Mobile gaming has a lot in recent years. With powerful smartphones and services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, AAA titles once reserved for consoles can now be played on the go. But touch controls can only take you so far – a proper controller is needed to get the most out of these games. That’s where the Razer Kishi V2 Pro comes in. I’ve spent the past few weeks testing out this impressive controller, and here is my in-depth review.
Specifications
The Razer Kishi V2 Pro I reviewed has the following features and specifications:
| Connectivity: | USB Type C |
| Charging: | Pass through charging |
| Battery Life: | None |
| Clickable Thumbstick: | Yes |
| Thumbstick Sensitivity Adjustment: | None |
| Multi-function Buttons: | 2 |
| Trigger Stops: | None |
| System Requirements: | Android 10 or higher (HyperSense vibration feedback varies based on the game and requires Android 12 or higher) |
| Mobile App: | Yes, Razer Nexus 3.0 |
| Supported Phone Dimensions: | Compatible with most modern Android devices including Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models |
| Approximate Size: | 92.2 x 180.7 x 33.9 mm (3.63 x 7.11 x 1.33′′) |
| Approximate Weight: | 138 g (4.87 oz) |
Design and Build Quality
The Kishi V2 Pro features an excellent design both aesthetically and functionally. It has a stable yet flexible sliding bridge construction that grips phones securely while allowing for a natural, comfortable feel during use.
The controller layout mimics the classic Xbox controller design. The left side has a clickable analog stick, responsive d-pad, options and share buttons. The right side features the signature ABXY face buttons, a second clickable thumbstick, Xbox/Nexus and menu buttons.
L2/R2 triggers, L1/R1 bumpers, and programmable M1/M2 multi-function buttons run along the top edge. A 3.5mm audio jack and USB-C charging port are conveniently located along the bottom.
The sturdy bridge extends to fit most modern Android devices. Its textured rubber pads firmly grip your phone while allowing room for camera bumps. Razer includes a slimmer pad set for thicker phones or cases. A USB-C plug connects to your phone’s charging port.
An LED charging indicator sits below the face buttons. The flanged edges stretching over the bridge hold everything steadily in place during gaming sessions.
With dimensions of 3.63 x 1.33 x 7.11 inches and textured grips, the Kishi V2 Pro feels natural and comfortable in my hands. It has an excellent build quality both visually and structurally. From the matte white finish on my Xbox review unit to the stable, flexible bridge, everything is very well-engineered.
Overall, the design and construction exude premium quality reminiscent of a high-end Xbox controller scaled down superbly for mobile use. Both aesthetically and functionally, the Kishi V2 Pro hits the mark.
Features and Customization
In addition to the usual buttons, the Kishi V2 Pro includes a few extras tailored to mobile use. A dedicated screenshot button on the left side lets you easily capture in-game moments.
Pass-through USB-C charging keeps your phone juiced up during extended play sessions. And new HyperSense haptics adds immersive rumble feedback missing from the original Kishi.
While basic, Razer’s Nexus app lets you remap the Multifunction buttons. You can also adjust haptic intensity or disable it altogether. I’d like to see more customization options in a future update like thumbstick sensitivity or trigger pull depth.
Performance and Gameplay
In testing, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro delivers excellent performance across the board. The textured grips fit comfortably in your hand for long gaming sessions without slipping. Its use of responsive microswitches for buttons and triggers provides a very satisfying, tactile feel. They remind me of switching from a membrane to a mechanical keyboard.
The triggers and buttons are snappy and accurate. The triggers may be slightly sensitive, activating with light pulls. Adjustable sensitivity would be a nice future addition. But overall, everything feels precise and lag-free thanks to the direct USB-C wired connection.
I tested many titles during my time with the Kishi V2 Pro. Racing games like Asphalt 9 felt responsive, with tight control. The new HyperSense haptics added immersive rumble feedback as I tore around tracks and crashed into walls.
Xbox Cloud Gaming also worked flawlessly. Streaming AAA games like Mass Effect and Halo Infinite felt great thanks to the lag-free wired connectivity. The three haptic intensity levels let me fine-tune feedback to my liking.
Across various genres – from action RPGs like Genshin Impact to shooters like Sniper Elite 5 – the Kishi V2 Pro provided excellent performance far beyond touch controls. The dedicated screenshot button came in handy to capture cool moments instantly.
While already great, a few hardware additions could make the Kishi V2 Pro even better. Adjustable thumbstick and trigger sensitivity would allow more customization. Remappable buttons beyond M1/M2 would provide more flexibility. And alternate thumbstick heights/caps would let you dial in the feel.
But even in its current form, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro delivers a superb, console-quality mobile gameplay experience. It performs exactly as I’d want from a premium controller.
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Price and Value
The Kishi V2 Pro comes in Xbox and standard versions. My Xbox review unit retails for $149.99, which includes some brand tie-in value like the dedicated Xbox button and included 1-month Game Pass Ultimate trial.
The standard Kishi V2 Pro sells for $129.99. Compared to the non-pro Kishi V2 priced at $99.99, that extra $30 brings the immersive HyperSense haptics and handy 3.5mm audio jack. So you’re paying a modest premium for the “pro” upgrades.
Given the excellent performance, build quality and features, I feel the Kishi V2 Pro is reasonably priced. It delivers a premium gaming experience that justifies the extra cost over more basic mobile controllers. While not cheap, you’re getting great value given the V2 Pro’s overall polish and execution.
For more budget-focused buyers who don’t care about haptics, the base Kishi V2 still provides an excellent mobile controller option at $100. But if you want the very best mobile experience, the V2 Pro is easily worth its asking price.
Final Verdict
Razer’s Kishi V2 Pro is hands-down one of the best mobile gaming controllers available. Its premium design and execution deliver a fantastic experience rivalling top console gamepads. Add in smart features like haptics, charging, and screenshots, and it’s easy to recommend for any mobile gamer looking to step up their game. If you play a lot of Android games, the Kishi V2 Pro is a worthwhile investment.
Experience mobile gaming at its finest with the Razer Kishi V2 Pro. Pick one up today!
