As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours on both Xbox consoles and PC, I find myself drawn to both the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro and the Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2). Each controller offers unique features that cater to different gaming preferences.
In this fierce contest, we have two heavyweights: the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro and Microsoft’s top-tier Xbox Elite Controller Series 2. For those seeking a high-end premium experience, these are currently the only contenders worth considering, regardless of whether you’re gaming on a PC or an Xbox console.
The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro stands out as one of the initial third-party controllers that offers true wireless functionality for Xbox consoles. Previously, Microsoft held a significant control over wireless controller choices on their platform, but they’ve recently started loosening up on these restrictions.
The race for building a superior mousetrap is heating up as numerous manufacturers prepare to enter the fray, and among them, Razer stands out as the clear frontrunner due to its extensive background in creating top-tier accessories. From their Razer Blackshark V2 Pro headset designed for Xbox gaming to the Razer Kishi Ultra for Xbox Cloud Gaming, Razer has established itself as a leader in many categories, even hinting at challenging Xbox’s controller supremacy. Could the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro be the ultimate Xbox controller ever made? Let’s delve into it to find out.
Let’s delve deeper into the key aspects that make these controllers stand out and help you decide between them. If you’re short on time, glance at the TL;DR section for a quick summary. However, for comprehensive information, I encourage you to explore each section where we compare Razer’s strengths against Xbox in certain areas, and vice versa, focusing on aspects that align with your preferences.
As always, if you have any questions, hit the comments too.
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro vs. Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2): TL;DR summary
As a researcher, here’s my straightforward take on the matter: If you’re seeking to make a choice between two top-notch controllers without delving into intricate details, I’ve got you covered. Both controllers are exceptional, but there are subtle differences that could influence your decision. It’s wise to be aware of these distinctions before making your pick.
- The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro controller arguably feels better in the hand, with a lighter weight, superior ergonomics, and mouse-click activation inputs that just feel incredibly satisfying.
- The Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) has far better battery life. Coupled with its bundled battery dock, you practically never need to worry about battery life on your Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2), which rocks up to 40+ hours on a single charge. The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro by comparison will need to be manually plugged in multiple times throughout the week, if you’re a heavy gamer, with roughly 15~ hours of battery life. There’s also no guarantee that the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro battery won’t get worse over time. My Razer mice batteries certainly have gotten worse over time, for example. My Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) battery, by comparison, is still absurdly long-lived.
- The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro may have the Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) beat on quality control, but we won’t know for certain until long-term testing. The Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) has notorious quality control issues, specifically with the right bumper. I currently own two of these controllers, one at home and one at my partner’s place. I spend about half of my time at each location, and the right bumper failed on both of them at around the same time, after between six months and a year roughly (thanks Elden Ring). The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro has “mouse click” bumpers, and given the firm’s pedigree building mouse and keyboard switches across robust activation tests, the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro might be the safer long-term pick here. But we won’t know for sure until long-term testing rounds. I’m planning to use the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro as my main controller for the next several months to that end.
- The Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) is more versatile, with Bluetooth support for mobile gaming use cases. While this won’t be an issue for most, the fact the Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) also has a Bluetooth pairing option gives it an edge in versatility. If you want more robust Xbox Wireless on anything other than an Xbox, though, you’ll have to buy the additional Xbox Wireless Adapter. It’ll still work via USB cable too, though. The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro comes with a PC and Xbox wireless USB dongle as standard, as well as a USB cable for hyper-polling 1000 Hz gaming on PC.
- The Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) is slightly cheaper at $179.99 to the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro at $199.99. It’s cheaper still if you get the Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) Core version, which is $139.99 without the charge dock and accessories.
In summary, it’s challenging to determine which one is clearly superior at this point. The Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) boasts incredible battery life, thanks to its premium battery and handy charging dock. However, it has well-known quality problems, although the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro might encounter similar issues in the long run. We’ll need more testing to make a definitive conclusion.
For now, I prefer purchasing the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro over the Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2), especially during gameplay. Charging it manually doesn’t bother me, and let me tell you, it feels incredibly comfortable to hold. However, the Bluetooth functionality on the Xbox Elite Controller isn’t something I usually utilize, but that doesn’t make it any less appealing to you.
