Razer Kishi Ultra Review: The New (costly) KING of Mobile Gaming

[@retrohandhelds]

What's *your* favorite telescopic controller, and is the Ultra one you're interested in?

[@switch2gaming4free8]

The Razer v2 pro. Now this one. But I'm enjoying my gamedeck controller for the Switch and it actually works well with my razer Edge 5g. But I really want this ultra. Gonna make my Razer 5G Ultra lol 😆

[@retrohandhelds]

@switch2gaming4free8 ah that's awesome! Heard good things. Good luck on your controller quest!

[@switch2gaming4free8]

@@retrohandhelds Thank you. I'll give you an update once I get it and share my thoughts

[@ItsJustHenriHeck]

Ain't mad at it at all, I appreciate Razer taking this market seriously in continuing to try and innovate and put out a better product.

[@Plslogoff]

I’m mad he did straighten the razer edge out so it looked aesthetically pleasing

[@Omnichan-v]

Does kishi ultra allow you to remap buttons for touchscreen games that don’t support controller (like games or x2)? That’s the real reason to buy a specific controller for me. Ty

[@TuPhonez4Free]

I own the razar Edge 5g. So i cant wait to grab this now. I been using lately the bacbone one PlayStation edition

[@JungYiHung]

Tried it in the nearest Razer store, personally I'm really attempting to get one, simply because it's the only option that fits my need for an USB-C telescope controller (phone case support, full size control layout, passthrough charging, extra remappable button, touch screen mapping, no subscription needed) with some neat extra features. The other options I'm also interested in is ROG Tessen controller, unfortunately I can not find one yet in the nearest Asus store so can't really tell if it also fits my needs...

[@retrohandhelds]

Yeah its all up to your needs and preferences. For some its worth that cosy. I used the Tessen a few months ago at CES and it's pretty neat, worked with my case on, and fit my Fold Phone well. It also collapsed in half which is a nice feature. I want to get one soon!

[@milesharris249]

Just get the g8 for 80$ Is the phone case support really worth the extra 70$? The g8 literally has everything else you listed. Plus the kishi ultra has no hall effect 😬

[@JungYiHung]

@@milesharris249 for me, no phone case support is the deal breaker, no matter how cheap the controller is. For the lack of hall effect stick, if the Razer one have the same quality as the one Steam Deck uses, then it's hardly a problem for me.

[@JungYiHung]

@@retrohandhelds well, I pulled the trigger and got one 4 days age, and now I'm returning it. The reason why I return it is the 3.5 mm audio output has an issue which will output noisy electronic sound after a long time of using (about 20 minutes). The staff in the Razer store were also surprised by this weird issue and cannot find one unit which is free from this problem, so they willingly refund my purchase. Pretty good product, but not all the features were working properly unfortunately : (

[@retrohandhelds]

@JungYiHung ah sorry to hear this! Yeah the 3.5 on my unit just wouldn't output sound at all, the one glaring issue with this device.

[@KyleRuggles]

Not bad at all! It's a bit loud though. My main worry is it being black, will it start to show a shine after a while? Like how our middle keyboard button gets shiny after a while on some keyboards. That price though... ouch! Does it also have bluetooth? Cuz it should at that price! Being able to use it with other handhelds, wirelessly... That BSP D8 looks pretty darn sweet for the price! Great review! Happy birthday, dude! Almost 40 now!

[@TakisEnjoyer]

It's crazy how loud a lot of modern controllers are. I feel like we're going in a completely wrong direction...

[@KyleRuggles]

@@TakisEnjoyer Agreed!

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah man, that's a great point. This type of plastic I don't *think* will have shine over time, but i'll have to report back later on this. No Bluetooth, i'd look at a GameSir or BSP for that. Also check out the upcoming D8 Pro, hyped for it! Also thanks for the bday wishes man, one more year until my pre-scheduled mid-life crisis!

[@Home-Grown]

I just bought the Gamesir g8 galileo and for £80 it beats most stretchy controllers.

[@JV-tk9yn]

Totally agree!

