TechRadar: Drakong Challenger Offers Strong Value for Wired Xbox and PC Controller at $34.99

The Challenger is designed around the standard Xbox controller shape, with the same size and layout and green rings around the thumbsticks as the main visual difference. TechRadar said it has a solid yet light construction at 7.23 ounces (205g) and measures 6.3 x 2.5 x 4.4 inches (160 x 63.5 x 111.8mm). It is compatible with PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One. The review said the pad is comfortable in the hand and easy to use for long periods, and that its sticks and buttons are well fitted with no play. The textured rear handles provide only marginal extra traction, TechRadar added.

The controller uses Hall Effect sticks and triggers. TechRadar reported that these inputs are smooth and precise, while the D-pad and face buttons are damped and quick to respond and rebound. It has two mappable back buttons, which can be assigned without software by pressing the M button and a back button simultaneously until a rumble is felt, then pressing the button to assign and waiting for a second rumble to confirm. TechRadar said the back buttons are less tactile than the main inputs but still sufficient.

The Challenger connects by USB-C and includes a 3.5mm AUX port for a headset. It has no wireless connectivity, which TechRadar described as a shame but understandable at the price. The review also noted that there is no customization software. TechRadar's verdict listed the pros as a surprisingly solid yet light design, tight and responsive inputs, and a budget price tag; the cons were wired-only operation, no accompanying software, and anonymous looks.

TechRadar compared the Challenger with the official Xbox Wireless Controller. The Drakong pad is cheaper, according to the review, while the Microsoft controller has wireless connectivity but does not include a rechargeable battery as standard and does not have customizable back buttons. For buyers who want more features without spending a lot, TechRadar suggested the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline, which has companion software for remapping buttons and adjusting vibration intensity and thumbstick dead zones, and which is far more vibrant than the Challenger.

The package includes a USB-C cable and a code for a one-month free trial of Game Pass Ultimate. TechRadar said that, given the price, buyers would seriously have to consider the Challenger over a standard Xbox controller or other options, as long as they are willing to sacrifice wireless connectivity. The publication also said that in terms of price-to-performance, the controller is hard to beat.