Again in April, the Razer Nexus (Free) app on iOS and Android was up to date with assist added for an unannounced “Razer Kishi Extremely” controller boasting options like analog stick deadzone customization and extra. Since then, Razer has introduced and launched the Razer Kishi Ultra with assist for extra than simply telephones. The Razer Kishi Extremely can also be the costliest cell controller so far as I’m conscious, however it provides extra options than anticipated for particular gadgets. Having used the Razer Kishi and the Spine One together with the brand new USB-C variations for years now, I didn’t suppose I wanted a brand new controller, however the Razer Kishi Extremely modified my thoughts in a means the Hori Split Pad Pro did on Nintendo Swap a number of years in the past.
Razer Kishi Extremely – what’s within the field
The Razer Kishi Extremely field included the controller itself, a number of units of rubber cushions to make use of relying in your gadget, a sheet of stickers, and an instruction booklet. For the worth level of $149.99, I anticipated to have a carrying case or at the very least a pouch included. Past that, the field and casing for the controller within the field are good high quality as typical from Razer.
The Razer Kishi Extremely rubber cushions are available pairs which can be correctly labeled to be used with iPhone (Pair A), iPad Mini sixth era (Pair B), and Android (Pair C). In the event you use a case, you don’t want to make use of any of those rubber cushions.
Razer Kishi Extremely compatibility – iPhone, Circumstances, Android, and iPad Mini
Whereas most cell controllers, particularly the telescopic ones, solely assist iPhone and Android, the Razer Kishi Extremely additionally helps tablets just like the iPad Mini sixth era. We’ve additionally not too long ago had some telescopic controllers ship with bluetooth assist, however as for USB-C, this one appears to have among the finest compatibility. For the aim of this evaluation, I examined the Razer Kishi Extremely on my iPhone 15 Professional, iPhone 14 Plus, and wired on my iPad Professional. I didn’t check on Android or Home windows, however I did strive it on my Steam Deck wired. It’s detected as a generic Xbox gamepad, however it did work once I was taking part in NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck yesterday for evaluation and it additionally helps respectable rumble in video games like Bakeru that I examined with.
Razer Kishi Extremely buttons, d-pad, and triggers
Earlier than attending to the brand new options, how does the Razer Kishi Extremely really really feel and carry out? I used to be a bit fearful concerning the d-pad, however it ended up working nice once I performed video games like Garou: Mark of the Wolves ACA NeoGeo and even newer ones like Hades and Hitman Blood Cash Reprisal. Past the d-pad, the shoulder buttons and triggers work effectively identical to Razer’s older controller. The analog sticks are snug and easy to make use of with the face buttons being clicky albeit with extra journey distance which I didn’t anticipate after the unique Razer Kishi.
Total, I’ve no complaints with the Razer Kishi Extremely d-pad, buttons, or triggers after appreciable use together with some periods lasting a number of hours the place I performed Zenless Zone Zero whereas charging my telephone by way of the passthrough charging right here.
When it comes to really feel, the textured end isn’t rubbery, however it works effectively for a grip and stays very snug to carry even for a number of hours. I don’t often look after Chroma stuff on controllers, and identical to the Razer Kitsune, I’d’ve most well-liked if the lights might someway match the gameplay on display.
Razer Kishi Extremely – new options
The principle draw of the Razer Kishi Extremely is the full-size type issue. As a substitute of feeling like a compact cell controller as we’ve seen with Razer’s prior launch or the Spine One, the Razer Kishi Extremely is a full-size one which feels such as you’re holding your telephone in the midst of a great high quality console controller. This will not be a plus for some searching for a compact resolution, however it isn’t meant to be that. The total-size type issue makes this the comfiest cell controller I’ve utilized by far.
The opposite options are the Chroma customization by way of the app, haptics (for Android and Home windows), and digital controller mode (Android solely). The digital controller mode is sweet for Android video games since we see some notable ones skip including controller assist outdoors iOS on cell like Genshin Impression.
Except for the brand new options, the Razer Kishi Extremely has a 3.5mm headphone jack, passthrough charging (15W), and the L4 and R4 shoulder buttons.