The quality issues on the Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) often pertain to the right bumper, of which I’ve broken two relatively recently. It’s apparently relatively easy to repair yourself, but I haven’t taken the plunge just yet… Microsoft does offer a robust repair service via its website, though, and is arguably easier to deal with than Razer’s repair service — as someone who has used both. At least in Europe, that is.
As an analyst, I can confidently say that regardless of the controller you choose, you’re in for an enjoyable initial encounter. Each controller does come with its unique aspects, which I will delve deeper into below.
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro vs. Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2): Specs
At first glance, both the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro and the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller seem to share many specifications. However, upon closer inspection, significant variations become apparent.
The elephant in the room for the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is the battery life. The website lists around 20 hours of battery life, but in our testing we find that it doesn’t quite reach that level if you’re going particularly hard. Razer’s HyperSense polling offers very responsive inputs, but the trade-off is battery life, seemingly. Microsoft’s own Xbox Wireless protocol pretty much set the standard for wireless controllers over the years, and it was a big reason why Microsoft was reluctant to relinquish control of the wireless signal on its platform. But now third-parties are able to offer similar speeds to keep the console experience “standardized,” Microsoft has opened up the gates to more competition. At least for right now, the Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) has the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro firmly beat on battery life, clocking in at 40 hours easily.
Regarding its battery performance, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 features an advantageous charging station that provides a decent weight and effortlessly maintains your device fully charged without the hassle of tangling with cords. On the other hand, the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro lacks such a feature, although it’s worth noting that this isn’t a major concern. Nevertheless, the convenience offered by the charging dock is one of the factors that have led me to purchase multiple Xbox Elite Controllers over time.
The Elite controller includes Bluetooth connectivity, unlike the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro which does not have this feature. Instead, the Wolverine V3 Pro comes with a USB dongle that works for both Xbox and PC systems. Notably, if you prefer the stronger Xbox Wireless signal over Bluetooth, you’d need an extra adapter for the Elite controller, whereas the Wolverine V3 Pro has this compatibility built-in. However, for those who utilize Xbox Cloud Gaming, this added versatility could be quite beneficial.
Where Razer really starts to pull ahead on specs is in its actual controller experience. Hall Effect joysticks accompany mouse-click buttons and triggers, and they all honestly just feel fantastic. Hall Effect joysticks use magnets and an electrical field to detect movements, instead of the typical analog physical sticks the Xbox Elite Controller has. Analog controllers are susceptible to wear and tear, and thus, stick drift over time. And while my Elite controllers have yet to succumb to this problem, more and more manufacturers are going the Hall Effect route for longevity.
Furthermore, both controllers feature trigger locks designed to shorten activation time and eliminate gradation. The Xbox controller has three levels of trigger lock, while the Razer Wolverine V3 has only one. Additionally, the Razer Wolverine V3 comes equipped with two extra function shoulder buttons that can be customized in various ways. I’ve utilized these to add sensitivity clutches, allowing for real-time adjustment of movement speed. This feature is particularly handy in certain games, especially shooters, where you might need faster sensitivity for turning yet slower sensitivity for aiming.
In the upcoming sections, we’ll delve deeper into each of the points mentioned earlier. However, before that, let’s discuss the broader concept of value first.
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro vs. Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2): Price
It appears that the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 has experienced a price reduction to $179.99, including the case, charge dock, and extra add-ons. In contrast, the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro retails for $199.99. Although it’s not a substantial difference, it’s worth mentioning. Additionally, there’s an option called “Core” bundle for the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2, which usually sells for $139.99 and does not include the accessories.
shorter ones for swift maneuvers and longer ones for precise pivots, a durable braided charging cable, and a versatile USB dongle that works with both Xbox and PC systems.
With an Xbox Elite Controller Series 2, you’ll find not only the regular accessories but also some additional perks. Alongside the controller, you’ll receive a carry case and interchangeable thumbstick pairs for customization. For hassle-free charging, there’s a braided cable available, or if you prefer a more substantial solution, a heavy-duty charge dock is provided (a feature I particularly enjoy). The package also includes detachable paddles and a tool to adjust the tension of the sticks, giving you greater control over your gaming experience.
In my opinion, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 appears to be more cost-effective based on its features, particularly the charge dock. This becomes even more evident when comparing it to the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 Core, which is nearly the price of a single game less than Razer’s equivalent. However, the actual value lies not just on paper; what truly matters is the user experience over time and the durability of the product. Let’s delve into that aspect.