[@thomasdelore6973]

@@JV-tk9yn same

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

I got the Gamesir X4, it fits my S24U with the case on, and has a xbox controller mode for cod mobile

[@kraw610]

@@JohnSmith-ef8nr What case do you have?

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

@@kraw610 Spigen Enzo aramid

[@mattdavis9601]

Yesterday, as I learned from last night's RH Podcast, was Earth Day. "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" is one of the credos of the environmental movement. I'm saving the planet by pairing my obsolete Androids with a telescopic controller to reuse as a handheld retro gaming system instead of using a top end gaming PC to accomplish the same task. No need to thank me; even though I've done more to save the planet than the combined efforts of Al Gore, Miss. Greta, and Mr. Ban. On a serious note; there's a lot of crossover between retro handheld enthusiasts and people who do retro emulation on phones + tablets. Thank you for continuing to cover phone + tablet controllers on this channel. As someone who wants a nice-ish Android handheld and currently does a lot of retro emulation on his Android phone and tablet in the meantime, I appreciate the balance of coverage this channel strikes. This Kishi Ultra is a bit too rich for my blood; but, it's undeniably cool. I'm always interested in learning more about this sort of thing because even if I can't afford it now I know that it'll get a price cut for the holidays, and the fancy parts that make it special will eventually trickle down to the more affordable Kishi III or IV if they prove to be good. To answer the question posed in the pinned comment: my favorite telescopic controller is the GameSir X2 Pro. I could give you a bunch of reasons why it's my favorite; but, fundamentally it's my favorite because I own it and it works as good today as it did two years ago. It predates GameSir's initiative to put Hall Effect sticks in everything; but, the ALPS 3D sticks in it have been perfect so far. I don't know how many people watch to the end; but, I did. What's the difference between a subway and a Subway? One goes choo-choo while the other makes you chew-chew!

[@retrohandhelds]

Thanks Matt! Appreciate this feedback, 11/10 as always! Ah very cool to hear a preference for the X2 Pro. I liked the Xbox version, although one of my sticks got stuck for some reason. You're a real one for watching to the end also, that's a callback joke to my Razer Edge review where I tied in Subway (the food brand), they had some marketing that made people think it was subway sponsored, and at the time really made us LOL, to the point of being the focus of our RH 2023 April Fools day gag.

[@AishTalksTech]

that last part got me lol

[@mattdavis9601]

@@retrohandhelds - Thanks for the channel lore. I wasn't here yet when that happened, so the explanation made the joke in this video even funnier. Even just as random humor it worked well.

[@retrohandhelds]

@@mattdavis9601 Well then perfect the Edge video is worth a watch if you get bored. I go into a Subway for some reason. I'm sure most were a little confused watching it. The lengths I used to go when I found something hilarious...even if only to myself. Now I just drop subtle things in.

[@mattdavis9601]

@@retrohandhelds - To quote President Harry Truman, "If you can't beat 'em, confuse them!" Thanks for the recommendation. I'm the type of person who would likely appreciate the absurdity.

[@neilparker7477]

G8 for me all day

[@Danielmountford_]

I got the GameSir g8 and it’s really great for £80. Although there’s this slight dead zone thing on Warzone that takes some getting used to. Does this have that or work exactly like an elite 2 controller for example?

[@AshB911]

Thanks for the review looks great. Can you tell me if Tilt control is available in Asphalt9 when this is connected or is Joytick/D-Pad the only option?

[@TheScripflipNetwork]

I have a kishi and an additional one with 3d printed grips. Pretty nifty

[@WheeledHamster]

That Sugar Cube is $350? What were they high on sugar cube when they came up with that price?

[@57GnG79]

I wanted to love the g8 but with no y axis only invert option it's dead in the water for me. Gonna try the kishi

[@marsmawzy]

What do you mean no y axis?

[@57GnG79]

@@marsmawzy I play inverted y axis (up is down, down is up) but in the g8 software you can only invert both x and y at the same time. I can't play left is right, right is left.

