REVIEW: Razer Kishi V3 Professional XL – a severe console various

Nearly everybody has a handheld gaming console as of late, and we noticed it at PAX Aus. There was every thing from the brand new Nintendo Change 2, to the Steam Deck, Legion Go, and even the moveable PlayStation. Plus a giant showcase was the MSI Claw 8 AI+, and the ROG Xbox Ally X.

All of those consoles include a reasonably first rate price ticket, so when you’re beginning to consider Christmas presents and also you’re on a finances, then a handheld console could be out of your worth bracket. That’s the place Razer steps in with the brand new Kishi V3 line. This cellular controller turns any cellphone or pill right into a console-like expertise.

It’s the most recent in Razer’s cellular controller household and simply probably the most versatile. The Kishi V3 line is constructed for gamers who need actual console vitality however don’t at all times wish to truly carry a console round, and it’s means cheaper. The Razer Kishi V3 Professional XL is even constructed for bigger iPads and tablets, giving an even bigger display screen than any handheld console in the marketplace. It is perhaps the primary cellular controller I’ve used that makes a pill really feel like a legit handheld system. We acquired our fingers on this bigger professional mannequin to place it by way of its paces.

Larger, extra comfy

I’ve reviewed the unique Razer Kishi earlier than, becoming my previous Samsung Word 10+ inside. This time round, I pulled out this OG mannequin to check, and it completely refused to accommodate my Samsung S23 Extremely. The Razer Kishi V3 lineup fixes this with the brand new Razer Kishi V3 accommodating all Samsung Galaxy S25 Collection. The Razer Kishi V3 Professional can assist barely bigger gadgets, together with an iPad mini, after which the Professional XL can assist as much as an iPad Professional 13″, that’s HUGE.

I’ve an ordinary iPad and it labored amazingly nicely. The Razer Kishi V3 Professional XL stretches, and regardless of its measurement, the controller itself feels mild. The pill will certainly add weight (physics is enjoyable like that), however the grips, buttons, and format are balanced sufficient that it by no means feels unwieldy.

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An Xbox controller with further tips

When you’ve used an Xbox controller earlier than, this controller will really feel immediately acquainted. It has the identical format as an Xbox controller, and is grippy, clicky, and responsive. The buttons are tactile however quiet, the D-pad is snappy, and the thumbsticks use Razer’s TMR tech with swappable caps so you may customise the texture to the best way you prefer to play.

As a bonus, you get twin mouse-click again buttons and claw-grip bumpers, which genuinely velocity up gameplay. Taking part in racing video games felt clean and pure, and Genshin Impression particularly shines with correct controls. Touchscreen fight out of the blue feels prefer it was at all times meant to be performed this manner.

In true Razer trend, the Kishi V3 Professional XL added Sensa HD haptics, which carry stunning immersive vibration suggestions that the majority cellular controllers fully skip. In order for you the haptic suggestions, you’ll want to purchase both the Razer Kishi V3 Professional XL or V3 Professional. For me, it is a win because it looks like I’m truly gaming when I’ve haptic suggestions.

True versatility

The Razer Kishi V3 Professional XL is definitely probably the most versatile Kishi but:

• Works with telephones, mini tablets, and full-sized tablets
• Helps PC play through Razer Nexus
• Consists of USB-C passthrough charging
• Has a 3.5mm audio jack (a rarity as of late)
• New USB-C island design massively improves case compatibility

The Razer Kishi V3 customary version additionally is available in Phantom White, which seems ridiculously clear on a black pill.

When you’ve ever fought borderline rage battles making an attempt to suit a contemporary cellphone right into a cellular controller, the Razer Kishi V3 is a breath of recent air.

Razer Nexus makes it really feel like a console

No matter which Kishi you purchase, you’ll be utilizing Razer Nexus, the companion app. Set up is fast, pairing is painless, and there’s even a toggle to mechanically launch Nexus every time the Kishi connects. This offers you that console-style startup expertise.

The app additionally lists suitable video games and allows you to launch straight from Razer Nexus. As an alternative of digging round your pill, you simply… open, click on, play. Easy. Clear. Console vibes. You’ll need this app for the controller to work, so be sure that your cellphone or pill is updated.

Stellar possibility for cellular players wanting extra

The Kishi V3 Professional XL sits in a distinct segment I didn’t know wanted filling till this week: the “I need a console, however I additionally need a pill” crowd. It’s not as compact because the Razer Kishi V3 Professional, nevertheless it shouldn’t be. It’s designed for giant tablets and iPads, supplying you with a good display screen to sport on with out squinting right into a small handheld machine.

The brand new Razer Kishi V3 Professional is about energy, consolation, and flexibility. It’s simply what you want when cellular video games are principally console video games now anyway.

When you’ve acquired a giant pill and wish to flip it into the last word moveable gaming machine, the Razer Kishi V3 Professional XL is the strongest contender but. Razer says it’s “the head of cellular gaming,” and for as soon as, that doesn’t really feel like advertising fluff.

If you wish to get your fingers on the Razer Kishi, you should buy the Razer Kishi V3 customary version for $189.95 AUD in black, or pay an additional $10 AUD for the phantom white version. Go for the Kishi V3 Professional model with haptic suggestions for $269.95 AUD, or seize the XL model for $349.95 AUD.

That’s a good bit cheaper than the price of most consoles as of late, and contemplating a console controller is round $100, I’d say it is a nice purchase.