The friendly folks over at Razer recently sent us their full size Kishi Ultra mobile gaming controller, and this thing didn’t disappoint.
Mobile gaming has grown by leaps and bounds this last few years and manufacturers of gaming devices have stepped up to make mobile gaming a little easier. There are now a handful of devices that you can insert your phone into that gives you much better control versus using the phones touch screen. Razer put out their first version of their Kishi controller in 2020 and have since released several more for both Android and iOS.
Razer Kishi Ultra Review – Size Matters
The biggest downfall for these controllers, for those of us with big hands, has been the overall size. You can download and play console type games, but your controller is more of a mini-controller. Razer spent some time with mobile gamers and asked them what they wanted in a mobile gaming controller, and then took that info and created the next generation of the Kishi. A full size controller for devices up to eight inches diagonally, including the iPhone 15 and the iPad Mini.
What they created is a full size console controller, split in half with a bunch of useful features. There is adjustable haptic feedback, an available headphone jack, pass through charging, RGB lighting, and even mappable controls. This is the ultimate mobile controller for full size fun.
Razer Kishi Ultra Review – Nexus App
The controller uses an updated version of Razer’s Nexus app that’s available for both Android 12 and iOS 17. The app shows what is currently popular and which games you already have that are compatible. We found Modern Combat 5 to work flawlessly with the controller, and we weren’t even aware the game existed. Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile also works flawlessly, and you’ll feel like you have an unfair advantage over someone using touch screen controls.
You’ll also be able to download streaming apps for Xbox, Steam, GeForce, and PlayStation. These apps allow you to play on your console or PC of choice using remote play from anywhere you have strong and fast enough WIFI or cellphone service available. With PlayStation Remote Play, you’ll need to either map your virtual controller out or download PSPlay for Android or MirrorPlay for iOS. Both of those apps will require you to know your home IP address and set port forwarding in your router. They work great for local remote play, though, with no need for the extra steps.
Razer Kishi Ultra Review – No Input Lag
The Kishi Ultra connects directly to your USB-C port so can rest assured that there is zero input lag. While the device doesn’t have Bluetooth available, you can use a USB cable to connect to your PC or even your iPad Pro for an even more console like experience. We recently traveled across the country for the Solar Eclipse, and the Kishi Ultra got quite a bit of use in airports and hotels. We were surprised how well it worked on airport WIFI, but we were flawlessly smashing dingers in MLB The Show 24 via remote play.
Razer Kishi Ultra Review – Conclusion
Razer took their time and listened to what gamers were really wanting in a mobile controller, and the Kishi Ultra delivers the ultimate mobile gaming experience. From the haptic feedback, to the available headphone jack and full size console controller, you’ll be dominating the competition with the Razer Kishi Ultra.
Razer Kishi Ultra review unit provided by Razer and reviewed on a Samsung Galaxy Note 10+.