[@SnIpErX07]

I am thinking of picking this up. My area do not have the other brands like Gamesir or the models always I see been mentioned. Will be using more like a game stream device rather than playing native game apps I am thinking to pair this with the Mini 6. Though I see you mentioned about haptics, just curious, Steam Link games do provide haptics with Bluetooth Controllers(DS5). Does this have haptics for steam link with this Kishi Ultra?

[@TheFritzy1234]

How are the sticks compared to the Ganesir G8? I'm debating between the two and thats my biggest concern as i hate the small sticks on everything else for shooters.

[@retrohandhelds]

Sticks are large on both, while I love the Kishi Ultra sticks as far as accuracy, size and feel, technically, I'd have to give it to the G8 for the hall effect

[@TheFritzy1234]

@@retrohandhelds is that for accuracy or just the longevity due to no stick drift?

[@Lasglamil]

Got myself a Kishi V1 (new) for 37euros, happy with it :) I like the how it is way more compact compared to V2 and this new one.

[@Vending_Mecha]

The standard should be usb on the left side than the right. For the foldable users. Y'all can just rotate your screen, we got to deal with the wacky poor choice of usb placement

[@retrohandhelds]

I will happily sign this petition!

[@crcka]

Some games and emulators for android phones support only default landscape (with usb connector on right side)

[@LuisPerez-5]

For $150 you might as well go buy an actual handheld.

[@retrohandhelds]

Yeah absolutely valid point

[@ab85main73]

Facts

[@m.d.f3797]

Which handheld?

[@deighty80]

@@m.d.f3797 razer edge on sale for 299. Steamdeck, rog ally. Gamesir g8 is the better alternative to this

[@Denzki]

@@m.d.f3797 anbernic

[@moereefer]

I got the razor Kishi V2 XBOX edition and it for iPhone in white. I like it but some games don’t work?? Also all these New Controllers I believe if interested wait because Xbox has New one coming out for around 150$$.

[@XPISigmaArt]

Was kinda hoping it would support my S24 Ultra with the case, but I'll have to hold on to my MG-X! Thanks for this review!

[@retrohandhelds]

Of course! It may work if you take out the insert flaps, depending on the size. Thanks for watching 🙂

[@XPISigmaArt]

@@retrohandhelds ughhhh I guess I'm not out of the woods yet! Thanks!

[@XPISigmaArt]

@Cre8Peace It can fit 7 inches wide :) Just measured. The triggers are really firm but it's a pretty cool controller.

[@adamthurmond9092]

I own both an iPad mini 6 and the 12.9 iPad Pro. I see that the Gamesir G8/Shadowblade 2 can be modded to fit those, so with that and the cheaper price point it seems like a no-brainer at first. That said, has anyone extensively gamed on a 12.9” iPad with the G8? Is it really practical or does the sheer weight of the iPad make it more of a novelty? The new iPads coming after May 7th could be lighter but not sure yet by how much or if I’d upgrade. The iPad mini 6 and my iPhone 15 Pro Max are probably what I’ll game with the most, and I’m leaning towards spending the extra cash on the Ultra to have it working out of the box with those with no modding. Thoughts on which way I should go?

[@ItsGenn]

Hey, do you have any experiences with controllers that fit the 15 Pro Max with a case? I use the Apple silicone case and, apparently, the 2nd gen Backbone should be compatible but I haven’t been able to find any confirmation.

[@kamoflawedhawg535]

@@ItsGenn 2nd gen BB fits 15ProMax with Apple silicone case easily 👍🏾

[@zayanahmed6915]

No doubt. Razer Kishi is a massive W. It'd be my top pick for an Android gaming controller. Great content guys ♥️

[@JamesDioquino-br5ch]

Is it possible for them to add haptics support for ios devices on future firmware updates?

[@Nawaf-po1zt]

Is there a space to put a magnetic cooler after putting this controller ?

[@DelScully]

If they can get haptics to work for ios its deffs worth the money.. a good haptic custom controller these days is about the same price, like an xbox elite or dual sense edge. Do you think they will add haptics to IOS or is a thing where it will never happen?

[@veenlo]

I'd be interested if this fitted the iPad air

[@substance90]

How's the right hand cramping on this one? My Gamesir G8's right thumb stick is super uncomfortable to me and I don't even have big hands.

