Review of the Razer Kishi Controller (Android+iPhone)
Our cellphones have evolved from bricks with buttons to full-fledged computers in barely over a decade. For some, this means their phone is more productive at work, but for others, it's all about the games.
Razer Kishi for Android (Xbox)
Universal Gaming Controller for Android (Xbox)
€109.99
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE FOR KISHI ANDROID
Razer Kishi for iPhone
Universal Gaming Controller for iOS
US$99.99
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE FOR KISHI IPHONE
However, if you've ever played console-style games on a phone, particularly titles with simulated joysticks, you'll understand how unsuitable a touchscreen is for gaming. This has spawned an entire category of smartphone accessories aimed at improving smartphone control. The Razer Kishi stands out as one of the greatest alternatives around, from basic solutions like phone-holding attachments for conventional console controllers to specialized Bluetooth controllers for phones.
The Razer Kishi has a lot of features that we appreciate.
Kishi's design is what makes it so appealing. It easily folds into a compact bundle and then unfolds to fit most smartphone designs. A USB-C connector (or a Lightning connector for the iPhone version) is located inside the right side controller, so the Kishi should work with any Android phone that has a USB-C port centered on the bottom.
When your phone is inserted, the Kishi-phone combo resembles a Nintendo Switch, especially if you use a phone with a screen size of 6 to 7 inches.
However, the controller is set up more like an Xbox controller, with the thumbstick on the left side being higher than the right. In fact, Razer has created a unique Xbox version of the controller that includes an Xbox home button as well as a free trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
The Kishi has two benefits over most other Android-friendly controllers by using a USB-C port. To begin with, the direct connection implies less input lag than Bluetooth, resulting in a more responsive gaming experience. Another benefit of the direct connection is that the Kishi does not require a separate power supply, which eliminates the need to manage and charge a battery. The Kishi is always on the go.
However, with all of the gaming you'll be playing, you might find that you need a larger battery for your phone. The Kishi is also equipped with a USB-C pass-through charging port, allowing you to charge your phone while playing.
What we think the Razer Kishi could be better at
It's difficult to find many flaws in Kishi design and functionality. It has a straightforward, familiar design and a single goal that it readily achieves. Playing games with a Kishi is simply more enjoyable than without one.
The length of time it took me to find out what to do with the Kishi is my main gripe with it. Because hardly all games on the Play Store, if not all, are compatible with gaming controllers, it took me a bit to locate a couple that I truly enjoyed.
The Kishi app from Razer is a nice place to start. The app offers a 'Discovery' page that lists a number of games to try. However, it isn't an extensive list, and the majority of the games I ended up playing aren't on the app. You could argue that keeping a long list of compatible games isn't Razer's responsibility, but it would be useful.
With the Razer Kishi, what games can I play?
In a nutshell, any game that supports HID (human interface device) controllers. Most games don't differentiate between different types or brands of controllers, and they don't require any extra setup. You only need to download them and begin playing.
There are a few vexing outliers, such as Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG, where the former only supports a few select controllers while the latter does not. However, only the most popular titles, such as Fortnite, are completely supported, so it's a case of trial and error.
Here's a list of games that I think are compatible:
Animal Crossing: Stardew Valley is the game Animal Crossing wishes it could be.
There's no need to introduce Fortnite.
Dead Cells – one of the greatest 'fight, die, repeat' roguelikes around Space Marshals 2 – a tactical tempo shooter with cowboys Pascal's Wager – the closest thing to Dark Souls on a mobile Dead Cells – one of the best 'fight, die, repeat' roguelikes around What's not to like about that?
Death Road to Canada – humorous, bizarre, and with the promise of fighting up to 500 zombies at once Oceanhorn – resembles an old school, Zelda, with new school visuals
Is it possible to play Xbox and PlayStation 4 games on the Kishi?
This is the Kishi story's secret sauce. Though Razer takes no credit for this, you can now play Xbox and PlayStation games on your Android phone, and the experience is ten-fold enhanced with a Kishi controller.
To do so, you'll need an Xbox One or a PlayStation 4, as well as a good WiFi connection at home and the Android app for each platform. You may play any game you have installed on your console directly from your Android phone after you've connected.
The truth is that you're not actually playing the game on your phone, but rather streaming it from the console to your phone. Consider it similar to manipulating a game's video stream.
This has a number of drawbacks, the most significant of which is that it requires a stable network connection. The Kishi really excels when it comes to the low-lag direct connection to your phone that we talked about previously. There's already enough lag in-game streaming without putting even more from your controller.
Despite the numerous obstacles, we found the Xbox gaming experience to be really rewarding. Fast-paced shooters tax the streaming connection, but slower-paced games run practically flawlessly.
Download the official Xbox App for Xbox streaming or PSPlay, a third-party PS4 streamer, to get started.
Is it worthwhile to purchase the Kishi?
If you enjoy gaming but despise touchscreens, the Razer Kishi is an obvious recommendation. Yes, if you know someone who enjoys gaming and you're stumped for a Christmas present. It has a straightforward yet smart design, is easy to use, and delivers exactly what it promises.
The $149.95 RRP may be a deal-breaker for some, even though you can get it for less if you shop about it. The Kishi has a number of advantages over the competition that we believe justify the price increase. Some of these elements are optional, while others are required for a satisfying game experience.
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