Razer’s console controller line has expanded with its first wireless model for Xbox, and it is simply one of the best Wolverine controller but. The V3 Pro retains the core options present in earlier Wolverine controllers–clicky mecha-tactile buttons, 4 again triggers, and two further bumpers–while making just a few impactful adjustments that resolve the much less-than-stellar points of PS5’s V2 Pro and the V2 Chroma for Xbox. The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is available now at Amazon for $200–$50 lower than the V2 Pro, and solely $50 greater than 2021’s wired V2 Chroma. For those who’re available in the market for a wi-fi Xbox or PC controller and are keen to spend this a lot, the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is really distinctive. Razer has additionally launched a wired-solely V3 Event Version for $100.
Wolverine V3 Pro is the newest Xbox Elite Sequence 2 challenger
The Wolverine V3 Pro is the newest controller to make the most of Xbox’s latest choice to open its wi-fi protocol to 3rd-celebration producers. On the finish of the day, each professional-type controller for Xbox in the end competes with Xbox’s Elite Sequence 2 controller, which has been the gold normal within the premium controller marketplace for years. Every of its major rivals to date have excelled in their very own methods, with the Victrix Pro BFG providing a singular modular design and the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra sporting essentially the most sturdy inner customization options. The Wolverine V3 Pro is an all-round success that surpasses its third-celebration rivals and stands toe-to-toe with the Elite Sequence 2.
Wolverine V3 Pro’s most impactful adjustments
Naturally, the largest floor-degree change with the V3 Pro is its wi-fi connection. Razer has launched a number of Wolverine controllers for Xbox through the years, all of which have been restricted to a wired connection. The producer usually talked about latency as a purpose why wired was higher for a professional-type type controller, however it additionally wasn’t in a position to make one because of Microsoft’s in-home wi-fi protocols. Wireless connections have come a good distance lately, and whereas wired controllers nonetheless technically supply the quickest response instances, applied sciences reminiscent of Razer’s HyperSpeed wi-fi make latency with an excellent wi-fi controller, synced with an excellent protocol, nearly inconceivable to note.
Razer utilized its HyperSpeed wi-fi reference to the V2 Pro, a PS5 and PC controller, and the V3 Pro communicates the identical manner with the two.4GHz USB dongle. I examined the controller for over 30 hours the previous couple of weeks and did not discover any enter latency. However for discerning gamers who take competitors severely, you may nonetheless use a wired reference to the braided 10-foot USB-C cable. On PC, there is a devoted function for wired play known as Event Mode. As soon as enabled, the V3 Pro has a 1000Hz polling price. I did not discover a efficiency distinction, however possibly you’ll. Regardless, in the event you’re used to wi-fi controllers on Xbox, you will not be disenchanted with the wi-fi connection right here. I maxed out at round 20 hours of battery life on a full cost.
The dearth of a wi-fi connection has at all times been the largest draw back with Razer’s Xbox controllers, however the V3 Pro additionally addresses just a few different vital points. Although Corridor Impact analog sticks are shortly changing into a routine function in professional-type and even finances controllers, that is the primary Wolverine controller to utilize the expertise that forestalls analog stick drift. Sticks that activate by way of Corridor Impact sensors aren’t the identical high quality from controller to controller; the V3 Pro’s light-weight sticks have the smoothest vary of movement I’ve tried. They’ve simply the correct amount of resistance for exact actions. It is probably not a good comparability for the reason that expertise is totally different, however the distinction between these sticks and people of the Wolverine V2 Pro is kind of noticeable.
It is not a brand new function, however you may swap out the default sticks with two different kinds: one taller stick that is usually used for first-individual shooters and a dome stick. It could’ve been good to get two dome sticks, however it solely comes with considered one of every.
