Designed to be a universal controller for Android phones, the Razer Kishi V2 easily lives up to expectations. Now, there aren't many Android games around that you can use the controller with, but it's perfect for cloud gaming services (in supported countries) such as Nvidia GeForce Now, or Xbox Game Pass. With that, you can turn your slightly older Android phone into a perfect on-the-go rig.
Quick specs
- USB-C for pass-through charging
- Clickable thumbstick, multi-function buttons
- 123g
Like the SteelSeries Stratus+ Wireless Controller, the Kishi is designed for Android phones. However, unlike the Stratus+, you can't use this with a PC. It also plugs directly into your phone, which may help with latency and faster response times, though I did not think that was an issue with the Stratus+ controller. But plugging in directly also means you don't need to charge the controller. There's also a Razer Nexus app that you can use to remap buttons and look for games with controller support. I do note, though, that the app's not really necessary.
The Kishi V2 uses a rigid extendable bridge and rubber grips to hold your phone in place. The bridge also acts as a brace. It's a much better design than the first version which can feel a little flimsy. Despite wiggling my 6.39-inch Xiaomi Mi 9 phone for a bit, it is still secure. I have yet to test with larger phones, though.
While it's an excellent controller, I do find the grip a tad small for my hands. It's quite tight if you're planning to have two fingers on the shoulder buttons on each side. That's quite unlike the larger, more standard-sized Stratus+. I played Jedi Fallen Order using GeForce Now for about an hour without any issues, though my hands did feel slightly cramped after. Still, the Kishi's round-tipped thumb sticks, responsive buttons, and light weight make this a good accessory to have, especially if you subscribe to cloud gaming services.
At S$149.90, the Razer Kishi V2 is a tad pricey. The premium here is somewhat justified by the controller's build quality. Get it from Shopee, Lazada, or the Razer Store.
Note: Review unit provided by Razer.
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