It’s that easy to turn your mobile phone into a game console
When Diablo Immortal was released for smartphones, I quickly realized that I didn’t want to play with the touchscreen, I needed a controller. The Razer Kishi V2 has proven to be the best solution so far. But there were a few little things that bothered me. You can find out what that is in my experience report.
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Razer Kishi V2 in the test: conclusion
The Razer Kishi V2 has me as its smartphone controller overall convinced. I used it almost every day for five weeks with different smartphones in a wide variety of games. The jump in quality compared to the 1st generation is particularly impressive. If you gamble a lot with your smartphone but don’t want to use the touchscreen, you’ve come to the right place.
I find the price of 119.99 euros in the recommended retail price just a bit too high. It’s just a smartphone controller. A new PS5 controller, which at least has some technology and a battery, costs only 70 euros. In the meantime, the price of the Razer Kishi V2 has dropped a bit, but we’re still around 100 euros. That’s a bit too much in my opinion. Over time, however, the price will drop, as you can see from the predecessor.
Advantages:
- key layout
- pressure point of the keys
- Precision of analog sticks
- ergonomics
- choice of materials and quality
Disadvantages:
- Not as compact as its predecessor
- Charging speed via USB C
- Price-performance ratio
Material selection and ergonomics improved
I own the first generation Razer Kishi myself and recently tested an Asus gaming smartphone with a controller. That’s why it quickly became clear to me that the quality of the first generation was rather weak. Razer got rid of that with the second generation. The quality impression is on a completely new level. While the first generation felt like a cheap toy, the second generation is significantly more premium. The plastic now feels like a controller for the PlayStation or Xbox.
At the same time, the Ergonomics greatly improved. With the first generation Razer Kishi, I had slight problems after an hour or two. My hands became more and more cramped. This no longer happens with the Razer Kishi V2. Here I was able to gamble for four hours at a time without any problems. In general, the new construction is advertised as significantly more stable. But this also has the disadvantage that the controller can no longer be folded up so compactly without a smartphone. But ergonomics are more important to me.
Key layout is optimal
Just like Razer does key layout on the Kishi V2, it’s spot on. The layout basically corresponds to an Xbox controller and is the only real solution in my opinion. I also like playing on the PS5, but I feel better with this solution on the smartphone because the left analog stick replaces the touchscreen controls and is therefore more relaxed for me to reach.
Basically, all buttons, shoulder buttons and analog sticks are of a very high quality. Finally you have a precise pressure point and can steer very precisely. I had absolutely no issues or lag while playing. Every now and then an input of the right shoulder button was not recognized. But I don’t know if it was the game or the controller.
Many of the games I tried could also be played directly with the controller. Of course, you’re not just limited to Android games, you can You can also play PC games via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Racing games and shooters were no problem. But then I was drawn back to Android games like Diablo Immortal, which are simply more comfortable to play with the controller than with the touchscreen.
Smartphones fit in better
The straight shape of the Razer Kishi V2 ensures that you are very free in your choice of smartphones. Even the Huawei Mate Xs 2 (test) fit in. I mostly played with my Google Pixel 6 Pro, but also with the OnePlus 10 Pro. For example, in the pictures above you can see the Nothing Phone (1). Wasn’t a problem. through the more stable construction, the whole system also felt better in the hand.
Loading speed still limited
The Razer Kishi V2 is connected via the USB-C port on Android smartphones. This means that the connection is occupied. On the right controller is located at the Underside a USB-C port, which you can use to charge your cell phonewhile you play. Unfortunately, the loading speed is severely limited. Despite the power supply being connected, the high-end smartphones I used lost more energy than they gained when playing games. That was already a problem with the first generation. So after a certain time I had to take the smartphone out of the holder and quickly charge it externally.
Razer Kishi V1 or V2?
The Razer Kishi V2 is brand new and accordingly costs a lot more than the first generation. You currently have to pay around 100 euros for it (look at Amazon). In comparison, the first generation is significantly cheaper at 55 euros (see Amazon). Personally, I own the first generation and find the price reasonable for the performance offered. I also had to adjust the controller a bit to fit my Pixel 6 Pro with the fat camera. The Razer Kishi V2 is a whole other level of fit, quality and buttons. That’s why the higher price is justifiedt.
Ultimately, you need to know how much you want to gamble with your smartphone. If it’s just a little, then the first generation is enough. On the other hand, if you want to play more, then it is worth investing in the Razer Kishi V2. You just have more fun with it in the long run. The second generation isn’t perfect either. It would be nice if the charging speed via the USB port was higher in a possible 3rd generation.