[@mrmack3176]

You could just get a gamesir g8 you can even mod the thumsticks and use kontrol freaks on those and expened it as well

[@retrohandhelds]

That's a great combo!

[@wdcox720]

How about one that will fit on my samsung tab s9 plus?

[@MrZakuRetro]

my razer kishi v1 die the last week 3 years of gaming i repaired like four time. but is dead now sadly not in the position to buy a joystick and used market in argentina is nearly 0.

[@jimmiepnguyen389]

Does it eat the battery while off?

[@cho-v4n]

Ooh fancy. Kishis are good times. Thanks stubbs, you're the man 🙂

[@Zaimulwaie]

Not being compatible with some cases or providing adapters that can accommodate them is just a deal breaker for me. I have a massage uag military looking case for my s24 ultra

[@Home-Grown]

Urban Armour Gear for all my devices bro, so I understand.

[@zevil89]

It doesnt make sense that you can fold the bridge all the way to turn it into a regular controller. The price would be okay if it can be a regular PC controller

[@quadzilla3326]

Happy Birthday Awesome review $150 is crazy for a controller but Razer has it's "Loyal" fans

[@retrohandhelds]

Thanks Quad sir!

[@셜루-e4h]

Does vibrations work in iOS? Mine doesn’t work even in steam link 😢

[@ghostghostbusters789]

The only reason I would pick the Ultra is if I used a larger device. Other than that, for $150, it feels like its missing a lot for a company focused on gaming peripherals and software. I ended up ordering a G8. After having owned the Kishi V1 and V2, I can appreciate Razers efforts to keep innovating. But I think they may have missed the mark slightly

[@youssefhashem6286]

Does the Razer Kishi Ultra touch screen come with Game Pass services

[@retrohandhelds]

It works with game pass, but not sure what you mean by touch screen 🤔 The kishi Edge tablet I show here has a touch screen and does work with game pass on screen controls as well

[@youssefhashem6286]

@@retrohandhelds ا Sorry, I wasn't paying attention and I wrote it wrong. I meant, is it possible to use the video controller with the Xbox Game Pass service through the phone?

[@diego_ortega522]

I’ve looking for a gaming controller for my iPhone 15 pro max. I used to have the kishi V1 and it was great I just can’t use anymore with the new type C charger. I’m really loving the kishi ultra over the rest of options but I really think that $150 it’s a big downside. But if it work for my tablet y may be worth it, I have a Samsung tab A9 but idk how many inches… anyway if you someone has a recommendation for a better option or think I should get the kishi ultra pls let me know. Btw great vid bro

[@retrohandhelds]

Hey thanks Diego! Yeah this should fit the A9 ok, appears to be within the size limit. This will also work with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, I don't expect the haptics will work (might be a future update to fix this since it works on Android).

[@diego_ortega522]

@@retrohandhelds thank you so much man, great video btw

[@diego_ortega522]

@@retrohandheldsI do hope they update the haptics thing, because is a great plus and it kinda helps to justify the price

[@diego_ortega522]

@@retrohandhelds hey man i just wanted to let you know i got my kishi ultra today as a birhtday gift. it feels incredible and so premium and it works great wiht my 15 pro max so far. only downside for me is tht it did not work for my tablet since is a lil too big, prob like 1 or 2 inches. still im so happy whit it

[@piercewiederecht5135]

Stubbs!! Props on Grimvalor! It’s a legit good Metroidvania.

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah agreed!! It's one of my favorites

[@Bakakuroicat]

Is this thing only not support haptic or not support vibration on ios too?

[@retrohandhelds]

I could not get haptics to work on iOS at all in my testing (might be fixed in a future software update though)

[@Bakakuroicat]

@@retrohandhelds Thank you for answer. Now i will keeping my G8 😅

[@retrohandhelds]

@@Bakakuroicat For sure

[@Cloud28693]

Hey Stubbs, does that usb port make video output possible with smartphone able to do it?

