The pandemic made us learn some new things about ourselves. First of all, being cooped up in the house isn't torture as long as there are video games. The second is that consoles are now good enough that we don't need to use consoles to enjoy video games.
Because of the pandemic we like to take 10-30 minutes a day during lunch time to play games on our phones. The first COD Mobile is the choice because it does not require a long time and the action of the game is fast. To gain an advantage, we got used to using the DualShock4 as a COD Mobile controller. But the downside is that the battery needs to be charged frequently within a day.
Then we were given the Razer Kishi V2 as an alternative and are happy to be informed that it solves the above issues and brings some of its own advantages.
Design
The design of the Kishi V2 is much different than the original Kishi. The device fastening system on the back is replaced with a spring-loaded caliper system that squeezes the device between the right and left controls. We like this design because the device feels secure and tight when inside the Kishi V2. In this position, devices regardless of size can be used very comfortably.
We understand the original version used a strap that allowed the Kishi to be stored in a more compact size. But we have no issue with the new design of the Kishi V2 because we have no desire to keep it in a bag. For those who want to carry the game controller everywhere, this new design is less friendly to store in a bag because the springy plastic part used may break if bumped.
We tried using the Kishi V2 with the smaller Samsung Galaxy S22 device before also trying it with the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold4. Although all three devices differ in size and weight, we had no major issues when matching them with the Kishi V2.
There are several replaceable rubber feet on the USB-C connection side of the device. With different levels of thickness, a wide variety of devices can be attached to the Kishi V2 without the issue of it being too loose. The version we reviewed only supports USB-C devices but it also comes for iPhones with Lightning head connections.
The underside of the surface of the Kishi V2 is slightly rough to provide a non-slip grip when playing. Although our hands are sometimes sweaty, this surface works well, the only issue is that it gets dirty after use. This is a normal issue on all game controllers and not limited to the Kishi V2.
A USB-C charging port is also placed on the right side along with an air chamber for the device's speakers. A little disappointingly this USB-C port doesn't support any kind of fast charging that the device used with the Kishi V2 might support. Also missing is a 3.5mm audio jack for wired accessory connections. This could possibly be included on the Kishi V3 one day.
Remote control
The dashboard button configuration on the Kishi V2 is similar to a Nintendo Switch. Definitely intentional because the Switch is the mobile console in the world right now. On the left side there is an analog button control and an eight-way D-Pad button. Also included on the left side is a menu button and a screenshot button.
Moving to the right side of the buttons there are four buttons (X, Y, A, B) at the top and an analog control button at the bottom. Next there is a button to launch the Razer Nexus application and another menu button.
This is the first time a dedicated button to launch the Razer Nexus has been included on the Kishi. Through it the user can perform different settings for each device, and access the hub for each device that has been installed on the phone.
There are six new buttons. The standard R1, R2, L1, L2 buttons are paired with the new M1 and M2 buttons. With more control buttons the game will be better because fingers don't have to touch the screen.
In terms of usage the experience of using the Kishi V2 is similar to using the PlayStation 4's DualShock4 controller without haptic feedback support only. All the buttons feel firm when pressed because of the mechanical type and the analog sticks are responsive.
You can feel the difference in quality on the Kishi V2 buttons with OEM controllers that are sold cheaper online. Every button detected is also responsive with no issues it first fails to read the commands given.
Constraints
So far we have only written positive things about the Kishi V2 but there are actually a few shortcomings that need to be touched upon. First of all it cannot be used on all devices installed. COD Mobile and Genshin Impact are not supported.
Why it is not supported is a mystery to us. There are third party applications such as Mantis GamesPad Pro that can be used to support these two games but the steps to be taken are a bit tedious.
Through the Razer Nexus application that we mentioned a few paragraphs above, there is a list of officially supported titles such as Sonic The Hedgehog, Diablo Immortal, Final Fantasy 7, Knights of The Old Republic, Bully : Anniversary Edition and also the popular PlayStation player ePSXe.
In the box
Here is what is received in the box with purchase.
1x Razer Kishi V2
1x Install additional rubber pads.
1x Manual.
Conclusion
At a price of RM569, the Razer Kishi V2 is very expensive for just a gaming controller for an Android device. PS4, PS5, and Xbox bluetooth controllers are cheaper in comparison.
But if you want the first gaming controller on a mobile device that doesn't require a battery and provides the closest experience to a console controller, there aren't many other options better than the Kishi V2. As the saying goes, if you want quality you have to spend a little more than usual.
Pro
The quality of the dashboard buttons and analog stick is quite good due to the mechanical switches.
Solid design with support for various phones of different sizes.
Does not require batteries to function.
Nice Razer Nexus software.
Quick shortcut options for streaming and built-in screenshots.
Cons
Expensive price.
Does not support all popular apps on Play Store.
USB-C does not support fast charging.
The design is not as compact as the Kishi V1.