Razer is introducing its latest mobile gaming product today, the Kishi Ultra, a new mobile gaming controller for Android and iOS that it believes will change the game when it comes to playing on mobile devices. Razer’s Kishi lineup has been a fan-favorite ever since the first one was released years ago. Praised for features like its mecha-tactile action buttons, pass-through charging, and extreme portability. It’s just always been a really solid mobile controller. The portability has been one of the best parts about it, making it easy to tuck the Kishi away in just about any bag pocket.
That same portability though has been one of the main drawbacks in a way. While easy to fit anywhere, its smaller size meant less grip. Some users also weren’t fond of the smaller joysticks. Enter the Kishi Ultra. Razer’s first full-size mobile game controller. Complete with full-size joysticks, larger, more pronounced hand grips on the back, and even more comfortable triggers. It’s a hefty upgrade on all fronts that has the potential to enhance your mobile gaming experience in numerous ways. Not the least of which is better comfort for longer gaming sessions.
Naturally, those upgrades do come at a cost, but not a major one. The Razer Kishi Ultra launches today for $149.99. The Kishi V2 Pro is $129.99. So you’re only looking at an additional $20. And for what you’re getting, it’s definitely worth it.
The Razer Kishi Ultra controller feels like a true console-quality controller
It’s not just the larger joysticks or the hand grips that feel like you’re handling a console controller. The Kishi Ultra also has Razer’s Sensa HD haptics that feels more lifelike than what you’d get in the Kishi V2 Pro. It also has a very solid 8-way d-pad. In fact, it’s the same one Razer put on their PS5 controller, the Wolverine V2 Pro. With that satisfying tactile click that happens as you roll your thumb over it. The biggest upgrade though is the hand grips.
There’s actually something for your hands to hold onto now. So you shouldn’t get cramps if you play games for a few hours. Another big change is the expanded device support. The Kishi Ultra can fit essentially any smartphone and it now even supports the iPad Mini. This slightly larger form factor also means it’s much easier to slide your phone into it. I’ve used the Kishi V2 Pro with the ROG Phone 8 for months and one of my only complaints has been that it’s a little cumbersome getting that big phone in there. Mainly because the controller hinge only extends so far.
Because of this, I had to slide the phone onto the direct USB-C connection first. Because if I didn’t, it wouldn’t extend far enough for me to fit the phone in, and this just didn’t feel as natural. The Kishi Ultra gives you a little more space. This makes it so you can slide your phone in top first, then slide the USB-C connector into place afterward. The controller features Chroma RGB now, too, again just like the Wolverine V2 Pro.
You can use the controller with PC
It’s designed mainly for mobile, but Razer didn’t want to make the Kishi Ultra a one-off mobile accessory. You can also use it with PC by plugging it into your PC with a USB-C cable. This added versatility gives you a reason to keep using it even if you switch your gaming to PC. And that’s especially beneficial if you end up liking the way this controller feels. Not to mention you’d want to get as much use out of it as possible due to its higher price. At $150 it’s not a cheap controller. But being able to use it for both mobile and PC should give it some more value to consumers. Razer also says the controller has expanded case compatibility. Plus it comes with the passthrough charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio.
The controller goes on sale today through Razer’s website, and you should be able to get it through retail partners like Best Buy and Amazon as well.
