Razer’s new $199.99 Kishi V3 Pro XL can accommodate a 13-inch iPad or Android tablet that uses a USB-C connector.
The ability to fit a huge tablet is the key feature of the Kishi V3 Pro XL specifically, but it shares other gen-to-gen improvements with the smaller, cheaper Kishi V3 options in the lineup: the $99.99 V3 and $149.99 V3 Pro.
The V3 Pro and V3 Pro XL support haptics, but only on Android, or when connected to a computer via USB-C cable (not included).
The moment the Kishi V3 Pro XL clicked with me was when I launched Razer’s somewhat-new PC Remote Play experience.
The GameSir G8 Plus is a cheaper option at $79.99, and can stretch to fit an iPad Mini or the original Nintendo Switch, but it can’t fit a full-sized iPad like the Kishi V3 Pro XL can.
No longer is the iPad Mini the largest tablet that can be placed inside a mobile gaming controller (without breaking it too much). A 13-inch iPad or Android tablet with a USB-C connector can fit on Razer’s new $199.99 Kishi V3 Pro XL. At the very least, it is comparable to Razer’s 2013 Edge.
The Kishi V3 Pro XL easily accommodates my 10-point 9-inch iPad Air, and it’s a treat to be able to play on such a large screen. Furthermore, its speakers are excellent for gaming, so how could it not be?
The Kishi V3 Pro XL’s primary feature is its capacity to accommodate a large tablet, but it also shares other generation-to-generation enhancements with the lineup’s smaller, less expensive Kishi V3 models, the $99.99 V3 and the $149.99 V3 Pro. As I played games with the XL, it became evident to me that Razer’s own Wolverine V3 Pro Xbox controller—our choice for the greatest substitute for the Xbox Elite Series 2—was the inspiration for the Kishi V3’s design.
The Kishi V3 controllers all have full-size TMR joysticks (with replaceable caps), which register inputs using magnets rather than physical contacts and are therefore resistant to stick drift. To keep them secure in your hands, the controller grips are more noticeable and have an etched texture. Along with a new second pair around the back of the grips, the Kishi V3 Pro XL has the same two programmable macro buttons near the triggers as previous Kishi models. Only when using Android or a USB-C cable (not included) to connect to a computer do the V3 Pro and V3 Pro XL support haptics.
GeForce Now was a lot of fun to test on the Steam Deck, so I wanted to use the Kishi V3 Pro XL to test it on the larger screen of an iPad. Although it’s not Razer’s fault, it’s more challenging to get GeForce Now to work on an iPad because of Apple’s App Store policies, which mandate that streaming experiences must be accessed through a browser rather than their own proprietary apps.
Except for the tiny black bars on the left and right sides of the screen when in landscape mode, the game window nearly perfectly matched the iPad’s aspect ratio once I got it operating. If the aspect ratio of your tablet is 16:9, this won’t be a problem. The visual quality on the iPad Air was lower than on the Steam Deck OLED, even with my fast internet speeds. This may be due to the iPad’s considerably larger screen and much higher resolution, which make it much simpler to spot visual artifacts during cloud streaming. Nevertheless, I was able to execute parries in Expedition 33: Clair Obscur because my latency felt adequate.
I was immediately drawn to the Kishi V3 Pro XL when I started using Razer’s relatively new PC Remote Play feature. If you’re comfortable installing Razer apps on your device, you’ll need Razer Cortex, which enables you to play games on your PC and stream them to your handheld. It works incredibly well. By utilizing the iPad’s full screen resolution, Cortex creates an amazing feed. Because of its similar interface, Steam’s Link app is also a convenient choice for users who are used to using a Steam Deck.
When my iPad Air is in place, the Kishi V3 Pro XL setup weighs approximately 1 pound, which is slightly heavier than the new Xbox ROG Ally handheld and more than a fourth of a pound heavier than the Steam Deck OLED. To itch my shoulder, it’s a bit too heavy to hold comfortably with one hand, even for a brief period of time. I thought this would be the case, but if your tablet is even larger than mine, it’s something to keep in mind. If you’re hunkered down on the couch, it’s still a comfortable two-handed experience.
There is less direct competition for the Kishi V3Pro XL than for the other models in the Kishi V3 lineup. The $169.99 Pro controller from Backbone makes no effort to accommodate gadgets bigger than a phone. However, in contrast to the Kishi V3 series, it can be used when a phone isn’t attached to it as a stand-alone Bluetooth controller for your other devices, including tablets. Although the GameSir G8 Plus is less expensive at $79–$99 and can be stretched to fit an iPad Mini or the original Nintendo Switch, it is unable to accommodate a full-sized iPad, unlike the Kishi V3 Pro XL.
The price of $199 isn’t my favorite, but there is a market that has been clamoring for something similar to the Kishi V3 Pro XL and is likely to pay for it. It’s a fantastic way to use your tablet as a gaming console, emphasizing its speakers and screen. As for me, I’m excited to use my iPad Air for more enjoyable activities rather than just as a Ms. Rachel device for our one-year-old (no offense intended).
