Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL Review: Make iPad to the largest game handheld

Price when reviewed

£ 199.99

Best prices today: Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL

Razer Kishi V2 is cool, but it’s a shame that it doesn’t fit an iPad. A short time later, Razer Kishi Introduced Ultra, who already fits an iPad Mini, and I thought for myself, “Ah, Razer can read my mind!” (I know it doesn’t work like that ._

But now Razer has revealed the next generation of Kishi controllers, and somehow it seems that Razer … mocking me? “Well, a controller for 13-inch iPads? Are you happy now? Have you had enough now? Have you?” Yes, I know it still doesn’t work like that, but the new controller with the lavish name “Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL” feels like that. And yes, now I’ve had enough. But more is not possible.

Eugen Wegmann

In many respects, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is a direct update of last year’s Kishi Ultra, although the name “Ultra” actually sounds like more than “Pro.” In fact, it’s the other way around. Designed, execution, click buttons and many basic features are almost identical. Therefore, I will concentrate on the differences below. For everything else, read my review of Razer Kishi Ultra.

The elephant in the room is of course the size of the Kishi V3 Pro XL, although there is also a Kishi V3 and a Kishi V3 Pro. Kishi XL (I am shortened it as such from now on) is so large that it does not fit an iPhone – even the iPhone 16 Pro Max is too small – and not even the iPad Mini.

Since it has a USB-C port, it is also not compatible with older iPads with a lightning gate. However, it works with newer iPhones via cable, but this solution is not very elegant. Kishi XL is a pure tablet controller. However, there is room for a full 13-inch iPad, ie. an iPad Air or an iPad Pro, between the two controller half. This makes these two iPads in combination with Kishi XL by far the biggest game handheld on the market.

For comparison: The largest handheld, currently available, Lenovo Legion GO S, has a screen diagonal of 8.8 inches (about 22 cm). With Nitro Blaze 11, Acer has a handheld with a screen diagonal of just under 11 inches (about 28 centimeters) up the sleeve, but this is not yet on the market. The large version of iPad Air and iPad Pro, on the other hand, has a screen diagonal of 13 inches or about 33 centimeters.

Even if the size of the iPad cannot be compared directly to the handhelds above as it has a different aspect relationship, the iPad is simply excellent in this handheld format.

Eugen Wegmann

Apart from the size, there are two other remarkable differences from Kishi Ultra. Kishi XL not only has two additional buttons next to the usual shoulder buttons or triggers (L4, R4), but also a button on the back of each grip that you press with your middle or ring finger (M1, M2). Like L4 and R4, these two buttons can also be awarded as desired in the Razer Nexus app.

Eugen Wegmann

An advantage of Kishi V3 Pro XL: Both analog sticks can be exchanged. Two additional sticks are included: one concave one with a longer shaft and a convex, as known from older PlayStation DualShock controllers (up to DualShock 3). Although both standard sticks can be replaced, only one of the alternative sticks is included. If you want to fit two convex sticks, buy another separately.

Compared to Kishi Ultra, Kishi XL lacks a feature: The two RGB strips on the sides. Whether this is relevant depends on personal taste. I noticed it only when I looked at the pictures in my old test. I’m not a big fan of RGB gimmicks anyway.

Another thing that is not possible with the Kishi V3 Pro XL is to use it as an iPad stand. IPads that fit into the device are simply too high for everything to be stable. In the case of Kishi Ultra in combination with the iPad Mini, this was probably more of a happy coincidence than a well thought out feature. Incidentally, the cover image shows the setup that leans against a wall. Alternatively, the Kishi V3 Pro XL can also be placed “on the head” – slightly angled, which can work for example for drawing.

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Ergonomically, the Kishi V3 Pro XL has already reached its limits; It is unlikely to be bigger. Although a 13-inch iPad fits inside, it brings the setup dangerously close to the limits of comfort. The large screen requires a certain distance from the face, which with a total weight of about 900 grams (Kishi XL and 13-inch iPad Pro) becomes noticeable in the long term, not only in the hands but also in the shoulders. Tablets that are larger than 13 inches are still rare, so the natural limit is probably reached here.

Probably the biggest disadvantage of the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is the price: It’s $ 199.95/£ 199.95 for the (admittedly excellent designed) controller. If you use one of the larger iPads for games and are looking for a high quality, integrated solution, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is an excellent choice.