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro vs. Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2): Feel, ergonomics, and features
It’s quite surprising, but I can confidently say that the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro feels superior in terms of comfort. For years, third-party controllers have been a subject of humor, yet companies like Razer and GameSir have been challenging this notion, providing alternatives that are on par with the original versions. Now, as more of these controllers transition to wireless, Xbox is facing some stiff competition.
The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro just feels sublime to hold. The subtle curvature of the back buttons fits like a glove, and it co-opted many of the innovations Microsoft has put into its Xbox controllers over the years, like offset sticks and curved, grippy triggers. However, I think there’s some subjectivity here.
The Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) has rubberized grips, which some people prefer. I’m not a huge fan of the textured rubber, it can be a bit difficult to clean I find, also if they fall off for some reason there’s absolutely no re-attaching them. The grips add another point of failure, and while admittedly, the grips haven’t fallen off with this latest design, it was a common problem with the Series 1 Elite, which has probably soured my view of the rubber grips. Like I said, subjective, potentially.
In essence, both the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro and the Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) deliver an excellent gaming experience overall, with minimal differences in terms of feel and performance. They are similarly weighted and offer comparable gaming experiences suitable for all users. Personally, I find the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro more comfortable, but if you have larger hands, you might prefer the Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) due to its slightly larger grip curvature. In truth, there’s not much to choose between them; they both earn high marks in my book.
In contrast to the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, which excels in hardware features, I believe the Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) takes the lead in software capabilities. The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro utilizes a dedicated Razer Controller Setup app available on both Windows and Xbox platforms. However, this application is designed for Xbox One, making it awkward to navigate with a mouse. Also, the app lacks some features found in Microsoft’s offering, which allows users to assign multiple functions to the paddles and bumpers across various system operations. This gives Microsoft an edge, as I believe there’s room for improvement in Razer’s app. The additional shoulder buttons on the Wolverine V3 Pro provide sensitivity clutches, but a broader range of functions could be added to make these extra buttons more useful and less redundant.
Moreover, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 comes with a hardware button for switching among three distinct software profiles instantly, accompanied by an LED light to show the active profile. In contrast, Razer’s controllers need to be connected to their app to access these profiles. However, Razer does offer dedicated capture buttons suitable for both PC’s Xbox Game Bar and the Xbox console. If you desire this functionality on the Elite Controller, you would have to customize some back paddles instead. It seems that Microsoft could enhance the Series 2 Elite by incorporating these missing features. Notably, the Series 2 Elite includes Microsoft’s trigger rumble feature, unlike Razer’s controllers. Unfortunately, only a few games currently utilize this feature. Therefore, it may not be the deciding factor when choosing to purchase this controller.
As a tech enthusiast, I should point out that the Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) comes with an added perk: the Xbox Design Lab feature. This option lets you dive deep into color customization, but it’ll cost a bit more.
In summary, both controllers have a solid selection of features. Microsoft uniquely includes its own Xbox port for accessories such as the Xbox controller keyboard, which might appeal to some users. Razer, on the other hand, only provides a 3.5mm jack for headphones. However, it’s worth noting that not many users possess or utilize these Xbox-specific controllers, and it’s possible they may become obsolete in the future.
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro vs. Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2): Quality control
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of this comparison is quality control. The Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) has notorious issues with its bumpers, which degrade in responsiveness over time. The sticks are also prone to drift, given their analog configuration. Microsoft’s repair services are high-quality generally, though, and as long as you’re within warranty they’ll repair it free of charge relatively quickly. It’s also not impossible to repair them yourself, although it’s fiddly and not exactly easy. Microsoft could do a lot here to make their devices more repairable, and hopefully next generation, they will.
But it’s also an unfair comparison right now. My Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is brand new, so I would expect it to not have any faults. My Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) has gone through a battering, and the bumpers have degraded a bit due to a soulslike obsession recently which uses the right bumper for its main attack, generally. Microsoft probably didn’t account for this when designing the controller, and arguably they should have, but them’s the breaks. Another aspect of my Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) that has degraded over time is the rubber covers on the trigger locks. Both controllers have trigger locks, which lets you disable the graded triggers and turn them into instant-activation buttons instead. The Razer’s locks are pure plastic, and have two stages. The Elite’s have three stages, which I’d argue is a bit unnecessary, and also have strange rubber covers for reasons I’m not entirely sure of. The rubber covers fell off on mine, which is frustrating, leaving only a spiky nub that is fiddly to move. It’s a small detail, but just another example of Microsoft baking too many points of failure into its Elite.
