In September 2022, Razer launched the iPhone version of its Kishi V2 gamer controller in Brazil. It seeks to bring an experience similar to the Android version, but with full compatibility with Apple cell phones.
Is the experience with this joystick satisfactory? What resources can he deliver to attract the player? TudoCelular tried a unit and tells you the details now.
design and build
The Kishi V2 comes with a design that has a very clear purpose. It takes inspiration from the Wolverine V2 to position your iPhone snugly inside, so you have a grip on each side, like a handheld console.
This format helps the user to keep their device always securely fastened to the joystick, without any fear of falling from an attached support or having a fixed view on a separate support. Rubbers around the edges are another feature to keep the device from slipping.
As it was made for iPhone 11 or higher, there is no problem or difficulty fitting your cell phone. After all, it is already prepared to contain Apple’s traditional square camera block.
This generation had the weight reduced to 123 grams. Nothing that will bother you if you play for long hours, even more so with its very ergonomic design. But maybe the gauntlets don’t help for those who have very large hands. At the very least, the more textured back makes the grip firmer, without any risk of it slipping out of your hand.
Even though it launched in the iPhone 13 generation, we tested it on an iPhone 14 unit and saw no flaws with it. The size is easily adjusted through the extension located at the back of it, which can reach up to 17 cm, if you are going to play in a Pro Max or Plus variant.
On the left side, there are the directional buttons and the analogue for the same function. On the other hand, the second analogue and the A, B, X and Y buttons appear, in the same orientation as the Xbox joysticks. More centralized are the smaller Start and Select keys, as well as two others to capture the screen or record video. Important shortcuts for those who want to register the game.
The buttons are now microswitches to gain precision in clicking, in exchange for a little more noise. The mechanical directional pads also help make controls more responsive than before.
On top are the traditional bumpers and triggers, as well as a third button on each side: the so-called L4 and R4. These have a special function, but we’ll talk about that later.
In the box, you’ll find just the Razer Kishi V2 and an instruction manual, no additional items needed.
Connectivity and features
This accessory does not require any cable or need to connect via Bluetooth. It has a Lightning plug on the right-hand handle to plug directly into the device. But don’t think that you are without the connector if you want to use the controller. At the bottom of the same side, there is a port in the same pattern, for you to connect the charger, if you prefer.
We miss here a standard P2 output for headphones. This would allow you to plug in a wired model, to enjoy games with greater sound immersion. At least he is plug and play. That is, the cell phone automatically detects the control to enjoy in games. Just stick it in your iPhone and enjoy the games.
But you can make the most of this joystick by installing the Razer Nexus app. Among other functions, he is responsible for updating the controller’s firmware. Remember we talked about remapping the L4 and R4 buttons? Well, this is also where you can define some utility and choose between any other command for them. It’s like if you clone some other button on them.
Another tool found in the app is game discovery. Through it, you can find titles by category that may interest you and are compatible with Kishi V2. You can see screenshots and information about each one before downloading from the App Store. Yes, you will still need access to the official iOS store due to Apple’s privacy restrictions. But nothing an iPhone user isn’t used to.
Still, the Razer Nexus isn’t perfect and needs some improvements. Among them, it lacks to include the possibility of adding games in favorites sections, or even having easy access to recent titles. All this could very well be added in the future, in some app update.
In addition to all the aforementioned possibilities, the Razer Kishi V2 is also compatible with PlayStation and Xbox remote play, without any configuration difficulties. This means that you will be able to turn your cell phone into a portable console not only in the games played, but also in the gameplay with the joystick.
practical experience
We tested different game options to find out how the Kishi V2 behaves in each one. First of all, we need to point out how comfortable it is to hold a joystick that leaves the iPhone completely stable in the hand. You can play for hours without feeling any discomfort or weight.
Returning to games, Asphalt 9 is an example of a title that completely changes the experience of enjoying with a controller. You feel like you’re enjoying a console or PC game on your cell phone screen, as you can control the car with much more precision than when you’re on the touchscreen.
As for shooting games, we highlight Razer’s success in creating a design that connects directly to the cell phone through the Lightning port. Thus, games like Call of Duty and PUBG are able to have practically immediate control response, that is, without affecting the speed of commands when you most need fast actions. It’s much better than having a wireless joystick, for example.
One point we need to emphasize is about the buttons. Razer’s choice was for keys that require little pressure to reach the command. This small trip helps a lot for players who enjoy titles that demand agility. But it may not be as pleasant for those who prioritize feeling greater tactile feedback.
Even so, in general terms, we realize that any game ends up getting better with this control. Not having to find the commands on the screen or distractions that reduce the visible area of the title are good advantages for using this accessory.
Final considerations
Overall, the Kishi V2 can be considered one of the best external joysticks for the iPhone. It offers a nice, premium design that can adapt to any Apple cell phone model of the latest generations.
It has quick response and good stability in the player’s hand. Thus, any game compatible with an external joystick has more gains with the Kishi V2 than any other controller connected via Bluetooth.
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Personalization through the Razer Nexus application pleases both in remapping the buttons and in discovering compatible games. And speaking of the keys, the presence of two customizable keys is another differential that you can’t even find in the Android version of this model.
The additional Lightning port on the accessory fits into another positive point, so you don’t lose connection if you need to charge your iPhone while playing. But Razer missed the opportunity to make its device closer to perfection because of the absence of a P2 port.
The lack of greater tactile feedback is another negative point, especially in triggers and bumpers, but we are not talking here about a flaw that compromises the player’s experience so much.
No P2 portLack of haptic feedback on triggers and bumperslimited application
The new external control for iPhones from Razer landed in Brazil for the suggested price of R$ 1,250. We understand that the ideal price for it is below R$1,000, considering the absence of direct rivals in the Brazilian market.
Its main competitor is Backbone One, which was not released in Brazil. The Sony accessory has the advantage of coming with a headphone jack and a more complete application, but it doesn’t have the customizable bumpers. Not to mention that it would need to be purchased outside the country or by national retail importers.
Do you consider this accessory as the best external controller for iPhone? What features did you like the most and which did you least like about this product? Feel free to talk to us in the space below.