Back in April, Razer Nexus The (free) app on iOS and Android has been updated and adds support for the unannounced “Razer Kishi Ultra” controller, which features analog stick dead zone customization and more. And released the Razer Kishi Ultra, which supports more than just the Razer Kishi Ultra. The Razer Kishi Ultra is also the most expensive mobile controller as far as I know, but it offers more features than expected for a particular device, having used the Razer Kishi and Backbone One for years ( Includes new USB-C version).
Razer Kishi Ultra – What’s in the box
The Razer Kishi Ultra box contains the controller itself, a few sets of rubber pads depending on your device, a sticker sheet, and an instruction manual. For the price of $149.99, I wish there was a carrying case or at least a bag included. Other than that, the box and the controller casing inside the box are of good quality, as always from Razer.
The Razer Kishi Ultra Rubber Pads are sold in pairs and are correctly labeled for use with iPhone (Pair A), iPad Mini 6th Generation (Pair B), and Android (Pair C). If you use a protective case, you don’t need to use any of these rubber pads.
Razer Kishi Ultra Compatibility – iPhone, Cases, Android and iPad Mini
While most mobile controllers (especially telescoping controllers) only support iPhone and Android, the Razer Kishi Ultra also supports tablets such as the iPad Mini 6th generation. We’ve also recently launched some Bluetooth-enabled retractable controllers, but this one seems to have the best compatibility as far as USB-C is concerned. For this review, I tested the Razer Kishi Ultra on an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, and wired on an iPad Pro. I didn’t test it on Android or Windows, but I tried it on a wired Steam Deck. It’s detected as a universal Xbox controller, but it actually worked when I played NBA 2K25 on the Steam Deck for review yesterday, and it supported decent rumble in games like Bakeru that I tested.
Razer Kishi Ultra Buttons, D-Pads, and Triggers
Before we get into the new features, let’s first find out how the Razer Kishi Ultra actually feels and performs? I’m a little worried about the D-pad, but it works great when I’m playing Werewolf: Mark of the Wolves ACA NeoGeo or even newer games like Hades and Hitman Blood Money Revenge. In addition to the D-pad, the shoulder buttons and triggers work well like Razer’s older controllers. The analog sticks are comfortable and smooth to use, and the surface buttons click nicely, albeit with a longer travel distance, which I didn’t expect after the original Razer Kishi.
Overall, I have no complaints about the Razer Kishi Ultra d-pad, buttons, or triggers after extensive use, including a few hours of gaming in which I played Zenless Zone Zero while blasting through the pass-through here Charge your phone.
The textured surface isn’t rubbery in terms of feel, but it grips well and remains very comfortable to hold for hours. I generally don’t care about Chroma on controllers, like the Razer Kitsune, and would prefer it if the lighting could somehow match the gameplay on the screen.
Razer Kishi Ultra – New Features
The main appeal of the Razer Kishi Ultra is its full-size form factor. The Razer Kishi Ultra isn’t a compact mobile controller like we’ve seen in previous Razer releases or the Backbone One, but a full-sized controller that feels like you’re placing your phone next to a premium console controller Same in the middle. This may not be a plus for some looking for a compact solution, but it’s not the case. The full-size form factor makes it the most comfortable mobile controller I’ve used to date.
Other features include Chroma customization through the app, haptics (available on Android and Windows), and virtual controller mode (Android only). Virtual controller mode is useful for Android games, as we’ve seen some notable games skip adding controller support outside of iOS on mobile devices, such as Genshin Impact.
In addition to the new features, the Razer Kishi Ultra also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, pass-through charging (15W), and L4 and R4 shoulder buttons.
Razer Kishi Ultra Features Missing on iOS – Haptic and Virtual Controller Modes
Haptic and virtual controller modes are only available on Android (or Windows), not iOS. I don’t really care about the virtual controller mode, but I hope Razer works out something to enable haptics for iOS devices in some way. I love the haptic feedback on PS5 and HD Rumble on Switch, so it would be nice to try something that does something similar on iOS.
Razer Kishi Ultra Price Point – Is It Worth It?
I already think most people are better off playing wirelessly on iOS using a PS5 or Xbox controller, which is the best and cheaper option. If you really want a premium controller with a telescoping form factor that attaches to your phone, the most popular option is already $99.99, so the $150 Razer Kishi Ultra is definitely the better controller. Is it still worth that much? If you’re happy with the current price point of the Razer Kishi and Backbone One, it’s definitely worth spending a little more for the comfort, but the lack of tactility makes the experience feel a little less intense on iOS than it does on Android. You get the full experience.
It remains to be seen whether the joysticks on this console won’t drift over time as well.
Razer Kishi Ultra – The best mobile controller of 2024?
If you haven’t read my review of Razer’s older controllers, check them out here . It’s fun to move to this larger form factor from the more compact form factors I’ve been used to in Razer and Backbone products over the years. Like the Hori Split Pad Pro for Nintendo Switch, I found myself wanting both a full-sized controller and a more compact controller for the iPhone.
The Razer Kishi Ultra is easily the most comfortable mobile controller I’ve ever used, but I wish it were easier to carry around. I’m worried about how it will end up in my bag unless I put it in the big box that comes with it. I don’t know if the Razer Kishi Ultra will replace my regular Kishi or Backbone One when I travel, but I’ll definitely only use it when playing at home.
For the asking price, I was hoping for Hall effect analog sticks. I’ve experienced drift issues with multiple controllers over the years, and while it hasn’t happened with the Razer Kishi Ultra (or the Razer Kishi itself), I can’t say how that will be in a few months. This is something more important to keep in mind when purchasing.
Now that the Backbone One and Razer Kishi models have been covered, I definitely want to try the GameSir series as they seem more worthy of a try. Hopefully in the near future.
Razer Kishi Ultra 2 Wishlist
When thinking about what I’d like to see in the updated Razer Kishi Ultra, aside from the Hall effect bars, I’d like some of the sharper edges (like the pass-through charging port) to be smoothed out a bit. Beyond that, while I like the L4 and R4 buttons as options, I really like having the paddles on the bottom of the controller because they feel more natural to use. Considering the premium, it’s best to keep these as options. It’s even possible to have L5 and R5 as bottom paddles and Razer Nexus Apps. The last thing I want is a carrying case that comes with the controller. When looking at professional-grade controllers on consoles, they usually come with a nice hard case. Of course, this product won’t cost as much as the DualSense Edge or Victrix Pro BFG, but it’ll be a great addition without breaking the bank.
Razer Kishi Ultra review
If you’re used to playing games on a traditional PS5 or Xbox Series controller, or basically any full-sized controller, and don’t like using the compact Joy-Con sized buttons and sticks we usually see in mobile controllers, the Razer The Kishi Ultra is great with a comfortable grip, great D-pad and face buttons. The lack of full feature support on iOS is disappointing, but it’s a great addition to the mobile controller space and I hope Razer can build on it over the years while also offering a carrying case so I don’t have to Worrying about anything happens in my bag when I’m out and about.
Razer Kishi Ultra review score: 4.5/5
Amazon Link: Razer Kishi Ultra
If you’re curious about the book in the title image, it’s Andy Kelly’s upcoming book called The Perfect Organism: Aliens: A Companion to Isolation , which I’m currently reading for review. You can book here.
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