Razer Kishi Ultra is more than a phone controller
Razer announced the release of its latest gamepad today. They’ve designed it to work with or without a smartphone. You can link it to your PC via a USB cable connection, and tablets towering up to eight inches via the inbuilt USB-C port. If you have a foldable device, it doubles as a phone and tablet. So, it counts.
We’ve taken the essence of console gaming and distilled it into a form factor that works with more devices than ever before, ensuring that the ultimate gaming experience is always within reach.
Nick Bourne, Head of Razer Mobile Console & Streaming Division.
That said, the pad only works with devices running the Android 12 operating system or higher. As for iOS and iPadOS devices, compatibility is limited to the iPhone 15 series, as well as the 6th generation of the iPad Mini.
In terms of form factor and hardware, the Kishi Ultra has a full-sized design for console-like ergonomics and mecha-tactile action buttons. This combination allows for a more natural hand position. You won’t be squeezing or cramping your fingers and elbows together during gameplay, especially if you’re holding your phone for long periods.
Phone casing support, immersive audio & pass-through charging
The Kishi Ultra controller fits even if your phone is wearing a phone case. Plus, it has a dedicated Nexus app that you can download from the Google Play Store. Of course, this part isn’t optional as you need the app for virtually everything from game discovery, button mapping, gameplay recording, and other configurations.
There’s a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio and 15W charging pass-through support. You can connect a charging cable to the Kishi Ultra while it’s attached to your phone, and your devices stay powered up while in action.
We can’t forget the fancy Chroma RGB lighting that provides aesthetic customization. With nearly 17 million colors and various lighting effects, you can match the lighting to your style, your gaming setup, or even the specific game you’re playing. I like Chroma RGB lighting specifically for the subtle visual cues, such as a flashing red light when your health is low.
The high-end Razer controller is worth it
Sensa HD Haptics on the Kishi Ultra delivers stronger vibrations compared to standard controllers. You may be able to feel subtle tremors of footsteps or the distinct vibration of different weapon types. Currently, it requires at least Android 12 or Windows 11 operating systems. iOS and iPad OS users will have to wait for future compatibility updates as they’re not supported.
All these specifications are the reason behind the controller’s premium price point of $150. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, Razer also released an improved version of the Kishi V2 for $100. You can snatch either controller from Razer’s website store or third-party retailers.
