Razer has now unlocked the god level of mobile gaming. The company today launched its latest smartphone controller for iPhone 15 and Android phones. In addition to fully embracing USB-C, the new Razer Kishi Ultra takes a step forward to offer a more premium experience truly geared toward gamers with support for even larger devices like the iPad mini 6. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. why this is my new favorite controller grip?
Razer has been making controller grips for years. Compact accessories that turn your iPhone or Android smartphone into a sort of Nintendo Switch have continued to gain popularity as mobile gaming improves. But no matter where you look in the market, the designs are largely the same, whether in the few generations of gaming peripherals directly from Razer or competitors like Backbone.
The new Razer Kishi Ultra controller grip breaks that mold. It’s ergonomic, for starters, and doesn’t make the same compromises as its more compact counterparts. I’ve been using one for the past few weeks with my iPhone 15 and iPad mini 6 and I’m delighted with how good it is.
Razer’s goal here was to create a controller that players would want to use. The company doesn’t cater to more casual portable gaming users and instead leans towards its usual target demographic. That means distinctive features for any gamer accessory, like customizable RGB lighting, but the Focus also comes with tons of practically useful features.
I casually let it slip that this works with more than just a smartphone, and the new high-end version thanks you for that. USB-C is at the center of the experience, so any iPhone, Android phone or even compact tablet will be able to support the Razer Kishi Ultra.
The spring mechanism that makes the controller grip like a one-size-fits-all accessory has been completely changed to accommodate larger devices, but also to ensure that you don’t have to take off the case every time you want to play. There are small rubber inserts to fit all types of devices, but the highlight is compatibility with iPad mini 6.
In addition to supporting more devices than ever, the Razer Kishi Ultra is more ergonomic than ever. It features the kind of design you’d expect from a PS5 or Xbox Series X controller: a construction molded to be truly comfortable and not just convenient. Most other portable gamepads are more concerned with folding into the most compact design possible when not in use. Razer simply has other priorities, so expect more enjoyable portable gaming sessions.
That same professional build also means you’ll get full-size joysticks. Typically, these controller grips reach their most compact size by using some smaller joysticks, but without that size limitation, it means Razer can deliver the kind of gamepad experience you’re already used to. The updated version should be more resistant to drift, and to help with that, Razer also has a software feature to help address the issue should it arise.
Speaking of updates to the Nexus companion app, Razer is also offering the ability to use the Kishi Ultra with games that don’t support the controller. Genshin Impact has blocked controller integration on iOS, so Android players have historically been out of luck. Now, there’s a new virtual controller mode that lets you position targets that map specific areas of your screen to the Kishi Ultra’s buttons.
Other notable features include haptic feedback via vibration motors, a USB-C input for direct charging, and a headphone jack. You can also use the USB-C port to connect the controller to any console, tablet, or PC and use it as a typical wired gamepad. It’s a little trick that simply expands the use you will give the accessory.
The new Razer Kishi Ultra will launch today at $149.99 shipped. This is not a replacement for the existing Kishi V2 gamepad but looks to complement the line with an option more suited to enthusiasts. It will be available directly from Razer and other retailers soon.
Take from 9to5Toys
I’ve been using the Razer Kishi Ultra for the past few weeks. I’m a more recent convert to the world of iPhone controls after taking a hands-on look at the newest Backbone model last fall. Now I’m ready to make the jump to the big leagues with a much more capable option. And for that, Kishi Ultra has certainly not disappointed me.
Razer has offered some significant improvements over almost every other smartphone gamepad out there. That’s ry biggest takeaway from my time with the accessory so far. Razer was excited to show me his latest gamepad and touted all the tweaks during a Zoom call in early March. They pitched it as the top tier of mobile gaming, an approach that quickly went from a joke to a serious emphasis on making a product truly for gamers. I was excited to hear about this myself, and now I’m even more excited to be able to report that the company was genuine with its enthusiasm: this is truly a product made for gamers.
During my time with the Razer Kishi Ultra, I’ve enjoyed how good the controller feels in hand. It’s incredibly sturdy, even with an iPad mini 6 inserted into its adjustable design. There isn’t too much wobble between either side of the grip and the more ergonomic design lends itself to more comfortable gaming sessions. All the buttons are also incredibly accessible and feel great. They are largely the same as previous installments in the Kishi series but are very satisfying on a mobile controller.
The Razer Kishi Ultra won’t be the most portable option out there, and that’s okay. I’ve loved enjoying PlayStation Remote Play from my couch while something else is on the TV. I also couldn’t have imagined a better time to start the controller now that emulators are rolling out to the iPhone via the official App Store. I’ve been diving into Pokémon, Star Wars Podracer, and a few other old-school games that are even more fun when you have some physical controls and not just the touch screen.
I also wanted to spend some time talking about how it compares to other of the great iPhone gamepads out there. I previously wrote home about how much I loved the V2 Backbone and how it finally sold me on the controller’s grip form factor as a whole. Now I’ve seen the light with Razer’s latest and I really won’t be looking back. But for those who want a more portable option, the Backbone is still one of the best models out there. Below you’ll find a gallery comparing the two in terms of design, which should also help show how different the approach the Razer Kishi Ultra takes is.
As embarrassing as it may seem, this is truly the god level of mobile gaming. I know that’s Razer’s slogan and not my own words, but they managed to deliver on it. It’s simply the best iPhone controller I’ve ever used and one of the only models that dares to bring features to the iPad mini 6. I can’t overstate the importance of using the iPad mini 6’s larger screen to immerse yourself in PS Remote Play. or Genshin.
The Kishi Ultra won’t be for everyone. I would still recommend the more compact models out there if you plan to play on subway rides to work or want to have one kept in your bag at all times in case downtime occurs. But if you’re looking for an at-home solution for playing games away from the TV or don’t mind the added bulk of your daily carry, Razer’s newest and most capable controller grip yet is a real winner.
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