The assistant is built into the remote, not the box. If you wanted, you could buy a different Bluetooth remote or use an old console controller. My PS3 controllers work fine, I use them to play Mario kart 64 and sometimes to control the entire interface if I can't find the main remote.

But the assistant isn't always listening, you need to push a button to turn it on. Considering the remote runs off a couple of AAA batteries which last over a year, it would be impossible for it to be always listening.

That's great to hear. A hardware button is all I've ever asked of these digital assistants. I'm the only person happy with the Bixby button.