Hyperkin invited us to kick off a CES morning with breakfast and a first look at their 2026 lineup. It was exactly the wake-up call we needed. From modular guitars to a “shape-shifting” mobile controller, Hyperkin is proving they aren’t just living in the past—they are re-engineering it for the future.
The Gold Standard of Retro
Hyperkin has long been a titan in the retro space, primarily known for their RetroN consoles. These multi-system powerhouses are the ultimate clutter-killers, often allowing players to run cartridges from up to five different vintage systems on a single machine—now with the added crispness of HD output.
On the peripheral side, their Royal line (featuring the fan-favorite Duke and Duchess) continues to impress. However, the current star is the Competitor, a precision-built, wired Xbox controller that offers seamless plug-and-play compatibility across PC and consoles. For those who prefer a splash of personality, their Pixel Art series remains a highlight, elevating the classic rectangular NES aesthetic with vibrant, licensed designs ranging from Oscar Mayer to Cap’n Crunch.
A Modular “Axe” for the Modern Roadie
Perhaps the biggest “blast from the past” was the InfinaKore, marketed under Hyperkin’s Drakon brand. Designed for Guitar Hero and Rock Band enthusiasts, this controller solves a decade-old problem: portability.
While the rhythm game craze was built on social gatherings, hauling a plastic Fender through town was always a chore. The InfinaKore features a brilliant modular and foldable design, allowing a full-sized guitar to break down small enough to fit into a standard backpack. Having spent years with three original plastic guitars taking up closet space, I can confirm the InfinaKore feels just as clicky and responsive as the classics—but significantly more convenient. If the rhythm genre sees a true resurgence, this will be the “must-have” peripheral.
The X5 Alteron: The Last Controller You’ll Ever Buy?
The undisputed showstopper of the suite was the X5 Alteron, a collaboration between Hyperkin and the mobile-gaming experts at GameSir.
The X5 Alteron aims to be the final word in portable gaming. Using a stretchable chassis that accommodates everything from a smartphone to a small tablet, the real magic lies in its magnetic modularity.
- The Swap: Want to play a Nintendo 64 title with an authentic layout? Snap in the N64-style button modules.
- The Switch: Switching over to Call of Duty Mobile? Pull the magnets out and snap in the Xbox 360-style configuration.
While there is no word yet on home console compatibility, the build quality is exceptionally solid. It avoids the “cheap” plastic feel common in travel pads, feeling instead like a premium piece of hardware.
Looking Ahead
Whether it’s the nostalgic pull of an upgraded HD RetroN or the cutting-edge versatility of the X5 Alteron, Hyperkin and GameSir are a match made in hardware heaven. I’ll definitely be saving my nickels for their newest release later this year.
