Razer Kishi V2 Mobile Gaming Controller

Digital Trends highlights the Razer Kishi V2 as a significant upgrade over its predecessor and a top contender in the mobile gaming controller market. Praising its innovative extendable bridge design—borrowed from the Backbone One—the review emphasizes how this change greatly simplifies phone insertion and encourages more frequent use. The controller’s microswitch face buttons, improved D-pad, and reprogrammable buttons enhance gameplay, especially for first-person shooters and accessibility needs. The reviewer notes minimal latency across native and cloud gaming platforms, making it ideal for services like Xbox Game Pass and Google Stadia. However, the Razer Kishi V2 loses some uniqueness by closely mimicking Backbone’s design, and the awkward placement of the Razer Nexus button above the menu button causes occasional accidental presses. Despite these minor flaws, the controller’s sturdy build quality and thoughtful features make it a highly recommended choice for serious mobile gamers seeking console-quality experiences on Android devices.

Taylor Lyles from IGN highlights the Razer Kishi V2 as a significant hardware upgrade over its predecessor, praising its ergonomic design, lightweight build, and satisfying microswitch buttons that enhance mobile gaming comfort and responsiveness. The controller’s extendable bridge design improves compatibility with a wider range of Android phones, including those with bulky camera bumps, though it sacrifices some portability. Lyles appreciates the thoughtful button layout and added programmable macro buttons but notes the lack of Xbox-style color coding as a minor aesthetic drawback. However, the review is tempered by criticism of the bundled Nexus software, which is described as sluggish, feature-poor, and less polished compared to competitors like Backbone’s app. Compatibility issues with popular games like Call of Duty: Mobile and the absence of a headphone jack—important for mitigating Android audio lag—are also noted. Overall, the Kishi V2 is recommended as a solid Android controller alternative, especially for those unwilling to wait for a Backbone USB-C version, despite its software shortcomings.

Tom’s Guide highlights the Razer Kishi V2 as a significant upgrade over its predecessor, praising its improved ergonomics, tactile button switches, and enhanced phone compatibility—especially with devices that have large camera bumps. The reviewer enthusiastically recommends it as the best Android mobile gaming controller currently available, noting the new spring-loaded clamping mechanism and textured grips for comfortable, secure use during extended sessions. The inclusion of Razer’s Nexus app adds useful features like button remapping, firmware updates, and streaming integration, though its utility may vary depending on the user’s phone ecosystem. Criticisms include the controller’s fixed USB-C connector, which requires careful handling, and its somewhat small size for large-handed gamers. The lack of an iPhone version is also a downside, though one is expected soon. Overall, the review conveys a confident, positive tone, emphasizing that the Kishi V2 refines and expands on the original’s strengths, making it a top choice for Android gamers seeking a premium mobile controller.

Windows Central’s Jez Corden highlights the Razer Kishi V2 as a significant evolution in mobile gaming controllers, particularly excelling for Xbox Cloud Gaming and Android gaming. He praises its lightweight, balanced design, refined Xbox-grade buttons, and broad device compatibility, noting the improved clamp mechanism and tactile triggers that enhance comfort and usability. The controller’s USB-C pass-through charging and dedicated Nexus app button add thoughtful convenience. However, Corden points out software shortcomings, such as the Nexus app’s clunky activation process and limited customization, as well as inconsistent performance of the screen capture button across devices. He also expresses mild concern about the clamp’s durability despite its flexible design. Compared to competitors like the GameSir X2, the Kishi V2 offers superior ergonomics and input quality, though at a higher price. Overall, Corden regards the Kishi V2 as the best Android phone gamepad currently available, ideal for first-time buyers seeking a premium, Xbox-like mobile gaming experience despite some software quirks.

Adam Conway from XDA Developers highlights the Razer Kishi v2 as a significant improvement over its predecessor, delivering an excellent mobile gaming experience especially suited for cloud gaming and emulation. He praises its comfortable design, broad compatibility with top Android phones, and responsive, tactile controls that closely mimic a console feel. The controller’s plug-and-play USB-C connection and lightweight build make it convenient for extended play sessions. However, Conway points out notable drawbacks, including the bulky form factor when not in use, lack of a headphone jack or USB-C audio passthrough causing frustrating audio latency, and limited usefulness with popular mobile games that disable controller input. The included Razer Nexus app is seen as underwhelming and largely unnecessary. Despite its $99 price tag and some ergonomic and connectivity compromises, Conway recommends the Kishi v2 primarily for gamers focused on emulation or cloud streaming, emphasizing its ability to transform smartphone gaming into a near-console experience.

Mikhail Madnani from TouchArcade highlights the Razer Kishi V2 as a strong contender to the Backbone One for iPhone gaming controllers, praising its thoughtful design and unique features. He appreciates the textured grip and comfortable analog sticks, though notes the buttons feel a bit cramped compared to traditional console controllers. Key advantages include customizable multi-function buttons via the Razer Nexus app and the ability to use the controller without removing an iPhone case—something the Backbone One lacks. While the Nexus app is functional but minimalistic, the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a minor drawback for some users. Overall, Madnani finds the Kishi V2 nearly perfect in hand feel and usability, especially valuing its case compatibility and customization options. He sees great potential for a future Kishi V3 to refine these strengths further, making it possibly one of the best mobile gaming controllers available.

Haroon Sultan, Esports Editor and Columnist at PCMag, highlights the Razer Kishi V2 as one of the best mobile gaming controllers currently available for Android devices. Praising its redesigned, comfortable, and durable build, Sultan emphasizes the improved tactile buttons and balanced feel that support extended gaming sessions. The controller’s USB-C pass-through charging and extensive button remapping via the Razer Nexus app add to its appeal, though the app itself is described as somewhat lackluster. Sultan notes minor drawbacks such as limited audio options due to lack of USB-C audio support and potential fit issues with phones that have thick cases or prominent camera bumps. Compatibility is broad, but some popular games like Genshin Impact still lack controller support on Android. Overall, Sultan enthusiastically recommends the Kishi V2 for mobile gamers seeking a premium, reliable controller experience, while acknowledging some regional and software limitations. An iOS version is expected later, expanding its reach.