Razer Junglecat Android Game Controller Review - Switch Like Experience for Smartphones

[@LiamFoot]

Can't believe the number of reviews I checked that never mentioned the digital triggers, or the flex, or that much at all.. thanks!

[@MartinPaoloni]

Good idea. Unfortunately bad implementation and for a very small portion of the phones in the market. This one is destined to flop. Hopefully next Gen will be better. Nice to finally see Jake on camera!

[@reactionreal4123]

This is going to become very popular with xcloud coming next year. I can see either them making many phone sizes with that cheap plastic bit that connects the controllers or they redesign it so it springs open. Also most likely other companies will make cheaper similar designs or and most likely MS is going to make its own portable controller version. They do have patios for them after all

[@AbuHajarAlBugatti]

Or just look at chinese Brands who have a entire Market filled with android gamepads. If you want this controller in higher quality and without a stupid plastic case as the controller just SLIDES OUT (what a geeenius idea(sarcasm) that razers idiots overlooked) and only costs 18-20 bucks. Literally the same controller but with a Slide instead of ridicilous Case. For 1/5 the price. Yeah fuck razer. They just overlooked or ignored a fully saturated market. Ipega and Mocute are best brands who make great compact Controller. I recommend Ipega Red Knight. Ipega 9025 and the Mocute Compact controller On the 9025 and the Mocute, you can just put your phone on their top as they have a integrated phone holder. A second idea that razers morons overlooked. They just looked at nintendo and thought "lets copy dat bruh"

[@reactionreal4123]

@@AbuHajarAlBugatti neither of those shapes are appealing . What makes the razer appealing is both analog sticks at the top and small simple shape. Lower analog sticks cramp

[@adriandoesstuffandthings]

It's definitely better than the first generation of junglecat in regards to compatibility.

[@AbuHajarAlBugatti]

@@reactionreal4123 lol red knight is the same size, a S10+ fully fills it out. Just rounded grips on outer left/right edges and layout like a xbox controller

[@clairegreen2775]

I like your intro. It's good that you're honest about having received it for free. Big positive that you mention how nobody's reviewed it before its been uploaded. Transparency good.

[@XSpImmaLion]

Oh, hey Jake! Nice to finally see ya! o/ If anyone is interested in something like this for your phone, or just don't want to pay the Razer price, go into Aliexpress and search for either Saitake 7007 or iPega 9087S. These brands have several different models if you are looking for a different format too. I have both, they cost me around 27 and 20 bucks respectively, you charge them with microUSB instead of USB-C and it's Bluetooth 4 instead of 5 (perhaps latency is worse, not sure if Bluetooth 5 is better on stuff like latency). I think they work both for Android and PC, not sure about iOS, but I wouldn't bet on it even if the ads say it does. They are clamp style gamepads, you just plop the smartphone in the middle and that's it. Oh, do note that different models will support phones of different sizes... my 5.5" OnePlus 3 fits in both, but if you have a smartphone with very big screen you should check if it really fits. I think one of them can even take a 7" tablet. It also won't get wobbly like this one because both sides are connected to each other. But the buttons are on a better position (XBox 360 scheme, so more similar to the Switch configuration), and it's a regular D-pad instead of that weird one with a cavity in the middle. The analog sticks (both clicky) are also similar to the ones one the Switch, buttons a bit bigger than the ones on the Switch, but still smaller than an XBox 360 gamepad for instance. They both connect as standard X input... I don't think they have apps specific to them, but a generic X input gamepad remapping app should do the job for touchscreen remapping. All in all, they are pretty well made... no complaints so far. Then again, I don't play lots of games on my smartphone that require a gamepad anyways, so I can't really make a full review... will probably make more use of them on the year end trip to relatives. xD

[@MartellThaCool]

I don't like micro-usb

[@XSpImmaLion]

@@MartellThaCool I get that. I'd rather have USB Type-C too, but I think these chinese gamepad manufacturers are kinda slow to adopt new tech because their main market are countries in development that are much less likely to have already adopted the new standard broadly. And of course, micro-USB is just cheaper to implement. It'll probably take them a year or more to start releasing new models with USB Type-C charging plugs. Unfortunately, in this very specific Switch-like format, I think the only option right now with USB Type-C and Bluetooth 5 is the Razer one. You either have one of the compatible phones, or you have to 3D print your own somehow. If it doesn't need to be Switch style, then you have plenty of other options... 8bitdo newer gamepads are all USB-C, you have the XBox One Elite Series 2, and there are some XBox One clone gamepads that also have it... but you'll need a mounting clip. Most of them probably have some accessory that works.

