Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL – USB-C gaming controller for full-size tablets – iPad and Android tablets up to 13″ – Plug-and-Play – Analog sticks with Anti-drift, Black:
Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL Gaming Controller for iPad & Android Tablets up to 13″: Full Sized TMR Thumbsticks – Dual Back Buttons – Wired & Remote Play for PC – HD Haptics – 6 Free Months of Apple Arcade:
Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL – Recently, with the extremely strong growth of the mobile gaming market, it seems that more and more AAA titles are being given the “green light” to be brought to tablets and smartphones, such as KRAFTON with Palworld, CAPCOM bringing many Resident Evil titles to Apple devices, and Ubisoft’s plan to bring more titles to iPad and macOS.
However, with the design primarily focused on controllers, games brought to touch screens offer a somewhat less complete experience as developers have to compromise between gameplay and control style, resulting in an incomplete gaming experience compared to consoles or PCs.
Therefore, Razer introduces Kishi as a solution to address the problem of mobile gaming. Instead of using separate controllers or on-screen controllers, Kishi clips directly onto the device like a handheld gaming console for a more complete gaming experience.
Looking back at the “third upgrade” of the Kishi product line, Razer has launched three different size versions: Kishi V3, Kishi V3 Pro, and Kishi V3 Pro XL, each designed for a specific device segment.
With the top-of-the-line model in hand, can the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL meet the needs of gamers using medium and large-sized tablets for on-the-go gaming, and what upgrades will it offer compared to its already excellent predecessor, the Kishi Ultra?
Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL – The perfect choice for tablet gaming experience
If you’re familiar with the Kishi “phone clamp” gamepad, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL upgrade looks almost identical to the Kishi Ultra released over a year ago, although it’s been “scaled up” and focuses on a series of small improvements to make the mobile gaming experience even better.
Right on the box, Razer seems to focus solely on product design, with a highlight on the “Made for iPad” certification and support for various Android tablets.
The back of the box provides more detailed information about the controller’s features, including a Claw Grip bumper, two M1-M2 buttons, wired and remote PC connectivity, and replacement thumbgrips.
At first glance, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL has a “full-form” design similar to traditional controllers, with large buttons, a joystick with a wide range of movement, a pair of triggers with deep actuation, and remapping buttons like those found on high-end controllers.
With a frame nearly twice as long as its predecessors, the Kishi Ultra and Kishi V3 Pro, the XL version supports clamping almost all popular tablets on the market today, such as the iPad (10.9-inch), iPad Air, and iPad Pro (11, 12.9, and 13-inch versions), as well as Android tablets with screen sizes from 10 to 13 inches.
Thanks to this, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is equipped with three different pairs of spacers for various tablet models to provide the best possible grip and experience.
With the iPad Pro M1 (11-inch), the pre-installed spacers make clamping easy and secure, with a small gap left on the back for efficient heat dissipation and to minimize slippage after extended use.
When first connecting the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL to an iPad, users will be encouraged to install the Razer Nexus app to customize the controller (through button remap settings) and connect games across various platforms such as Apple Arcade, Steam Link, and GeForce Now.
Upon first handling, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL offers a relatively “premium” feel with its distinctive matte plastic material and ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hand without requiring excessive grip, allowing for easy activation of the distant buttons.
The Kishi Ultra series presents an experience which allows users to control R1-R2 and L1-L2 triggers through two finger methods while using R4-L4 buttons but also provides a back button which users can easily activate through their ring finger. The Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL delivers maximum comfort during gameplay because its D-pad uses “clicky” mechanical buttons which provide fast access and its TMR inductive joysticks offer precise control through their extended range of motion which exceeds the performance of standard magnetic hall-effect controllers that are available in the market.
The Kishi V3 Pro series provides two thumbstick options as replacement parts which include a tall thumbstick for precision control in games and a round thumbstick for rapid reflex gameplay. The Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL provides superior gaming performance on Apple Arcade mobile games through its instant response system and exact control functions which create an authentic tactile experience. The Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL transforms the tablet into an enhanced handheld gaming console which offers complete control through its combination with the tablet’s sizable display for AAA games such as Resident Evil Village and Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
The tablet device now functions as a handheld gaming console which users can play like Steam Deck while makers designed it for convenient gaming during lengthy sessions. The new controller design together with its ergonomic features creates an experience which makes handheld gaming more immersive for users who play console games through PPSSPP on Grand Theft Auto.
The Razer Sensa HD Haptics haptic feedback system presents authentic gaming experiences through its precise trigger detection and its ability to produce different vibration patterns on supported devices which include tablets that operate Android 12 and above and iOS and iPadOS 14.0 games and PC connections.
The Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL maintains its USB-C charging port which delivers 15W of power while providing a complete gaming experience through its 3.5mm headphone jack despite the fact that all design elements have been relocated to one side of the controller instead of maintaining the two bottom edges which the Ultra model used.
The Kishi Ultra acts as an ideal “all-in-one” controller solution while the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL enables better gaming performance on larger tablets through its extra buttons and remapping functions and upgraded joystick sensor and replaceable thumbsticks.
The controller presents dedicated functions for big tablets but this design constraint restricts its usability with various devices while the expensive product requires users to think about their options before they decide to buy it.
Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.