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah that's a good use case to test! I'll have to try

[@Cloud28693]

@@retrohandhelds Let us know :)

[@XOCailleach161XO]

Razer themselves have said it's not a data port, it just has pass through charging.. I guess connecting it to a pc is an exception, but I really doubt we're getting a proper usb data pass through to the phone

[@retrohandhelds]

@@Cloud28693 Ok checked, It does not do video output, just charging and pc controller functioning

[@retrohandhelds]

@@XOCailleach161XO You are correct!

[@LilGrimey5Star]

I have an iPad Pro and Galaxy Tab that are both 10.5 inches. I wish this would fit those 2 because if it did then I would’ve bought it. When I first saw this I came to look up videos and here I am. I was expecting it to be specially made for Tablets but sadly that’s not the case.

[@retrohandhelds]

Yeah GameSir or BSP is what you'll want to look at there. Some great options!

[@ivan-j4l9x]

I over extended the gamesir g2 pro to fit my 14.6 inch tablet

[@JamesWebster1975]

Does it fit an iPhone 15 Pro Max in the Peak Design Mobile Everyday Case?

[@retrohandhelds]

It should, at worst you have to take out the insert flaps like i did for my fold phone

[@DarktrekOfficial]

I have the GameSir. Should I sell it and upgrade to the Razer?

[@thomasdelore6973]

No

[@DarktrekOfficial]

@@thomasdelore6973 Too late, I already did 😂😅

[@ICESTAR771]

Will the xiaomi 14 ultra work with it?

[@juanitotrollen1343]

For honor mágic 5 pro??

[@alastor8780]

phone controllers costing almost as much as a console is a bit much for me

[@MiggateNoGodku]

consoles do not cost $149

[@crystal_is_cozy]

It looks so pretty! But that price, though. 😢

[@retrohandhelds]

Yeah spendy but premium 😅

[@jimmymac2292]

Would love to see razer invest more in their app. It's lacking tons of supported games and is kind of buggy at times

[@KogaV1SK]

Are the haptic the same as a ps5 controler

[@retrohandhelds]

It is close to that kind of haptics, the most nuanced I've felt in these mobile controllers so far

[@KogaV1SK]

@@retrohandhelds oh cool ty I might have to try this want it fps and racing games 😁

[@vezzolieric]

@@KogaV1SK Haptics guy form Razer here. Same type of actuators, so yes. HD haptics.

[@zip3704]

I loved the v2, but the nintendo switch joy sticks were limiting, this is calling me.

[@MsOniHime]

If it can stretch to 11 inch tablet, I will get it.

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah not this one, about 8.3" is max (enough for Y700).

[@JV-tk9yn]

This is the BEST review on the Kishi Ultra! Thank you. And that being said, I just bought the G8 last week and I am almost completely satisfied with it especially for the $60 price point new. Can't be beat...yet. I do think my biggest gripe besides PS Remote not working with the G8 on my Note 9 (my N20U which runs android 13 works GREAT tho) is the color scheme. RedMagic has a clone of the G8 and it looks so sexy. Unfortunately they want wayyy too much money for theirs. Hoping some buttons and plate replacements will come out soon for the G8 🤞If I ever see the Kishi Ultra for $80 I'd be more than happy to snag it up but until then I'll be ballin on my Gamesir!

[@ydgmdlu]

Gamesir will be releasing the G8++ in a month or two. It will be Bluetooth only, but it will have a different color scheme, swappable face buttons, vibration motors, and can stretch up to 215mm natively to support nine-inch tablets. No idea on it price yet, but probably in the $80-100 range.

[@marsmawzy]

You’re happy with your g8????

[@piposor3122]

Bonjour avez vous la mesure maximum en cm svp ?

[@WeAsOneRiseGaming]

Just play War Zone 3 Force now and you will have controller support

[@jinn5113]

Why do they make the clicking buttons so loud, it sounds so cheap 😢

[@GreaseCrease]

Bro 2 words; gamevice flex. The greatest controller I’ve ever used and you can use any phone case with it. Cheaper than this too

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah I need to try this one, thanks for the tip!

[@diego_ortega522]

Does it work for the iPhone 15 pro max??

