I, like a lot of you, have used the bog-standard Xbox Wi-fi Controller for a lot of moons. And I, like a lot of you, have realised that it is virtually good so far as $50 value of controller-based enjoyable goes.
Nonetheless, there is a wealth of controller choices obtainable lately, from the very low cost and really cheerful to the extremely premium. And whereas the Xbox Wi-fi stays the gold normal for the worth proposition it supplies, it is now acquired some critical competitors when you begin elevating the price range. The Razer Wolverine V3 Professional is simply such a competitor, a wi-fi, luxurious gadget with its eyes firmly set on the very best controller spot.
Our reviewer Kizito Katawonga gave it a rating of 92%, a very spectacular outcome for any piece of {hardware}. By our scoring system, which means it is an impressive product worthy of any gamer’s rig. And I am happy to say, after spending many hours with one myself—I could not agree extra.
Let’s begin with the unhealthy: It is $200. That is some huge cash for a controller, particularly when the Xbox Elite Collection 2 prices $180. Microsoft’s excessive finish gadget has lengthy reigned supreme as the highest premium choose in our greatest PC controller information, and releasing a controller for $20 extra was a daring transfer on Razer’s half.
The factor is although, it feels each inch of it. I am a sucker for an excellent mechanism, and the Razer is totally lined in them. The triggers have a swishy, sculpted “sweep” that takes a bit of getting used to, however the spring motion beneath is easy and responsive. Two little switches on the again will be engaged with a clunk, sending a spring-based shiver via the body and locking them right into a clicky button mode with a cushioned, but distinctly constructive motion.
The shoulder buttons really feel equally nice. However the actual award right here has to go to the mecha-tactile face buttons, a time period so ridiculous it made our Nick apoplectic with rage within the {hardware} workforce chat when he seen it within the advertising and marketing copy.
Foolish title apart, I can report that they are each squishy but clicky in an immensely pleasing approach. Nonetheless, whereas I used to be fortunately squeezing triggers and clicking buttons straight from the field, I truthfully did not assume I might discover the Razer beneath gaming duress. In any case, whenever you’re deep in fight your mind is engaged on so many various issues without delay, sensation turns into an afterthought.
Not with the Wolverine V3 Professional although. I discover myself grinning like an fool each time I begin gaming with it, and that is at all times an excellent signal when testing a peripheral.
It is all of the resistance you see, from these glorious face buttons, to the Corridor impact thumbsticks, to the triggers. There is a sense of weight to virtually the whole lot the Razer does, and that little bit of additional really feel actually does make gaming with this controller a pleasing, hand-tingly delight.
A lot so, each time I’m going again to the Xbox Wi-fi controller, I miss it. That is such an odd factor to kind, however it’s true. It’s kind of just like the distinction between a cheap-but-fantastic quick meals burger, and a kind of trendy joints that masses you up with pickles, cheese, and sharp onions. Each are nice, however should you had the choice you’d go for the latter, would not you?
So none of this actually modifications my opinion of the usual Xbox Wi-fi controller general. It is nonetheless a superb gaming gadget, and for $50 you will not discover any higher. I’ve owned three of them, and I nonetheless use them repeatedly for native co-op classes with my accomplice.
However because the arrival of the Razer, if it is solo gaming time, that is the controller I’m going to with out pondering twice. It is my private choose for the very best piece of {hardware} I’ve utilized in 2024, and given simply how a lot nice equipment I’ve used this yr, that is saying one thing. Effectively performed, Razer. You’ve got ruined different controllers for me, and now I am locked in to utilizing premium gadgets till my dying days.