It’s likely that the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro might experience similar issues over the next year. I intend to use this controller exclusively until then, given its specific features. The Razer controller employs Hall Effect sticks, which utilize magnets to deliver positional data to your games, thereby potentially preventing stick drift since there’s minimal wear and tear on the parts involved. Moreover, the mouse buttons and bumpers offer a satisfying clicky feel, and considering Razer’s extensive testing of switches in their mice and keyboards, we can trust that they have ample experience in this field, having tested actuations across millions of cycles with custom-made machinery.
Where I would argue Razer doesn’t generally perform here for the price is battery life. My wireless Razer mice, which are potentially at least vaguely comparable to the Wolverine V3 Pro, have seen a lot of battery degradation over time. And given that the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro battery cannot be replaced without going direct to Razer, that is of a particular concern for me. The Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) battery is very high-quality and has seen no degradation whatsoever since I’ve had it, despite also being irreplaceable.
In simpler terms, without a time machine, we can only speculate about the performance of the Wolverine V3 Pro compared to the Xbox Elite. While the Hall Effect may provide better long-term performance for the Wolverine, there’s no assurance that it won’t have hidden flaws until we thoroughly test it over the next year.
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro vs. Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2): Battery life
Regarding battery performance, it’s worth noting that the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 significantly outperforms the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro. According to Razer, the V3 Pro can last approximately 20 hours on a full charge. However, from my experience, it barely manages to reach this mark before needing to be recharged again, which could potentially cause inconvenience or issues depending on your gaming setup.
The length of the cable included with the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is exceptionally long, making it convenient for playing and charging from the couch without much hassle. However, if you play while seated at a desk like myself, connecting it isn’t an issue whatsoever. Just keep in mind that its extended length could be beneficial if you prefer gaming from the comfort of your sofa.
The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro offers a wired 1000Hz hyper-polling mode specifically for intense esports gaming. This enhancement over the standard Xbox Wireless polling mode comes at the cost of requiring a cable to increase signal speed between devices. To clarify, the wireless functionality of Razer’s controller might impact battery life due to its signal strength. It is worth mentioning that Microsoft’s polling solution has been refined for years to strike a balance between performance and battery longevity, which could explain why the Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) excels in this aspect.
If you’re using a wired Xbox headset along with the Razer controller, it could potentially cause issues because the controller would need to provide extra power to the headset on top of its own functions. Without a doubt, when it comes to battery life, the Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) takes the lead, boasting the longest battery life among controllers available today.
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro vs. Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2): Which should you buy?
Frankly, there aren’t many differences that significantly set these controllers apart. Both models are outstanding choices for expanding your Xbox controller collection, and either one will serve you well until issues like bumper failure or battery degradation occur.
To make a fair evaluation, I’d benefit from a time machine to assess the durability of the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro after 6 to 12 months, but so far, it’s showing promising signs. Over the years, I’ve come to prefer Razer products due to their extensive expertise in crafting switches for items like keyboards and mice.
It ultimately boils down to whether or not you want the battery charge dock experience I feel. If you don’t mind plugging the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro in more frequently to charge it up, I’d say that offers a better overall experience right now. I’m also more confident about the long-term quality with the Wolverine V3 Pro, but there’s no way to fully confirm that it will stand up to the test of time until we get there. If you do want a convenient dock and truly monstrous battery life that will last you over incredibly long periods, buy the Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2).
Regarding cost, while the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro doesn’t include a battery dock and carries a higher price tag, this might be due to its use of premium switches. On the other hand, if a battery dock isn’t essential for you, there’s also the Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) Core model, which is even more affordable.
In a comparison, the Microsoft Elite Controller Series 2 might not fare well due to its age and the fact that the units I have tested extensively show signs of wear and tear. However, if the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro begins to exhibit durability issues in the upcoming months, I’ll update this review. At this point, based on my past experiences with Razer accessories, I believe Razer has a significant advantage over Microsoft. It seems that it’s about time for an Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 to emerge.
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2024-09-16 14:10