[@ydgmdlu]

@@retrohandhelds the Gamevice Flex hasn't been available for sale (except used on like eBay) for months so the OP's comment is really useless.

[@hourglass8450]

great, new controller to buy again XD

[@enginethatcould5257]

Best for tablets 11 inch or higher is Gamesir G8 Best for android phones is Kishi Ultra

[@AishTalksTech]

The FOMO is real! great video Stubbs

[@retrohandhelds]

Thanks man 🫡

[@cherandissanayake9530]

This King is still backbone one Gen 2....

[@NeoSpartan117]

Great video, controller seems Great but needs to be half the price. 😅

[@TwerpZ]

I just hate the compatibility with Android, doesn't work with games that tend to only work with Bluetooth big name controllers like PS5 and Xbox. I just want that low latency dream of a docked controller. The virtual touch software could be a little better to be honest. Theres a third party software that did it a little better with more features that I forgot the name of

[@STR82DVD]

$199 CAD. Bloody outrageous price point.

[@KiillahX]

worth it

[@STR82DVD]

@@KiillahX No way, no how is that controller worth $200 Canadian when the Gamesir G8 sells for $89 bucks CAD. Zero chance young lad.

[@KiillahX]

@@STR82DVD hated G8. Used for a week and returned it. Kishi is awesome. Finger fatigue is still a deal but it’s fine

[@jasonbendickson7491]

Needs a micro SD card slot...

[@KyleRuggles]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 And a kitchen sink too!

[@retrohandhelds]

*Someone* will make one with this, I like the idea!

[@BacklogDrifter]

$150?Just get a Gamesir G8.

[@Xarai]

WHYYYYY are you using analog on 2d games like megaman?????

[@GameTechTalk]

That certainly was an "heavenly" review of the Kishi Ultra! Oh and "thanks" for this healthy dose of FOMO I guess?

[@retrohandhelds]

Thanks Klef, YOU are heavenly, thanks for letting me use your face

[@ImUrZaddy]

Ain’t no way that’s worth 150 boss

[@retrohandhelds]

Yeah, if you're interested in it, wait for a sale or try used, 150 is a big ask 🫣

[@CJCox-xb8hi]

Is genshin impact compatible?

[@digitizer3627]

Ipega are the best and can handle 12 plus inch tablets.. enough said.

[@retrohandhelds]

LOVE iPega's stuff. The 9023S is still my favorite from them.

[@digitizer3627]

@@retrohandhelds mine is the 9083s❤️

[@gregorybolivar5712]

Look up... Lenovo Legion Y700 2023.... Best Android Gaming Tablet 8.8 inch screen... Snapdragon 8 gen 1 🙃🧐🤓

[@retrohandhelds]

@gregorybolivar5712 I have one. It's pretty awesome so far!!

[@gregorybolivar5712]

@@retrohandhelds Indeed... It's the only tablet rocking Dual Usb-C's... On the long and short sides... 4 speaker... I was looking at this other brand on Amazon called... Headwolf, Model: FPad5 ... Rocking the Helio G99 CPU... 8.4 inch screen... 16gb ram / 128gb internal storage + micro-Sd Card slot... Front /Back cameras + led flashlight but only has two on one of the short side... But it looks like a good contender...for emulation gaming...

[@tenderronii]

@@gregorybolivar5712 so if the y700 is 8.8 would the samsung tab a7 work? it's 8.7 inches

[@qlnzky]

169€ in germany. Not nice...

[@zu_perler3011]

Ooooh!

[@retrohandhelds]

this guy is making sense!

[@cyzouv7952]

It cost 200$

[@jakesmith5278]

Dpad is garbage. Any fighting gamers can tell just by looks and sound.

[@retrohandhelds]

Yeah, and I'm no fighting game expert, but the pivot feels good and I'm able to make precise movements.

[@busterhoodstar6598]

We have so many handheld devices that play AAA titles. I don't see why anyone would want to waste their time with mobile gaming.

[@Danielmountford_]

Because like some maybe like me, I own a 15 pro max phone and want to utilise how powerful it is gaming when not at a PC on holiday / travelling etc