use in gameplay. An additional finger can be brought in to make up for the less ideal trigger placement, but this sacrifices the grip on the controller. This again results in an awkward situation while playing Apex Legends and other fast-paced titles that rely heavily on triggers. The whole situation is rather unfortunate as the triggers do offer up great resistance when pressed and solid performance in games.
With the included 3.5 mm headset jack, the X91 is able to support any number of wired headsets on Xbox and PC. Utilizing spatial sound options is no problem and the wired nature of the controller ensures there are no audio cutouts. The built-in rumble motors provide a pleasing level of rumble in supported titles. For fans of impulse triggers in games like Forza do be aware they are not featured in the X91.
What It Could Have Done Better
The Hyperkin X91 is an overall solid controller to use in most games, but it isn’t without its quirks that could have ironed out the usability experience. Triggers could have been placed closer to the edges of the pad to make using them less awkward to use. Thumb sticks would have benefited from a symmetrical layout, giving the D-pad more room to breathe. This would clear up accidental thumb stick presses during use and make longer playtimes on D-pad-focused games more enjoyable.
Conclusion
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 their 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.
Hyperkin X91 ICE Wired Controller
The Hyperkin X91 ICE is a retro-inspired controller built for giving a classic gameplay experience on modern systems!
- Retro Inspired Design
- Excellent Performance In Games
- Thumb Sticks On Par With First-Party Controllers
- Break Away Cable
- Great For Players With Smaller Hands
- Large Bumpers
- D-Pad Blocked by Left Thumb Stick
- Awkward Triggers
- Grip On Controller Is Less Than Ideal For Certain genres
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The Hyperkin X91 ICE is available now. Game ZXC was provided a controller sample for review purposes.
FAQ
Q: What systems are compatible with the Hyperkin X91 ICE?
The Hyperkin X91 Ice is compatible with the Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Q: Does the Hyperkin X91 ICE have a headset port?
The Hyperkin X91 ICE includes a built-in headset port for wired headphones.
Q: Does Hyperkin make good controllers?
Hyperkin has had a long list of excellent controllers such as the Cadet and Scout. The launch of "The Duke" was also well received by Xbox fans.
Q: Is the Hyperkin X91 a wireless controller?
The Hyperkin X91 line-up is wired only requiring an available USB port to be used.