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Let's be real, gaming on your phone could be great, but touchscreen controls just don't cut it. No matter how amazing the graphics get on our iPhones and Android devices, tapping on a glass screen never feels the same as holding a proper controller.
Well, the folks at Razer just dropped a whole new lineup of their popular Kishi mobile controllers: the Kishi V3, Kishi V3 Pro, and the super-sized Kishi V3 Pro XL. These transform your smartphone, small tablet, or (for the first time) full-sized tablet into a mobile gaming machine.
Here's a quick intro to the three new models that will live alongside the previously released Razer Kishi Ultra.
The Razer Kishi V3: Easiest entry point to mobile gaming
For gamers looking for a massive upgrade to their smartphone gaming, the standard Razer Kishi V3 is the new starting place. While the "Pro" models have more bells and whistles, Razer's still offering a very high-end gaming experience with this model.
- A True Console Feel: The Kishi V3 features a full-sized but compact form factor with pro-grade ergonomics, so your hands won't cramp up during long gaming sessions.
- Pro-Level Controls: It comes with full-sized TMR thumbsticks (precise, no controller drift), Hall Effect triggers, and quiet tactile buttons.
- Customization: There are two programmable back buttons for faster, more efficient inputs, or custom commands for certain games.
- No Lag/Direct Input: The controller connects directly to your iPhone 15/16 or Android device's USB-C port for lag-free gaming. It also includes passthrough charging so you can power up while you play, and a 3.5mm audio jack for your wired headphones.
Smartphones only
Razer Kishi V3
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The Kishi V3 adds physical buttons to your smartphone gaming experience. The device supports a variety of phone sizes.
None of these models are cheap, but neither is their build quality. The Razer Kishi V3 is available now for $149 CAD/$99.99 USD
Razer Kishi V3 Pro: Pro gaming on iPad Mini and smartphones
There are two pro models in the Kishi lineup. For those who want to game on a small tablet or bring console controller quality features to their smartphone, then the V3 Pro is the model you should be looking at. demand elite control and an even more immersive experience, there's the Razer Kishi V3 Pro. This model is built not just for phones, but also for mini tablets up to 8 inches, like the iPad mini.
The V3 Pro includes all the features of the standard model and adds several key upgrades:
- Immersive HD Haptics: The Kishi V3 Pro features Razer Sensa HD Haptics (Android only, not currently supported for iPhone), which deliver more nuanced vibrations than traditional console controllers.
- Customizable Thumbsticks: The full-sized TMR thumbsticks on the Pro model come with swappable caps, allowing you to customize them for more speed or precision to match your playstyle, a feature we've never seen before in the Kishi lineup.
- Claw Grip: In addition to the dual back buttons, the Kishi V3 Pro adds claw grip bumpers. This is how the esports gamers tap into new levels of speed and precision, and now you can too on your smartphone.
For smartphones & small tablets
Razer Kishi V3 Pro
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The V3 Pro model upgrades the D-Pad and other physical characteristics over the entry-level V3 controller. It supports tablets up to 8 inches in size.
The Razer Kishi V3 Pro is available now for $219 CAD/$149 USD. This is the same price as the (very similar) Kishi Ultra. So if you're in the market and are willing to pay this kinda price, it's going to be worth checking out our full review of the Ultra before you buy.
Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL: The best gaming experience on full-sized tablets
If you have a large-screen tablet with an amazing display (like the M4 iPad Pro) then you already know how amazing video games look on that screen. The Kishi V3 Pro XL takes all the same features of the Pro model but allows you to harness them on full-sized tablets.
- Big Screen Support: The Kishi V3 Pro XL supports tablets up to 13 inches.
- Free Games: Razer is offering Apple Arcade access for free with the V3 lineup, but in the case of the Pro XL model, you get access to Apple Arcade for six months instead of three.
For full-sized tablets
Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL
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For the most immersive gaming experience with a large screen tablet, the Kishi V3 Pro XL adds console controller-quality buttons and features to your existing tablet. It supports devices with displays up to 13 inches.
The Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is available now for $249 CAD/$199 USD. It's the most expensive controller in the lineup (and the most expensive mobile gaming controller we've ever seen). But if you want the biggest screen experience for gaming on the go, it certainly delivers!
Are mobile gaming controllers worth it?
We've tested a lot of mobile gaming controllers in the past year. Razer consistently ends up being a top pick for two reasons: overall build quality and their amazing Nexus software experience.
Many of the companies that make mobile controllers also offer an app to go with them. The app can be used for organizing your game library (titles downloaded to your mobile phone, but also available through cloud/remote play, too.
The software experience varies greatly between brands and sometimes you have to pay to use the software.
In the case of Razer, the Nexus software is free and it's excellent.
It makes your gaming experience feel like you're on a dedicated console like an ROG Ally X or a Steamdeck, further enhancing the quality of your gameplay experience.
While all three models of the V3 Kishi are higher-priced, the quality makes them a good value for people who want to unlock the gaming potential of their smartphone or tablet.
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