Razer Kishi Extremely options lacking on iOS – haptics and digital controller mode
The haptics and digital controller mode are solely out there on Android (or Home windows as effectively for the previous) and never out there on iOS. I don’t actually care about digital controller mode, however I hope Razer can work on one thing to allow the haptics indirectly for iOS gadgets as effectively. I like haptic suggestions on PS5 and HD Rumble on Swap, so having one thing that tries to do comparable issues on iOS can be good.
Razer Kishi Extremely value level – is it price it?
I already suppose most folk are higher off getting a PS5 or Xbox controller to play wirelessly on iOS as the absolute best and cheaper possibility. In the event you do need a good controller that has a telescopic type issue and attaches onto your telephone, the most well-liked choices are already $99.99 so the Razer Kishi Extremely at $150 is certainly a extra premium controller. Is it price that rather more? In the event you’re pleased with the present Razer Kishi and Spine One value level, that is undoubtedly price the additional value for the consolation, however the lack of the haptics makes it really feel like a lesser expertise on iOS in comparison with Android the place you get the totally featured expertise.
It stays to be seen if the joysticks on this one don’t drift over time as effectively.
Razer Kishi Extremely – the very best cell controller in 2024?
In the event you’ve not learn my evaluation of Razer’s older controller, test it out here. Shifting from that extra compact type issue that I’ve gotten used to for years throughout Razer and Spine merchandise to this huge one has been attention-grabbing. Similar to the Hori Cut up Pad Professional for Nintendo Swap, I discover myself wanting each a full-size controller and a extra compact one for iPhone.
The Razer Kishi Extremely is well the comfiest cell controller I’ve ever used, however I want it was simpler to journey with. I fear about the way it may find yourself in my bag until I carry it within the huge field it ships with. I don’t know if the Razer Kishi Extremely will change my regular Kishi or Spine One once I journey, however I’m undoubtedly solely utilizing it once I play at house.
On the asking value, I hoped for corridor impact analog sticks although. I’ve had drift points with a number of controllers over time and whereas it hasn’t occurred to the Razer Kishi Extremely but (or the Razer Kishi itself), however I can’t say how issues is perhaps in a number of extra months. That is extra of a factor to remember whenever you purchase it.
Having now coated the Spine One and Razer Kishi fashions, I undoubtedly need to check out the GameSir lineup as they appear greater than price testing. Hopefully within the close to future.
Razer Kishi Extremely 2 wishlist
When desirous about what I’d prefer to see in an up to date Razer Kishi Extremely, other than corridor impact sticks, I’d like among the sharper edges just like the passthrough charging port to be smoothed out a bit. Past that, whereas I like the L4 and R4 buttons as choices, I vastly favor having paddles on the underside of the controller since they really feel extra pure to make use of. It could be good to have these as choices given the premium value. Perhaps even L5 and R5 as paddles on the underside with remapping out there within the Razer Nexus app. The ultimate factor I would like is a carrying case for this to come back with the controller. When wanting on the professional stage controllers on console, they often include a pleasant exhausting case. Granted this one doesn’t price as a lot as a DualSense Edge or Victrix Professional BFG, however it might be a pleasant addition to the bundle that wouldn’t price an excessive amount of.
Razer Kishi Extremely evaluation
In the event you’re used to taking part in on conventional PS5 or Xbox Collection controllers or principally any full-sized controller and don’t take pleasure in utilizing the compact Pleasure-Con dimension buttons and sticks we often see in cell controllers, the Razer Kishi Extremely is ideal for you with its snug grip, nice d-pad, and face buttons. The shortage of full function assist on iOS is disappointing, however it is a welcome boost to the cell controller house, and I hope Razer can construct on this by way of the years whereas additionally providing a carrying case so I don’t have to fret about something occurring to this in my bag once I exit.
Razer Kishi Extremely evaluation rating: 4.5/5
Amazon Hyperlink: Razer Kishi Ultra
In the event you’re curious concerning the ebook within the header picture, it’s Andy Kelly’s upcoming ebook titled Good Organism: An Alien: Isolation Companion that I’m at the moment studying for evaluation. You may pre-order it here.
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