The Razer Kishi Ultra stands out from its competitors when it comes to mobile gaming controllers. It does not require an app subscription, nor the grips are quite large or the Kishi as a mobile gaming controller does have superb build quality alongside with a comfortable companion app. Unfortunately, the $149.99 price tag might exclude anyone else who isn’t most serious mobile gamer.
Key Features at a Glance
What is this? A mobile gaming controller that focuses on a more comfortable use due to its full-size grips that resemble console controllers such as the Sony dual sense or the Xbox series x. Free to download companion software is included and is used for some dressing up.
Price: 149.99 $ (US), 169 Euro (European regions).
Compatibility: Most Android phones with iPhone 15 series and some USB-C compatible tablets including the apple iPad Mini.
The Pros and Cons
What We Liked:
- Great build quality
- Comfort of use due to the full-size grips
- Compatible with a ton of devices
- Companion app is free and has features such as RGB and remapped buttons.
- Just like other hand controls it has a ‘Lets Plug and Play’ theme to it where it has ease of access to other games.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be expensive
- Offers the poor benefit of portability as due to the size and design it is non collapsible.
- Connected device is required for power which over time can cause your battery to drain quickly.
The Razer Kishi Ultra is a reliable gaming device that pairs excellently with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, offering seamless playing throughout several titles, alongside emulated games, and even some that are not in-built gamepad compatible due to Razer’s Virtual Controller Mode.
With the use of the Razer Nexus app, additional capabilities are provided that improve the overall user experience, such as: button remapping, control stick calibration, and various other features all of which do require a subscription in order to access. But, the usage of virtual controls does promote an unfair advantage in competitive games, and can be considered a cheating.
The Kishi Ultra indeed provides several enhancements, PMPs for instance, but this comes at the cost of the detachable wires that could have enabled wireless availability and ease of use, instead of solely having a USB-C connection. But at least, the need of batteries is now eliminated, however, the device does draw extra power from the phone or tablet.
For prolonged gaming sessions, Kishi Ultra provides the user maximized comfort, while at the same time neglecting portability, and due to its large size and bulkiness, travelling with it can be a hassle. The Kishi seems to pair ideally with larger devices as once attached they seem to have a similar weight as the Nintendo Switch console.
Does It Make Sense to Buy It?
The Razer Kishi Ultra is an exceptional mobile controller, and is great for those who appreciate comfort, customization, and flexibility. Regardless, the product is in a niche market due to its high cost and minimal portability. If you do not invest a lot into mobile gaming or need something travel friendly then this is not a good option.
Alternatives
- Razer Kishi V2 ($92): This option is cheaper while providing nearly the same functionability, however, it lacks full-size grips and RGB lighting.
- GameSir G8 Galileo ($79.99): A cheaper option that performs decently yet has lesser functionality.
- Backbone One ($99.99): Also a fair alternative that works with Android, but lacks many premium features.
- Sony DualSense ($69.99): Great quality console controller that works on mobile devices, usable for someone who does not want a telescopic styled device.
Final Verdict
Razer Kishi Ultra ranks at the top on the list of the finest mobile controllers, however, due its cost and size, it cannot be marketed towards the masses. If you are hardcore mobile gamer with no budget limitations, this is the controller that you should go after. But for the rest there are many options that are cheaper and easy to carry.
