The Kishi Ultra is designed to be a mobile gamepad that turns your smartphone or small tablet into a handheld device. The input device should be treated like a “controller”. Razer can't do it without RGB LEDs either.
The prerequisite for using the gamepad-style Kishi Ultra is a smartphone with a USB-C port. Android models up to a maximum size of 8 inches are supported. In the Apple world, only the iPhone 15 series raises questions, and it is currently the only Apple smartphone with a USB-C port. The 6th generation iPad Mini is also compatible. In addition, the controller can also be used on a computer with a USB-C cable.
The maximum devices that can be used are 208.9mm long and 12.32mm thick including the camera. The mobile phone case can still be used, although Razer can't guarantee universal compatibility – what fits depends on the model. The Kishi Ultra is powered by a smartphone, but the pass-through port allows it to be charged simultaneously with a maximum of 15W of charging power, so that the controller and smartphone can theoretically be used indefinitely.
Lots of ordinary things become features
The board's features are based on top-tier gaming boards. Below the ABXY buttons are small mouse-shaped buttons, which are meant to suggest faster reactions. However, Razer also emphasizes the obvious things: the 8-way trackpad as well as the analogue triggers and joysticks, such as the 3.5mm audio connection, are simply the basic equipment of the gamepad. This is how the Kishi Ultra differs from the semi-top dog Backbone, which is also offered with a Lightning connector, among other things.
Only the additional bumper switches and RGB lighting, which are mandatory for Razer, go beyond standard equipment. Stronger and more detailed feedback effects are also promised in Windows 11 and Android starting with version 12, referred to as “Sensa HD Haptics.”
Additionally, the thumbsticks' dead zone, button mapping, and force feedback intensity can be adjusted via the software. Since the Kishi Ultra does not have any built-in memory, it must be active in the background for the changes to take effect; The Razer Nexus app saves your settings.
Touch screen simulation
Razer offers a virtual controller mode so that games that don't support the controller can be played using the pad. In this, touch screen inputs can be placed on the Kishi's controls.
The Kishi Ultra should be available now in stores and at the Razer Store for around €170.
