The
and the
have arrived in the world, and that means that the next generation of third-party peripherals is also starting to materialise to go with Microsoft's new consoles.
The Razer Wolverine V2 is a revamped version of the peripheral company's popular Xbox gamepad, and it arrived at Stealth Optional HQ recently. It's a wired controller, which immediately sets it apart from Microsoft's official
. And that's far from the only difference!
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Table of Contents
Check out the Wolverine V2's official product page!
Keep on reading for our full review of the Razer Wolverine V2...
Design - Score 97
If you were disappointed that the new Xbox Wireless Controller, which came with the Xbox Series X/S consoles, was pretty much identical to its Xbox One predecessor, Razer may have a solution for you here.
The Wolverine V2 certainly feels next-gen, and it has enough little flourishes to make it look snazzy and new: the green line running around the sides and the uniquely textured grip around the handle-bits, for example, combine to make this controller noticeably different to the official option.
It certainly feels next-gen
Design is subjective, of course, but most of the choices that Razer has made here work pretty well in my opinion. Having a traditional D-pad instead of a circular one is another neat differentiation from the official controller, the buttons have a great glossy look, and the subtly-hidden locks on the back give you the option to jam the triggers halfway down (without becoming an eyesore which pulls your focus).
The only design decision that doesn't seem quite perfect, to me, is the positioning of the 'menu' button and the 'change view' button. Perhaps my thumbs are too far gone in terms of Xbox indoctrination, but I keep reaching for the middle of the gamepad (when these buttons, on Razer's controller, are actually slightly off-centre). Talk about first-world problems, though. Other than that, there really is very little to quibble about here.
Performance - Score 97
Again, when it comes to performance, it's pretty darn hard to find any major flaws to complain about with the Razer Wolverine V2 controller for Xbox Series X/S.
Setting it up couldn't have been easier: you literally just plug the USB into the front of your snazzy new console (a
in my case) and it starts working in seconds. And within minutes, you'll have noticed that everything feels just right.
everything feels just right
The D-pad and the buttons both have that satisfying click to them. The sticks have just the right amount of heft. The grip feels sturdy in your palms. And the triggers feel great - whether you've got them locked at halfway or not. I'd say the weight is spot-on, as well, with the Wolverine V2 sitting very nicely in the hand. The cable is nice and long, too, so you don't need to worry about sitting like a metre away from the screen.
I've been using the Wolverine V2 for a couple of weeks now, and I'd say I like it pretty much the same as the official Xbox Wireless Controller. And since one is wired and the other is wireless, I'd say there's room in my life for both. Again, the only thing that does annoy me a tiny bit is the menu button - it's just not where my thumb wants it to be!
Price - Score 85
Retailing for £100 GBP or $100 USD (exchange rates be damned), there's no denying that the Razer Wolverine VR controller for Xbox Series X/S is a little on the pricey side, but there are certainly controllers out there that would ask even more of your bank balance.
With that in mind, it's fair to say that the Wolverine V2 offers pretty good value for money, especially if your tastes and desires intersect with what it can offer.
That is to say, if you're looking for a wired Xbox controller that still has that 'pro' feel, this is a very solid option to consider. We'll definitely keep using it long after this review is published.
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Check out the Wolverine V2's official product page!
Our Score
Pros
- Instantaneous set-up
- Pixel-perfect performance
- Snazzy design
Cons
- A little pricey
- Menu button is off centre
- Some players might prefer the round D-pad of the official controller
All things considered, the Wolverine V2 is well worth investing in. If it will suit your particular needs and tastes, and if it's in your price range, there's really nothing major to fault it for. It'll be one of our go-to controllers for the foreseeable future.
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Check out the Wolverine V2's official product page!
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