My longstanding criticism with the Wolverine line has been the again triggers. Merely put, they by no means made sense. Up till now, Razer organized the 4 triggers in two columns near the middle of the controller, forcing many gamers like myself to tweak their grip to relaxation our fingers on the triggers. Razer has lastly ditched that design, fully retooling the form and site of the 4 again triggers to observe normal conventions. The 4 constructed-in triggers are formed like paddles and curve throughout the handles. This design mixed with a superb type issue and textured handles–it’s similar to the V2 Chroma in form and chassis feel–makes holding the V3 Pro for hours a persistently snug expertise.
When Razer launched the V2 Pro for PS5, I used to be fairly stunned it did not include a hardshell carrying case, particularly because it was the priciest formally licensed PS5 controller at $250. Fortunately, the Wolverine V3 Pro does include a hardshell carrying case with a formfitting recess for the controller, comfortable compartments for the additional sticks and dongle, and a mesh pocket for the USB-C cable.
The return of the microswitch king
Microswitch inputs would possibly quickly turn out to be a development. Turtle Seashore featured them in its Stealth Extremely, and PowerA used them in its upcoming OPS V3 Pro–the prolific producer’s greatest and most premium PC controller. But when microswitches over membranes turns into a development, Razer could be the pioneer of that shift.
The Wolverine V3 Pro retains Razer’s “mecha-tactile” face buttons, D-pad, and bumpers–RB and LB in addition to the small M1 and M2 bonus bumpers subsequent to them. They really feel nice and supply a speediness you will not discover in controllers with conventional buttons. I do know some individuals who cannot stand the mouse-click on sound of those buttons, however in the event you take pleasure in them, it may very well be laborious to return to membrane inputs. Razer’s microswitches are nonetheless one of the best I’ve utilized in a controller. An extended historical past creating a number of the greatest gaming mice actually provides Razer an edge with this expertise.
Although I actually benefit from the eight-manner D-pad, which has a “unfastened” really feel to it–Razer calls it a “floating D-pad”–it does take a while getting used to. And in contrast to many different professional-type controllers, you may’t swap the D-pad for a special type. This is without doubt one of the areas the place the Elite Sequence 2 nonetheless wins. The 2 further analog sticks are the one swappable parts, so bodily customization may be very restricted with the Wolverine V3 Pro. It does have constructed-in set off locks, although with solely two pull settings, full or instantaneous (basically turns RT and LT into bumpers).
Many of the customization is completed contained in the Razer Controller App for Home windows and Xbox. The software program suite has a simple-to-navigate interface and allows you to make tweaks to quite a lot of settings, together with stick sensitivity, haptics energy, and RGB lighting results for the Razer brand. That is additionally the place you remap the six further buttons and create customized profiles that may be cycled by way of on the fly with the controller’s multi-operate settings button.
The underside line
The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is a aggressive controller that is tough to knock in any space. The Elite Sequence 2 has extra bodily customization choices, Bluetooth help, higher battery life, and stays unequalled relating to normal feel–there’s simply one thing concerning the weightiness of the Elite Sequence 2 that makes it laborious to beat. That mentioned, the V3 Pro has superior analog sticks, buttons, remappable rear triggers, and comparable software program customization options.
In comparison with earlier Wolverine Xbox controllers, it is actually no contest. The V3 Pro is vastly superior to the V2 Chroma and V2 Pro. Even in order for you a wired controller, it is best to most likely go for the Razer Wolverine V3 Event Version. We did not check this different new mannequin, however it has the identical normal design with a wired-solely connection for $100. The V3 Event Version is suitable with Xbox and PC, too.
$200 | For Xbox and PC
- 2.4GHz Wireless on Xbox and PC
- Wired Event Mode with 1000Hz polling price on PC
- 4 remappable again triggers
- Two remappable claw bumpers
- Swappable Corridor Impact analog sticks (Two further kinds)
- Mecha-tactile face buttons and D-pad
- Hardshell carrying case
- 10-foot braided USB-C charging cable
Disclosure: Razer supplied GameSpot with a pattern unit for testing.