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It took far too long for Xbox to allow other companies to create their own wireless Xbox controllers, but we're finally seeing the dam break over the last year or so. Now, ASUS is joining the party with its latest Raikiri controller, and it's a multi-platform monster with some hardcore specs.
The ASUS ROG Raikiri II is now available for $189.99 at BestBuy.com, making it another premium wireless Xbox controller to compete with the best from Xbox and Razer. It boasts anti-drift Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) thumbsticks, two-stage triggers, plenty of extra buttons, RGB lighting, and multi-device wireless connectivity.
ASUS designed this controller alongside the new Xbox Ally handheld, so it also features dedicated Armoury Crate and Command Center buttons for ultimate compatibility. Of course, the ROG Raikiri II also works flawlessly with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and Bluetooth-connected devices.
Could this be the ultimate wireless Xbox controller?
Could the ASUS ROG Raikiri II end up being the new best Xbox controller money can buy? The potential may be there, but ASUS has some stiff competition — especially from the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro we praised in our 4.5/5-star review.
• Controls: TMR thumbsticks, dual-mode triggers, micro-switch face buttons, four rear buttons, dedicated Xbox, Share, Armoury Crate, & Command Center buttons
• Features: RGB lighting, included case & charging stand, up to 50 hours battery life, up to 1,000Hz polling rate (PC), swappable thumbsticks, 3.5mm audio jack, ASUS Gear Link software support
• Connectivity: Wireless via ASUS SuperNova 2.4GHz (Xbox & Windows 11) & Bluetooth, wired via USB Type-C
• Weight: 345g (0.76lbs) w/ cable
On paper, the ROG Raikiri II goes blow-for-blow with the Wolverine V3 Pro. The retail price is $10 lower, but you get more advanced TMR thumbsticks (instead of Hall Effect), Bluetooth connectivity, more RGB lighting, a wireless charging stand in the box, and dedicated Armoury Crate/Command Center shortcuts for superior PC integration.
All you're seemingly giving up is the Wolverine V3 Pro's lower weight and two additional claw grip bumper buttons. As long as the ROG Raikiri II can deliver on performance, ergonomics, and reliability, it could absolutely surpass the Wolverine V3 Pro.
The ROG Raikiri II will be especially tempting for Xbox Ally owners. The matching design cues aside, having dedicated Armoury Crate and Command Center buttons is a huge boon for the Xbox Ally when docked, allowing you to more easily change device settings on the fly than is possible with other controllers.
For me, though, whether the ROG Raikiri II will actually succeed in becoming the best wireless Xbox controller depends on two things: wireless stability and battery life. Razer's flagship controller has some known connectivity issues on Xbox and PC, and its rated battery life of around 20 hours is woefully low.
ASUS claims up to 50 hours of battery life with the ROG Raikiri II; that may be with RGB lighting and rumble feedback disabled, but the initial promise is still far better than Razer's. Fortunately, Windows Central is looking to get this controller in for review, so stay tuned for our in-depth analysis on this premium peripheral.
If you'd prefer not to wait, the ASUS ROG Raikiri II wireless controller is now available for $189.99 at BestBuy.com.
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