Razer Wolverine V2 overview: A premium wired PC controller

Greatest Costs Immediately: Razer Wolverine V2

Razer is understood for keyboards and mice, which stay the first arsenal of most PC avid gamers. Nevertheless, it additionally produces a line of premium, competition-ready sport controllers. The Wolverine V2 is on the market in a number of flavors, together with the PS5-optimized Professional and the colourful Chroma version. The bottom mannequin Wolverine we’ve been testing gives many of the premium Razer options for half as a lot as these gamepads. Nonetheless, at $100, the Wolverine V2 is costlier than Microsoft’s Collection X controller or the Sony DualSense, and it’s not even wi-fi. Add-ons just like the mechanical buttons and adjustable triggers assist to justify the value, however you actually need to look ahead to a sale on this one.

Razer Wolverine V2 design and construct high quality

Razer doesn’t do something outlandish with the fundamental design of its controller. It’s recognizable as an Xbox/PC controller with asymmetrical thumbsticks and customary ABXY button cluster. Nevertheless, upon nearer inspection, you’ll discover a couple of uncommon points. For instance, there are two additional buttons on the highest edge, which you’ll be able to program to do no matter you need. And what’s this subsequent to them? Switches to alter the set off journey distance, much like the triggers on Microsoft’s Elite Collection 2 gamepad. Nevertheless, Razer solely gives quick and lengthy choices, whereas Microsoft’s costlier controller has three set off settings.

The USB-A cable is non-removable and connects to the highest of the controller. It’s fairly lengthy at just below 10 toes (3 meters). In the event you’re going to be caught with one cable, USB-A might be nonetheless the way in which to go, however in a couple of years, you may find yourself needing a USB-C adapter.

Ryan Whitwam / Foundry

Maybe the strangest design selection is the location of the choice and menu buttons, that are method up on the high of the face. You get all the opposite Xbox buttons of their regular association, together with the share button that debuted with the Collection X/S. There’s additionally a button beneath share that, when utilized in live performance with the d-pad, allows you to management the sport and chat quantity for wired headphones. You’ll be able to plug these in with the three.5mm jack on the underside fringe of the Wolverine V2.

The general form of the controller could be very hand-friendly, with L-shaped grips lined in textured soft-touch plastic. A strip of Razer inexperienced separates the grips from the face of the gamepad, however there aren’t any glowing lights like with the DualSense or the Chroma Wolverine V2. This controller has Razer’s customized “Mecha-Tactile” buttons for the ABXY cluster in addition to the d-pad. They make somewhat extra noise than different buttons, however the faster response might enchantment to many avid gamers.

Razer Wolverine V2 options and hands-on expertise

Because the Wolverine V2 lacks wi-fi connectivity, all you must do to get began is plug within the USB cable. The Wolverine has a barely wider footprint than Microsoft’s customary controller, however the Razer gamepad can be lighter due to the shortage of an inside battery. The thumbsticks are clean, quiet, and have the correct amount of resistance. They’ve the identical rubberized really feel because the grips, however they aren’t replaceable just like the Xbox Elite controller or Razer’s costlier Wolverine variants.

We are able to’t say sufficient good issues in regards to the controller’s Mecha-Tactile buttons. Different sport controllers use membranes beneath the buttons, however Razer’s buttons are extra just like the switches on a mechanical keyboard. They’ve very quick journey (0.65mm) for a fast response, and the audible click on and tactility make them very satisfying to press. They click on on the press and return, they usually’ll make that noise for a lot of 1000’s of presses. The noise is value it as which means they’ll even have the identical glorious tactility even after uncountable hours of gaming. Membrane buttons are generally loud at first, however then get softer because the controller is damaged in.

In the event you’re taking part in a shooter, the adjustable triggers will likely be a godsend. The switches on the again are simple to make use of and out of the way in which, so that you don’t by chance snag them whereas taking part in. With the set off journey restricted, you’ll have the ability to press a lot quicker and with much less motion. Not solely is that this good for fast-paced gameplay, however it’s additionally simpler on the joints.

Ryan Whitwam / Foundry

Razer Wolverine V2 compatibility

The Razer Wolverine V2 is an formally licensed Xbox accent, so it’s detected as an Xbox controller on each Home windows and the Xbox. You’ll be able to take screenshots with the share button and open the Xbox information display or Home windows sport bar with the Xbox button. There’s no Bluetooth, so the Wolverine gained’t be helpful to cell avid gamers. We examined with a USB-C adapter and had been unable to get the Wolverine engaged on an Android telephone. 

Configuring the additional buttons requires a Razer Controller Setup app, which is on the market for each Home windows and Xbox. The app is a bit clunky—it forces a full-screen Trendy UI interface on Home windows—however it solely takes a couple of clicks to alter the button mapping.

Is the Razer Wolverine V2 value it?

The Razer Wolverine V2 has a couple of issues going for it. For one, the mechanical buttons really feel nice and will stay simply as exact after years of use. Perhaps it’s simply affirmation bias, however our in-game efficiency was higher with the Wolverine than with the inventory Xbox controller. The adjustable triggers and remappable buttons are additionally helpful extras that we’ve seen on way more costly gamepads.

Then again, the Wolverine V2 lacks Bluetooth connectivity, and the USB-A cable is non-removable. The $100 MSRP can be robust to justify when the usual Xbox controller is $60 or much less on sale and has Bluetooth. Regardless of that, we actually like the way in which this controller feels within the hand, due to the decrease weight, clicky buttons, and adjustable triggers.

Most individuals on the lookout for a brand new Xbox-style controller ought to look elsewhere—most avid gamers worth wi-fi connectivity greater than mechanical buttons or the Razer model title. That mentioned, there’s nothing improper with the Wolverine V2 if you need a wired controller for PC or console use. $100 is an excessive amount of, however fortunately, it does go on sale comparatively usually. If you may get the Wolverine for nearer to $70, it’s a strong buy.