The Razer Kishi Ultra redefines what’s possible when it comes to mobile gaming. With full-sized controls and a premium build, it brings a console-like experience to your smartphone or tablet in a way that feels both familiar and refreshing.
Designed for gamers who refuse to compromise, this controller elevates handheld play with tactile buttons, immersive feedback, and support for a wide range of devices. Whether you’re into cloud gaming, local titles, or even emulation, it provides an exceptional level of precision and responsiveness.
Its companion app adds a wealth of smart features, expanding compatibility and offering easy access to a customisable interface. From casual sessions on the couch to high-stakes matches on the go, the Kishi Ultra stands ready to transform your mobile play.
Design and Functionality
The Razer Kishi Ultra combines elements of a traditional console controller with the flexibility of a mobile gaming accessory. Its design allows for a seamless attachment to a wide variety of devices, making it adaptable for different gaming setups.
The extendable bridge in the centre is spring-loaded and supports everything from standard smartphones to tablets like the iPad Mini. Rubber inserts included in the box provide a snug and secure fit, keeping your device firmly in place during intense gameplay.
Its grips are full-sized and offer a satisfying hold, crafted from durable plastic with a textured finish on the underside for added comfort. The shape is clearly influenced by console gamepads, offering a familiar feel that appeals to seasoned gamers.
Mechanical face buttons are used throughout, delivering crisp, tactile feedback with every press. They are joined by clicky shoulder buttons and full-size Hall effect triggers that bring a high-end console vibe to the mobile space.
The D-pad is slim and slightly concave, designed to handle precise directional input without feeling cramped. Two extra programmable buttons sit along the top for custom functions, giving users more control options during gameplay.
A clean, integrated RGB strip runs along each grip, enhancing the controller’s overall aesthetic with a subtle yet premium lighting effect. All inputs and indicators are well-positioned, ensuring the layout remains functional without feeling cluttered.
Key Features
One of the standout features of the Razer Kishi Ultra is its compatibility with a wide range of devices. It connects via USB-C and supports Android phones, the iPhone 15 series, the iPad Mini (6th generation), and even select tablets.
The full-sized thumbsticks are positioned asymmetrically and provide smooth movement for precision control. Each thumbstick includes anti-friction rings to improve longevity and maintain accuracy over time.
Mecha-tactile buttons give a clicky, responsive feel that mirrors high-quality console controllers. This includes the A-B-X-Y buttons, the D-pad, and the shoulder buttons, all offering a reliable tactile experience.
Two customisable buttons sit within easy reach on the top edge, allowing players to map extra functions based on their preferences. This enhances gameplay flexibility without compromising the standard layout.
A dedicated Razer Nexus button gives immediate access to the companion app. Through this app, users can browse compatible games, customise RGB lighting, tweak thumbstick sensitivity, and remap buttons.
The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack ensures you can connect a wired headset or gaming earbuds directly to the controller. This allows for low-latency audio during gameplay, ideal for competitive scenarios or immersive play.
The USB-C passthrough port allows for simultaneous charging while playing. It also enables the controller to function as a wired controller when connected to a PC, further extending its versatility.
Haptic feedback adds a layer of immersion, with punchy vibrations that respond dynamically during gameplay. Although the strength and compatibility of haptics may vary depending on the game and system version, it brings the mobile experience closer to that of a full console.
Experience Using the Product and Performance
Using the Razer Kishi Ultra feels instantly familiar to anyone accustomed to console controllers. The full-size grips and responsive controls make for a comfortable and immersive experience even during extended sessions.
The build quality stands out from the moment it’s unboxed, with a smooth matte finish and solid construction that exude durability. It has a reassuring weight to it, giving it a premium feel without becoming cumbersome.
Attaching a phone or tablet is a quick process thanks to the spring-loaded bridge and precise USB-C alignment. The included rubber inserts help achieve a stable fit, ensuring no wobble or movement while gaming.
Once connected, the controller powers up immediately and integrates seamlessly with supported games. The mechanical buttons feel snappy, with every press offering audible and tactile feedback that enhances reaction time.
The thumbsticks are precise and responsive, making them well-suited for shooters, platformers, and racing games alike. Their smooth action and full range of motion make aiming and directional movement feel natural.
Shoulder buttons and triggers are equally well-tuned, with the Hall effect triggers offering smooth pull resistance. The two additional function buttons are easy to reach and helpful for games that benefit from extra inputs.
The RGB lighting adds subtle flair, creating a vibrant glow without being distracting. This lighting can be customised through the Nexus app, offering both functional and aesthetic appeal.
One of the best aspects of the experience is the virtual controller mode within the app. It allows users to map touch controls onto physical inputs, unlocking gameplay in titles that don’t natively support controllers.
The app itself is quick to load and clearly laid out, making setup and customisation a breeze. Users can calibrate thumbstick sensitivity, assign custom actions to buttons, and browse controller-compatible games from a curated list.
When using PC Remote Play, the Kishi Ultra really shines as a bridge between desktop and mobile gaming. The stream is sharp, controls are responsive, and the experience mirrors a home console setup almost perfectly.
Unlike many competitors, the Kishi Ultra supports full resolution and refresh rate scaling. This means mobile screens are used to their fullest potential, delivering smooth, sharp visuals during remote gaming.
Audio performance is also excellent when using the 3.5mm headphone jack, with minimal latency and clean sound. This is particularly useful for competitive or rhythm-based games where audio timing is key.
Even after long sessions, the ergonomic design prevents fatigue. The grip shape and control placement ensure that both casual and intense gaming remain comfortable throughout.
While the size makes it less pocket-friendly, it’s a worthwhile trade-off for the console-grade control scheme. In return, users get an uncompromised gaming experience that rivals many dedicated handhelds.
Conclusion
The Razer Kishi Ultra sets a new benchmark for what a mobile controller can deliver. Its combination of full-size controls, responsive mechanics, and excellent build quality makes it a standout option for any serious mobile gamer.
It supports a broad range of devices and integrates smartly with companion software that enhances both compatibility and personalisation. Whether you’re streaming from a PC or playing locally, it consistently performs at a high level.
Features like RGB lighting, haptics, and passthrough charging add polish to an already impressive package. The inclusion of a 3.5mm jack and programmable buttons round out a well-considered and highly capable design.
For those seeking a console-like experience in a portable form factor, the Razer Kishi Ultra delivers in every key area. It’s a thoughtfully designed controller that turns mobile gaming into something truly exceptional.