[@MartellThaCool]

@@XSpImmaLion I am slowly converting from micro-usb to USB Type-C. I got my USB Type-C with my Nintendo Switch, Pro Controller, 8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus Controller, Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Buds, Samsung Dex Station and charging pad uses USB Type-C. It kinda reminds me of Apple lighting port

[@XSpImmaLion]

@@MartellThaCool Going that route too. Can't wait for it to become a single true standard that we don't have to think much about... xD

[@MartellThaCool]

@@XSpImmaLion hell yeah

[@Montisaquadeis]

Glitch in the video at 3:34. As for the device itself should have gone with a clamp design with USB-C on 1 controller to power your phone with a built in battery while playing put the sticks in the right spots and charged less

[@BigDo]

why wouldn't they use a frame type configuration with springs to fit over most phones.. No need for multiple or specific cases.. Good idea, but bad execution of it though...

[@Greidaon]

I hate the telescopic thing myself. Don't wanna feel the mechanism holding the whole thing together.

[@lllllll5990]

walter conley same i’m glad they did it this way as it feels like a switch

[@Mr.Kumar1]

Yea how can they not think of that

[@ravagingwolverine]

I consider "clicky" buttons to be a red flag. "Clicky" seems to be something people like and I can see it "feeling" premium as a first impression, but that doesn't necessarily make for good control. I've found good d-pads tend to have some looseness and a reasonable amount of travel. It's hard to trust impressions of d-pads these days, though I do appreciate you pointing out near the end that it's a bit sensitive for your taste too. With something like that, consider testing out some games that are a bit more demanding and less forgiving than Sonic. Contra and Metal Slug may be good ideas. Also, testing out fighting-game inputs may expose weaknesses. But that is just a suggestion. The review is fine as usual and it is an interesting concept.

[@RomanGuro]

You can buy Ipega Red Knight for 20$ with the same form factor, without stupid idea have different cases for different phones

[@PaceyPimp]

This is great for xcloud but where's the S21 Ultra case?

[@officedullard8722]

I wonder if 8BitDo has considered making joy-con controllers, I bet they could make a good pair. That dock should have had the charge port like the grip for official joy-cons.

[@soupkin]

So nice to see your son

[@UncleGreatness]

Will the note 9 case fit on the note 8 phone? Since they are super similar?

[@Greidaon]

Just got it in the mail, along with the Razer Phone 2. Waiting for other accessories to arrive (micro SD card, screen protector, case for when I'm not using the Junglecat, extra charging cables). Then I'll update this with my impressions.

[@Greidaon]

Update 1: The speakers crackle sometimes. Will change settings to see if it affects things.

[@Greidaon]

Update 2: The battery seems to die quicker than you'd expect.

[@Greidaon]

Update 2a: Battery life is awful thus far. Gonna do a day with the screen set at 60hz and see if that changes things.

[@UNOxDExELLOS]

@@Greidaon Any more updates? Does it still feel flimsy like it does with the Note 9?

[@Greidaon]

Update 2c: Battery life CAN be OK... IF you do NOTHING with the phone but everyday tasks. The MOMENT you try and game, the battery will drop. Like a rock. I set the refresh to 60hz and the resolution to 1080 for a while, but figured I would change it back (to 90hz and 1440p) because I didn't buy this phone for standard refresh rates and below average resolutions. Again, if you're looking at it just as a $300 2018 flagship, it'd be fine for your everyday usage. But as a gaming phone? One where you expect the battery to last after you're done. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA... no. My advice? Get a portable battery. You'll need it... which is a shame, but in 2019, it is what it is with these phones.

[@100toeface]

Please do a review on the Black Shark 2 with its switch like attachable controllers, I'm trying to decide between it and the moto play controller mod and the junglecat and only you are able to do a proper comprehensive review!

[@RyanParreno]

I just realized if these become popular eventually a 3rd party will come in and make adapters for those to handle many different kinds of phones But Razer being Razer we have yet to see where that goes

[@logikgr]

Hey Lon, I appreciate the added lighting, but your face looks overexposed (glamour shot style). The fast-and-ready style I appreciate as an esthetic part of your channel. Maybe tone it down so we can see flesh/skin details on your forehead and hands? 🤔 Just some friendly feedback.

[@LonSeidman]

You win the prize for being the first to notice the lighting! Making a few changes and will be swapping out that key light shortly :)

[@blackpanthertchallalem8522]

You should show how to set it up for project x cloud

[@Des_Zee]

99 dollars and they can't include USB C charging cables??

[@Greidaon]

Yeah... That's some bull.

[@uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh0]

Isn’t the RAZER phone 2 charge by USB C? Along with the other phone cases provided?

[@keizer3213]

Nice Controller "Razer Junglecat"

[@MartellThaCool]

I might get me a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 or 10+ for this device alone

[@TheyoutubeOG]

i like this controller idea just wish they had one foe note 10 plus and it was a little more sturdy.

[@lllllll5990]

Junior D greatest i think they primary made it specific for razer phones n then decided to add other device other devices

[@vracerv]

Can you send video to tv using chromecast, same set up to play on the go.

