Last year, the Razer Kishi Ultra made a splash in the mobile gaming world but left many gamers disappointed due to its steep price tag of $149. Fast forward a year, and Razer is back with not one, but three new controllers under the Kishi V3 lineup. Each model targets a different segment of mobile gamers, offering a range of features and prices designed to better fit your gaming needs and budget. Whether you’re a casual phone gamer or a serious tablet enthusiast, this fresh batch of controllers aims to address some of the complaints from the past while keeping Razer’s reputation for quality intact.
Table of Contents
- 🎮 Meet the Razer Kishi V3 Pro: The Premium Choice
- 📱 The Razer Kishi V3: A Budget-Friendly Phone Controller
- 📏 Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL: The Tablet Gamer’s Dream
- 🧐 Which Razer Kishi V3 Should You Buy?
- ❓ FAQ About the Razer Kishi V3 Series
- Final Thoughts
🎮 Meet the Razer Kishi V3 Pro: The Premium Choice
If you’re looking for the definitive upgrade from last year’s Kishi Ultra, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro is likely the controller you’ll want to consider. It retains much of what made the Ultra appealing: the ergonomic grip, the familiar button layout, the headphone jack, and the haptic motor for immersive rumble feedback. However, it skips the flashy RGB Chroma lighting, which might be a letdown if you’re a fan of customizable lighting effects.
The biggest technical leap in the V3 Pro is the introduction of TMR (Tunnel Magneto Resistance) thumbsticks. This technology is a game-changer, offering both increased precision and a significant reduction in the dreaded stick drift that plagues many controllers over time. In fact, TMR sticks are considered superior to hall effect sticks, which are used in the triggers of this controller. This is a major improvement over the standard sticks in the Kishi Ultra, which felt underwhelming given its $149 price.
Another neat feature is the ability to swap out the thumbsticks. The box includes two alternate stick tops—one domed and one flat with a longer stem—allowing you to customize your grip and control style by simply snapping them on or off. Additionally, the V3 Pro adds two extra mouse-click style buttons on the back, complementing the customizable claw buttons on top. This makes the controller highly adaptable to different game genres and player preferences.
Despite these enhancements, the price remains unchanged at $149. So the question is: does the V3 Pro justify the cost better than the Ultra did? For many serious mobile gamers, the improved sticks and customization options might just tip the scales.
📱 The Razer Kishi V3: A Budget-Friendly Phone Controller
For those who found the $149 price tag too steep, Razer offers the Kishi V3 (non-Pro model) at a more approachable $99. This controller is designed specifically for phone gamers, with a more compact and lightweight design ideal for travel and casual play.
However, this affordability comes with trade-offs:
- No tablet support: Unlike the Pro, the standard V3 only works with smartphones and cannot connect to tablets.
- Smaller grips: While comfortable enough, the grips are less substantial than the Pro’s, which may affect longer gaming sessions.
- Non-swappable TMR sticks: You get the same high-quality TMR technology for precision and durability, but the sticks cannot be replaced or customized.
- Missing claw grip buttons: The handy programmable buttons on top that appear on the Pro are absent here.
- No haptic feedback: This model lacks the rumble motor, which could be a deal-breaker for gamers who value immersive feedback.
That said, the controller still includes two customizable back buttons and supports the Razer Nexus app, which remains free to download and use without any subscription fees—a definite plus compared to competitors like Backbone.
For casual gamers who primarily play on smartphones and can live without rumble and extra buttons, the Kishi V3 delivers solid performance at a more digestible price point.
📏 Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL: The Tablet Gamer’s Dream
The third member of the V3 family is the Kishi V3 Pro XL, designed exclusively for tablets ranging from 10 to 13 inches. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to test this model firsthand, but it essentially mirrors the Pro’s features with a larger form factor to accommodate bigger screens.
Unlike the other two controllers, the Pro XL does not support phones at all. It comes with a heftier price tag of $199, reflecting its specialized use case. This controller is clearly aimed at a niche group of serious tablet gamers who want the full Pro experience but on a larger device.
For most mobile gamers who use both phones and tablets or stick mainly to phones, the Pro XL might be overkill. But for those who game exclusively on large tablets, it’s the only option in the new lineup.
🧐 Which Razer Kishi V3 Should You Buy?
Deciding which controller to pick boils down to what device you primarily game on and what features matter most to you. Here’s a quick guide:
- Smartphone-only gamers: The standard Kishi V3 at $99 offers great value with TMR sticks and basic customization, minus haptic feedback.
- Phone and small tablet gamers: The Kishi V3 Pro at $149 is the best all-around choice with enhanced grips, swappable sticks, haptics, and full customization.
- Large tablet gamers: The Kishi V3 Pro XL at $199 is the only option, designed specifically for 10-13 inch tablets.
While the “Razer tax” is still in effect, these three models give you a spectrum of options depending on your budget and gaming habits. Whether you prioritize price, comfort, or features like haptics and customization, there’s a Kishi V3 controller to consider.
❓ FAQ About the Razer Kishi V3 Series
Do all Kishi V3 controllers have batteries or Bluetooth?
No, none of the controllers have built-in batteries or Bluetooth. They draw power directly from the device you snap into them. You can also connect them to a computer via USB-C, but this is not the primary use case.
Can I customize the buttons on all models?
All models feature customizable back buttons, but only the Pro and Ultra models have additional claw grip buttons on top that can be programmed through the Razer Nexus app.
Is the Razer Nexus app free to use?
Yes, the Nexus app is free to download and use without any subscription fees, which is a competitive advantage over some rivals like Backbone.
What is TMR technology, and why is it important?
TMR stands for Tunnel Magneto Resistance. It’s a technology used in the thumbsticks that offers higher precision and reduces stick drift, a common problem with analog sticks over time. It’s considered superior to hall effect and traditional stick technologies.
Which controller should I pick if I want haptic feedback?
Only the Kishi V3 Pro and Pro XL models have haptic motors for rumble feedback. The standard Kishi V3 lacks this feature.
Final Thoughts
Razer’s new Kishi V3 lineup shows a thoughtful evolution from last year’s Ultra model, addressing major concerns like stick quality and customization while offering more price points. The Pro model is a clear winner for serious gamers who want premium features, while the non-Pro model provides a more wallet-friendly option for casual phone gamers. The Pro XL rounds out the lineup for tablet enthusiasts, albeit at a steep price.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older controller or diving into mobile gaming for the first time, these controllers deserve a close look. Which one fits your style and budget? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more mobile gaming insights!
