Smartphones have gone through a lot of changes to become what they are today. Back when they were first making waves, smartphones could only run simplistic games like Angry Birds, Temple Run, and even the infamous Flappy Bird.
Over time, the devices grew to become worthy of being a mobile gaming device that allows people to play video games as complex as MOBAs like Vainglory and Mobile Legends, and even AAA-level games like Diablo Immortal.
Mobile games' in-game controls are weird to use, to say the least, so companies eventually made a third-party accessory that turns a smartphone into a Nintendo Switch clone. This accessory is dubbed a "detachable controller," with Gamevice being the first decent gadget of its like.
Razer followed the trend and came up with its version of Gamevice, resulting in the creation of Junglecat. However, Razer's first detachable controller could only support a handful of devices.
Then comes the Razer Kishi and its improved version, which we'll be the topic of our discussion.
Razer Kishi Mobile Gaming Grip V2 Details
Razer mentioned in its announcement that its improved Kishi mobile gaming grip, the Kishi V2, comes with improvements inspired by the company's Wolverine console controllers, such as tactile microswitch controls that are said to bring "industry-leading enhancements to handheld gaming hardware."
The Kishi V2 also has a share button that functions much like Sony's DualShock and DualSense controller's Share button, which allows gamers to quickly capture photos or record video clips for followers and friends to watch and see.
Razer's improved detachable controller also comes with dual multifunction buttons and the ability to launch Razer's new Nexus app with a button push.
The Nexus app functions as a hub app for gaming on the Kishi V2, much like Valve's Steam, according to 9to5Google. It does so by pulling together games from services like Xbox Game Pass, GeForce Now, and locally installed games from the device and putting them into a single app for a gamer to select at their convenience.
The app also allows for immediate access to YouTube and Facebook's streaming capabilities for streaming purposes. However, CNET mentioned in its review of the app that it is not that great at managing games and that it only works with games already installed on a phone.
Razer's 99.99 app is free to download.
The detachable controller's structural design has also received improvements in the form of a simplified bridge that provides a "stable feel" and universal smartphone compatibility. This feature allows the Kishi V2 to be used on any Samsung and Google Pixel device.
Razer also added an improved grip that feels comfortable when held thanks to its highly portable form-factor. This improvement brings "greater accessibility and an improved user experience to every mobile gamer."
The Kishi V2 allows for passthrough charging since it needs to plug into a smartphone's USB-C port to function, but charging a smartphone while using the controller will lead to a loss of support for audio and fast charging.
Razer Kishi V2 Price And Availability
The Razer Kishi Mobile Gaming Grip V2 is already available for Android phones at Razer.com and authorized retailers for $99.99. For the device to be properly used, an Android device must have Android 9.0 Pie or later installed.
iOS users will have to wait until this Fall to get a chance to own Kishi's improved version.
