Razer Kishi V2 for Android
4. Conclusion
The Kishi V2 doesn't require charging since its powers itself from the mobile phone. Of course that will reduce the gameplay by sometime we cannot say how much. The included Type C connector can only be used for use with charging and sound you have to use only BT headphones since the controller misses a welcomed headphone jack. If the game has been designed for controllers (for example Diablo Immortal) the controller will automatically be recognized and work without any problem. However, there are games like AspHalt 9 that are designed to work ONLY with BT controllers so in this case you can use the Virtual Mapper to play the game. While the Razer Nexus isn't mandatory to use the Razer Kishi V2, is suggested, since firmware updates can only be performed via the app and the Virtual Controller also can be used if you launch the app withing the Razer Nexus. While the Razer Kishi V2 has the Type connection, connecting with a PC or Console won't get recognized, at least with our current Windows 11 setup.
The Razer Kishi V2 has very good build quality. Even big phones will fit inside like the Samsung S22 Ultra, however without a case. That may be trouble for some users, we also didn't like this. While Razer says you can remove the plastic foam inserts, with our S22 Ultra and slightly thick case, the used type C connector wasn't long enough to hook. So in other words you have to use the Razer Kishi V2 without cases.
The overall size is very small, at least with typical male hands. The sticks used are exactly like the Nintendo Switch, which some may like, but others won't. While platform games will be OK, FPS games aren't the best solution...Keep that in mind before buying this device. Several users still prefer the Kishi V1 which has bigger and like Xbox controllers.
The used buttons are small and very clicky. They do make click noise so they aren't silent. Again for some people that is very annoying, while others won't mind. We personally didn't mind at all. The used microswitches are OK and also the D-pad is good, however not top, we think the V1 had a better overall feel. Note that since the overall dimensions are small, the ABXY buttons are slightly cramped so you might get accidentally tab two buttons, but we think that is something that muscle memory will get used as time passes and you use the device.
The solid telescopic back of the Razer Kishi V2 is a nice upgrade over the V1. It has a nice spring-loaded tension that as we said earlier will hold the device in its place. The added grip texture on the back is another welcomed addition. The phone has space and your camera module won't get scratched from the telescopic back.
The Left and Right Triggers use silent hall effect sensors so you have accurate precision at driving games (if the app supports this). There is a dedicated screenshot /record button that some users may find useful.
The included Nexus App, while isn't something special, it does add value to the product, especially with the latest updates, V2 firmware, and the Virtual Controller mapping technology. With the latest update you can now assign the Razer button to the Home Button so Xbox Pass gaming is now a reality, since at the initial stages, the Razer button couldn't be mapped to others.
On the negative side in order to use the Virtual Controller mapping technology and update your Razer Kishi V2 firmware you have to use the Nexus App. We feel that Razer could have added much more to this app and made it much better like other competitors do (Backbone).
Overall we liked the Razer Kishi V2 even as a product it does have some drawbacks which for some may be very important (like no headphone support, or PC/Console use). We feel the price should be lower than 100 Euro, for 60-70 Euro the price would be very competitive for mobile gaming and for sure much better value/price than what other no-name competitors offer nowadays.