The Razer Kishi Ultra might look familiar. That's because it's a larger version of the standard Kishi V2, with full-sized thumbsticks and a larger grip that's easier to handle. Its larger size means it supports larger devices (up to 8 inches), and the controller can be used with any device under 8 inches on Android and iOS. That means an iPad Mini will fit, as will flip phones, but larger tablets aren't supported yet. Overall, Razer still establishes itself as a great peripheral manufacturer, and now that it's no longer tied to one platform, the Razer Kishi Ultra establishes itself as one of the best mobile controllers available today, even beating out the Backbone One. Let's find out why.
Editor's Choice
Razor Kisi Ultra
The Razer Kishi Ultra is an improvement over the V2, essentially featuring a full-sized controller split in two, with your phone sliding into the middle. Its larger size makes it comfortable to grip, and it also features full-sized controls, ensuring your gaming sessions have the same feel and control as a familiar console controller.
- A shape and size that everyone is familiar with
- Works with Android and iOS
- A companion app for fine-tuning your settings
- Not as portable as the V2
- LEDs are meaningless
- Works with wired only, not wireless
Pricing, Availability and Specifications
The Razer Kishi Ultra is available now for $150 at the Razer store, as well as on Amazon and Best Buy. It doesn't seem to be in short supply. Anyone can buy one at any time, but the price may be a hurdle for some, so it's best to wait for a sale. However, in return you get one of the best controllers for Android, so the high price is understandable.
What makes the Razer Kishi Ultra great?
It's hard to name them all
There's a lot that's great about the Ultra, but the first thing everyone will notice is the much more comfortable size and grip for long gaming sessions. You lose a little portability with the change in size, but what you gain is worth it. Not only is the grip much easier to grasp and feels better in the hand, but the full-sized thumbsticks will be familiar to anyone used to console controllers, and for me, they allow for better control with a familiar range of motion that I've come to expect from the best mobile controllers.
The controller's larger size also allows for a larger expandable back that can fit much larger devices than the OG Kishi and V2. This allows Razer to support tablets and foldable devices with screens up to 8 inches. This is a very welcome improvement that opens up the possibilities for mobile gaming with wider support.
One size may not fit all, but Razer includes rubber wedges in different sizes to help you determine how easily your device slides in and out of the controller, which helps keep your electronics in place and is a relief for active gamers.
Of course, what good would a controller be if only a few games supported it? Thankfully, through rigorous testing, we've found that the controller works with a large number of titles that support it. Razer has also worked with touchscreen titles, with the ability to custom map the controller's physical controls to any on-screen software button.
This method allows you to program controls for titles such as Genshin Impact, which doesn't offer native controller support on Android, and the implementation works well, meaning the Razer Kishi Ultra can be used with any mobile game, which definitely expands the possibilities for mobile gaming.
What are the downsides of the Razer Kishi Ultra?
Size and cost are the biggest considerations
Well, first off, if you're not a fan of larger controllers, especially mobile ones, you might be put off by the size of the Ultra. Not only are the sides pretty big, but the sliding mechanism is long, making it hard to fit in your pocket. I mostly game at home, so it doesn't bother me, but I imagine it could be an issue for some people.
Price is also an issue. At $150, this controller isn't cheap, costing roughly the same as more premium options like the Xbox Elite controller. Still, you get a lot of value for your money, so it may be worth the price for some. Ultimately, though, you might want to wait to buy this controller until it goes on sale, which will surely come as the holidays approach. For those who are impatient, there is certainly a price to pay.
And if I were to really nitpick one more thing, it's that I don't like the design of the D-pad. I just don't like the round D-pad. I prefer the old-school cross shape, and the design can be hard on your thumbs, but that's what I like and I'm used to it. So when I started playing fighting games, I was at a disadvantage because I had to get used to the round D-pad. Sure, it feels good, but my muscle memory just doesn't mesh with the design.
Also, the lack of Bluetooth might make it less appealing for some. I personally prefer a wired connection as it has the lowest latency, which is important for competitive gaming, but the lack of a battery and Bluetooth means you can only use the controller wired. Thankfully, plugging the USB into the controller and PC works as expected, but it doesn't always drop out, which is an issue that many of the newer split controllers, such as the Turtle Beach Atom and GameSir X4 Aileron, solve with their wireless capabilities.
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Should I buy it?
If you need a controller for Android and you want the best, the Razer Kishi Ultra is the one to buy. If you're upgrading from the smaller, more portable V2, it's hard to justify the upgrade unless you absolutely hate how small the V2 is and want something more like an Xbox controller. The Razer Kishi Ultra sits more comfortably in the hand than a console controller, which is a good thing for me. The familiar feel lets you focus on the game instead of how to use the controller.
Admittedly, it's a large controller that's not the most portable, and it adds size and weight to your smartphone. It's also expensive, and probably too expensive for the majority of people who buy controllers for mobile. Still, for me, it's worth overcoming these hurdles, because I absolutely want the best equipment when gaming, and Razer has delivered just that. So, if, like me, you want the best controller on Android for precise and comfortable gaming, the Razer Kishi Ultra is for you. But be prepared to pay a lot for this experience.
Editor's Choice
Razor Kisi Ultra
If you're looking for a controller for your Android or iOS device and want something that feels as close as possible to a console controller, the Razer Kishi Ultra and its full-sized buttons are a great choice.
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