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For a long time, Xbox didn’t let other companies make wireless controllers for their consoles, but that’s recently started to change. Now, ASUS is entering the market with its Raikiri controller, a powerful device that works on multiple platforms and boasts impressive features.
The ASUS ROG Raikiri II is now available for $189.99 at BestBuy.com. This high-end wireless controller rivals top options from Xbox and Razer, offering features like durable, drift-free thumbsticks, responsive two-stage triggers, customizable buttons, vibrant RGB lighting, and the ability to connect to multiple devices wirelessly.
ASUS created this controller at the same time as the new Xbox Ally handheld, and it includes special buttons for easy access to Armoury Crate and Command Center. It’s also fully compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PCs, and devices connected via Bluetooth.
Could this be the ultimate wireless Xbox controller?
As a researcher, I’m currently evaluating whether the ASUS ROG Raikiri II could become the top Xbox controller on the market. It definitely has potential, but it faces strong competition, particularly from the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, which we previously rated very highly in a 4.5 out of 5-star review.
The ROG Raikiri II and the Wolverine V3 Pro are very comparable. The Raikiri II costs $10 less and offers several upgrades, including more sophisticated thumbsticks, Bluetooth, extra RGB lighting, a wireless charging stand included in the package, and better PC connectivity through dedicated software shortcuts.
The main differences between the ROG Raikiri II and the Wolverine V3 Pro seem to be a slightly heavier weight and the absence of two extra buttons on the grip. If the Raikiri II performs well, feels comfortable, and is built to last, it has the potential to be a better option overall.
The ROG Raikiri II is particularly appealing for those with an Xbox Ally. Beyond its similar look, the controller features dedicated Armoury Crate and Command Center buttons, which are incredibly useful when the Ally is docked. These buttons make it much easier to quickly adjust settings compared to using other controllers.
Whether the ROG Raikiri II truly becomes the top wireless Xbox controller hinges on how well it stays connected and how long its battery lasts. Razer’s current high-end controller has had some trouble with consistent connections on Xbox and PC, and its battery only lasts about 20 hours, which isn’t very long.
ASUS says the ROG Raikiri II can last up to 50 hours on a single charge, though that number likely depends on turning off features like RGB lighting and vibration. Even so, that’s a significantly longer battery life than what Razer offers. We at Windows Central are getting our hands on this high-end controller soon, so check back for our detailed review.
If you don’t want to wait, you can buy the ASUS ROG Raikiri II wireless controller now for $189.99 at BestBuy.com.
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2025-12-11 01:41