Smartphones & Tablets | October 10, 2023
The mobile phone is the device of choice for gaming, according to Statista data, and it’s not uncommon for many people to seek a controller to make this experience more comfortable and precise. After all, with the large screens of smartphones, a controller is all you need to achieve a gaming experience similar to a handheld console, and Razer has an ideal model to achieve this sensation, which also improves upon its predecessor.
We’re talking about the Razer Kishi V2 Pro. we had the opportunity to test this controller for Android—and perhaps iOS, now that iPhones use USB Type-C, although this is still in the testing phase—which features several technologies that set it apart from much of its competition, justifying its price tag of over 100 euros.
One of its standout features is that it doesn’t require charging; it works directly connected to the mobile phone and even allows for charging the phone while in use in an extremely convenient way. Furthermore, this generation integrates HyperSense haptic technology, which enables vibration feedback in compatible games, significantly enhancing the gaming immersion.
The first version of the Razer Kishi had the issue of not fitting correctly with some larger mobile phones due to design limitations. These issues have now disappeared, allowing larger and thicker phones to fit perfectly, which is ideal for those who own gaming smartphones.
Personally, I bought the first generation, only to be surprised that some of the phones I’ve tested over the years couldn’t fit due to their dimensions. A perfect example of this is the Redmagic 8S Pro. However, this same phone fits perfectly in the Razer Kishi V2 Pro.
Another clear design evolution is its button configuration. In addition to the standard buttons found in any controller, the brand has included two customizable macro buttons, located next to the triggers, as well as quick access to the Razer Games app, which offers some standout functions.
The mechanism for attaching the phone couldn’t be simpler, as you only need to pull the ends of the controller and slide the phone in, connecting it to the USB Type-C port. It will stay securely in place, greatly enhancing the gaming experience. The controller’s construction is very refined. The buttons feel firm but not stiff, and when you press them, you feel the click perfectly, in contrast to other controllers where it’s unclear if a button has been pressed or not.
Razer has made significant efforts to improve one of the shortcomings of Android controllers: compatibility. There are many cases where games don’t recognize them correctly and don’t interpret button mapping correctly, or they aren’t adapted at all. But with this controller, it provides a solution.
It achieves this through the Razer Nexus app, which is highly recommended to install and essential to enjoy this feature. It’s about virtual button mapping, allowing you to associate on-screen controls with buttons and joysticks on the controller.
In other words, if a game isn’t compatible, you can make the controller adapt to the on-screen controls through manual configuration. This is incredibly useful and allows you to adapt virtually any game to the controller. Considering that some developers don’t make their games compatible with controllers, this is one of its great advantages.
This app not only provides access to this feature but also serves as a hub where you can access all the games and apps related to video games on your mobile. It’s similar to the home menu of a conventional console, adding to the convenience.
You can configure it so that every time you connect the controller to your mobile, Razer Edge opens automatically, displaying its home screen with games ready to start. Additionally, from here, you can enable the option to use virtual buttons before starting a game.
The combination of the two previous aspects makes playing with this controller extremely comfortable. The controller’s shape allows for easy gripping despite not having particularly large hands. Furthermore, the phone itself stays securely attached to the controller, providing a more uniform feel when held. I’ve tested other models where the phone feels relatively loose and it feels like it could fall off at any moment.
It doesn’t cause fatigue even after using it for more than an hour, which is appreciated, as there are times when poor weight distribution in a controller can tarnish the overall gaming experience during longer sessions. We’ve tested both 2D and 3D games, and it performs very well in both types.
The integrated joysticks are comfortable, although it’s true that you can’t achieve the same level of precision as with a larger conventional controller. The left joystick is positioned higher than the right, similar to an Xbox controller. Personally, I think this is a smart decision, as I find it more comfortable, although many people prefer both joysticks to be at the same height, as is the case with PlayStation controllers.
Button mapping functions correctly and allows you to adapt games that aren’t intended to be used with a controller, like Brawl Stars. However, to apply this option, you need to launch the games from Razer Edge. Just before opening it, you’ll see the option to use virtual buttons at the bottom.
This controller is a highly recommended option for anyone who frequently plays games on their mobile and wants to enjoy the best experience while doing so. However, its price of 149.90 euros means you need to consider if you’ll use it enough to justify the cost. If so, it’s the best investment you can make in a mobile controller due to certain details that make this device age very well.
Firstly, it doesn’t use any type of battery because it’s directly powered by the mobile phone, which means that its autonomy won’t decrease over the years due to battery degradation. One of its greatest advantages is its high level of compatibility. You can manually map the controller’s buttons to any game with touch controls, making it possible to play games that aren’t designed to be used with a controller easily and comfortably.
Furthermore, thanks to the USB Type-C port and the 3.5mm jack on the controller, you can charge your phone while playing and connect wired headphones. In conclusion, it is capable of providing a great gaming experience, both in basic Android games and when playing via streaming with services like GeForce NOW, Xbox GamePass, or Steam Link, all of which it is fully compatible with.
