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For years, we've heard every smartphone manufacturer brag about how their latest device is "the most powerful yet." And while those changes can often feel incremental, the gap between what you can do on a dedicated gaming console versus your phone has actually shrunk significantly.
But after coming out in fall of 2024 is the Kishi Ultra still worth buiyng, especially after the new Kishi V3 generation dropped last year?
No matter how good the screen gets, on-screen touch controls will never feel quite as good as having a physical controller in your hands. To bridge that gap, Razer introduced the Kishi Ultra. After months of logging serious gaming hours on this thing, it's clear that this isn't just another mobile grip—it's a beast of a controller designed for those who want a "pro" experience on the go.
Size Matters: From Smartphones to Tablets
The most immediate thing you'll notice about the Razer Kishi Ultra is its size. It's significantly more robust than the smaller Razer Kishi V2 or the Backbone One. While it works perfectly with smartphones, it is actually best suited for use with small tablets—particularly the iPad Mini. If you've ever felt like mobile controllers were a bit too "toy-like" or cramped for your hands, the Ultra is the answer.
It provides a sturdy, full-sized console feel that makes your mobile device feel like a legitimate portable console.
Why It's a Top Pick
- Broad Compatibility: Thanks to its USB-C connection, it works with a wide range of devices, including the iPhone 15/16 series, Android phones, and small tablets up to 8 inches.
- Console-Quality Buttons: The buttons and triggers here are excellent. They don't just feel like mobile buttons; they feel like something you'd find on a high-end Xbox or PlayStation controller.
- Immersive Tech: The Ultra features Razer's Sensa HD Haptics and Chroma RGB lighting, adding a level of flair and tactile feedback that most competitors lack.
- Sturdy Build: There is zero "flex" when your device is docked. It feels like one solid piece of hardware.
The Trade-offs
The "Ultra" name comes with a few "Ultra" sized considerations:
- Bulk: Because it's designed to fit tablets and provide a full grip, it isn't nearly as portable as the very first version of the Kishi (which collapsed into a small puck). You're likely not sliding this into a pocket; it's going in a backpack.
- USB-C Only: If you're still rocking an older iPhone with a Lightning port, you're out of luck here. This controller requires a USB-C connection to work.
- Software Quirks: While the Razer Nexus app is great for organizing games, it can occasionally have small software quirks when mapping certain titles.
The Final Verdict
The Razer Kishi Ultra is a top choice for anyone who wants to turn a small tablet into a portable gaming machine. It's a bit less straightforward to recommend if you're only gaming on a smartphone and want to keep things light and pocketable, but if you want the most robust, high-quality experience available, this is it.
Top Pick For Android
Razer Kishi Ultra
Geeking Out Shop
Our top choice for a controller for Android phones is the Razer Kishi Ultra. The software is fantastic (our favourite for organizing your game library of all the devices we tested). It securely holds your Android phone while feeling solid in your hands. We've done a deep dive into all the reasons why the Kishi Ultra is a great choice as an iPad Mini mobile controller and most of those points are applicable to Android phones as well.
As is the case with many controllers the funcationality is a little different depending on whether you're using this with Apple or Android devices. But the great thing with this device is that you can use it with both smartphones and small tablets.
If you want a deeper dive into what might be best for you, check out our guide for the best mobile controllers for iPhone and the best mobile controllers for Android.
The software experience with the Kishi Ultra is excellent. It organbizes your game library across apps so that you have a console-like interface to browse what's available to you. And you can even tap into remote play functinos from your PC simply and quickly from the app. There's occasional bugs, but compared to other brands' software they are rare. And unlike other brands the software is free and doesn't require an on-going subscription.
Now that even base model smartphones have stellar displays and beefy interal componenets, there's never been a better time to dabble in mobile smartphone controllers to see how it can turn your phone into a take everywhere gaming machine.
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