[@InvinciDon]

🤔 When will there be an iPhone case for this miniature system?🤔

[@didjargo]

Oh that's bloody brilliant. Let's make a bluetooth game controller that can only attach to a grand total of 3 random phones on the market. Not to mention the inconvenience of needing to carry your phone in the flimsy basic case that the controller comes with. Come to think if it, the Razer Kishi requires you to remove your phone's case in order to fit your phone in it. Seems like Razer has a grudge against phone cases.

[@jhsounds]

Does it connect via xinput?

[@smkcocatriz]

How? I can play muphen n64 without problems but not dolphin, the keys Does not work in game. Just act like movile functions... Back, enter etc. Can not. Move game

[@TechnoclasticBlogspots]

Does it work on NVIDIA SHIELD TV

[@shakemiz]

It's bluetooth so it should work with every android device.

[@javierd3655]

compatible with motorola edge?

[@AAWinnerMichaelCaine]

Can anyone confirm if this works with the Steam Link phone app for playing your PC game library?

[@arathemas3347]

It works with Samsung s20?

[@georgemakris545]

Does this mobile controller fits to xiaomi mi A3

[@NostalgicLink]

Ugh, when will designers learn that the right analog stick should never be above the face buttons? I thought that terrible, "look, we're different" layout died with the WiiU. Can't claw with it this way! Blasphemy!

[@ae6594]

Can you get audio out of the usb-c?

[@luisgonzalez1637]

Please make this compatible with the iPhone 8 Plus

[@RBzee112]

Jake!

[@pandaboyplays2533]

Can these work on a Gs10+ ????

[@sefisredtv8991]

No note 10 plus? Bummer.

[@soragranda]

You could search for a 3d print version of the case.

[@omarguerrero6417]

It makes your phone look like a wii u gamepad

[@andrewworkman9488]

I really want to get the razer phone rather than switch lol but hopefully It plays the pc and console games.

[@carpettunnel8837]

Meh just use a PS3 or 4 controller and a $5 clip from eBay. No point in carrying around a crappy physical controller.

[@Greidaon]

too bulky to carry around and use in some places (say, a bus, for instance)

[@carpettunnel8837]

walter conley On a bus you are likely limited on horizontal spaces if you are sitting next to someone. Having the controller below the phone as opposed to on the sides will make it lower profile.

[@Greidaon]

@@carpettunnel8837 Says anyone who played a GBA/DS/3DS/PSP/Vita... never.

[@norlo44]

Ask Jake to have a haircut😊 but good to see him

[@EliSantana]

The balls on Razer to charge 100 bucks for this

[@Greidaon]

Yeah. Bought it, along with the Razer Phone 2. Figured since the phone was half off, another 100$ isn't so bad.

[@EliSantana]

@@Greidaon Alright Bill Gates

[@Greidaon]

@@EliSantana dude I saved up all year. Plus the Junglecat came out the exact day I was talking about just such a thing existed. So chill. But for real, that did sound kind of like bragging, didn't it? My bad. :)

[@EliSantana]

@@Greidaon I didn't take it as bragging, I took it as foolish to overspend when there are less expensive and arguably superior options out there.

[@mvaledon10]

Is too over price!

[@RafidW9]

Seems pretty lame.

[@iElectryXi]

what a shitty product just double the money and get a switch lite

[@XSpImmaLion]

Oh, hey Jake! Nice to finally see ya! o/ If anyone is interested in something like this for your phone, or just don't want to pay the Razer price, go into Aliexpress and search for either Saitake 7007 or iPega 9087S. These brands have several different models if you are looking for a different format too. I have both, they cost me around 27 and 20 bucks respectively, you charge them with microUSB instead of USB-C and it's Bluetooth 4 instead of 5 (perhaps latency is worse, not sure if Bluetooth 5 is better on stuff like latency). I think they work both for Android and PC, not sure about iOS, but I wouldn't bet on it even if the ads say it does. They are clamp style gamepads, you just plop the smartphone in the middle and that's it. Oh, do note that different models will support phones of different sizes... my 5.5" OnePlus 3 fits in both, but if you have a smartphone with very big screen you should check if it really fits. I think one of them can even take a 7" tablet. It also won't get wobbly like this one because both sides are connected to each other. But the buttons are on a better position (XBox 360 scheme, so more similar to the Switch configuration), and it's a regular D-pad instead of that weird one with a cavity in the middle. The analog sticks (both clicky) are also similar to the ones one the Switch, buttons a bit bigger than the ones on the Switch, but still smaller than an XBox 360 gamepad for instance. They both connect as standard X input... I don't think they have apps specific to them, but a generic X input gamepad remapping app should do the job for touchscreen remapping. All in all, they are pretty well made... no complaints so far. Then again, I don't play lots of games on my smartphone that require a gamepad anyways, so I can't really make a full review... will probably make more use of them on the year end trip to relatives. xD

[@gterry180]

Funktioniert das mit stadia?

[@debasht]

rooted ja. -> google xda enable stadia. aber ein gaming pc im haus mit parsec ist besser