Razer's first wireless Xbox controller is the closest thing we have to perfection right now

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is a game-changer. This controller offers unparalleled customization options, allowing me to tailor it to my specific gaming needs. Whether you’re a console or PC player, this device works seamlessly across platforms, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

For quite some time, I’ve relied on Razer’s Xbox controllers, particularly the Wolverine TE model which has been my go-to for years. I adored this controller so much that I went through three of them, using, misusing, and eventually wearing them out due to frequent use. Despite their demise, I continued to replace them because I still found it superior compared to the second-generation Wolverine.

2021’s upgrade is quite significant indeed! At last, Razer introduces a wireless Xbox controller, which fills the gap left by my cherished, yet outdated Wolverine TE.

The Wolverine V3 Pro comes with an impressive performance and carries a rather high price tag. If you’ve been waiting for the ultimate gaming controller, this might just be your top choice.

– Razer Wolverine V3 Pro – $199.99 at Razer

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro: What’s in the box?

Razer's first wireless Xbox controller is the closest thing we have to perfection right now

When you purchase a premium quality controller like this one, you would anticipate a superior bundle. Indeed, that’s exactly what you receive in this case.

When you crack open your new Wolverine V3 Pro, you’ll find this little lot in the box.

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro controller
Razer HyperSpeed Wireless dongle
Razer branded protective carry case
10ft long USB braided USB-C cable
Two additional, thumbsticks, one concave, one convex

Razer receives an additional round of applause for consistently excelling in eco-friendly packaging solutions. The protective foam, effortlessly removable from the box, is the only non-recyclable item here. You won’t find any trace of plastic packaging waste whatsoever.

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro: Pricing and availability

You can pre-order the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro from August 28, 2024, priced at suggested retail prices of $199.99 or £199.99 respectively.

In my research, I find that the product can be obtained from various channels, including directly through Razer’s online and brick-and-mortar stores. Additionally, it will be accessible via partners like Best Buy and Amazon.

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro: Design, build quality and ergonomics

Razer's first wireless Xbox controller is the closest thing we have to perfection right now

Build, design, and ergonomics highlights

A tremendous, sturdy build quality.
Redesigned rear paddles are so much better than previous top-tier Wolverine controllers.
Great ergonomics, a controller that truly just sinks into your hands.

Upon opening the transport container, my first thoughts about the new Wolverine were…? (In a more conversational tone)

Damn.

Admittedly, I went in with high hopes, perhaps higher than many, given my own long-term affection for the Wolverine controller. But it’s a big old tick in the box for Razer.

Initially, I found the debut version of the Wolverine V2 a tad underwhelming due to altered ergonomics compared to its predecessor, making it less comfortable for extended gaming sessions. However, recent updates have addressed these issues.

The Wolverine V3 Pro has a robust and substantial build quality, suggesting a high-grade product. Its ergonomics are well-suited for my average-sized hands; however, those with longer fingers might find some aspects less favorable, especially the placement of the rear paddles. Nevertheless, I believe Razer hit the mark overall.

The controller feels perfectly contoured to your grasp, and the revamped side paddles on this model surpass those of the Wolverine V2 Chroma. The original center-aligned, vertical paddles have been replaced with ergonomically correct, horizontal ones positioned at the sides. These paddles are strategically placed where your hand naturally grips, making them easily accessible and reducing the need for significant hand movement for me, as they align perfectly with my middle two fingers.

I’m thrilled that Razer has reintroduced their extra bumper buttons. These buttons are so ingrained in my gaming experience that The Division 2 feels incomplete without them. Using any other controller without these buttons results in continuous annoyance, as I find myself unintentionally tapping empty spaces where these buttons usually are!

This product appears to be robustly constructed and thoughtfully designed, giving a sense of durability. Despite not having a soft-touch finish, which is mostly plastic, it doesn’t bother me because it means fewer potential issues in the long run. A notable absence is RGB lighting, which might come as a surprise. However, the Razer Chroma feature, typically a hallmark of Razer products, is only present on the controller’s logo, with no additional elements illuminated.

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro: Hardware and performance

Hardware and performance highlights

Razer’s first wireless Xbox controller, utilizing the company’s HyperSpeed technology, though it does mean using a dongle.
Razer mouse switches in the rear paddles, triggers, and additional bumper buttons is a stroke of genius.
Hall Effect sticks ✅
Battery life isn’t bad, but still falls short of other wireless controllers.

As Razer’s inaugural wireless Xbox controller, one might assume that its novelty would cease at this point. However, you’d be off the mark. While it’s the arguably standout new feature, luckily, it lives up to my high expectations.

The Wolverine V3 Pro utilizes Razer’s HyperSpeed wireless rather than Bluetooth or Xbox Wireless, and as such, you will still surrender a USB port on your console to connect the dongle. This aside, it’s just like using a Microsoft wireless Xbox controller. In my testing so far, the wireless connection has been solid as a rock, and all appears fast and responsive.

The only downside, especially compared to a Microsoft controller, is the battery life. HyperSpeed wireless will simply drain the battery faster, that’s just how it is. I wouldn’t call it horrible, but you will be charging it up more often. Of course, you also have the option to hook up the included 10-foot-long USB-C cable to charge while you play or just to play wired all the time and forget about battery life.

Wired play really comes into its own on the PC, though. When you hook it up to your Windows 11 PC, you unlock the ability to have 1000 Hz polling, something that makes the Wolverine V3 Pro stand out to the competitive crowd. You will need to enable it first in the companion app, but the option is there, so why not use it?

Over the past few years, I’ve grown accustomed to using wired controllers, so the battery life issues don’t bother me much. To be honest, the wireless functionality of the Wolverine V3 Pro wasn’t something that particularly stood out for me. However, I understand its value and I’m thrilled that it offers another high-quality wireless option for those who prefer it. For me, wired controllers are still my go-to, but I applaud the innovation and catering to different preferences in gaming technology.

What really gets me pumped is not just the main features of the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, but also all the extra features that Razer has included. For the first time, they’ve incorporated their mouse switch technology into one of their console controllers. This technology can be found in the rear paddles, additional bumper buttons, and triggers. In essence, these components function similarly to a recent Razer gaming mouse, which you can audibly notice when pressing one of the rear paddles.

Instead of questioning the necessity, let me emphasize the superior performance offered by this controller. Razer’s mouse switches are engineered for lightning-quick response times and actuation, ensuring you experience top-notch speed in your gaming sessions. While it might be challenging to quantify the difference, the presence of these high-performance switches in this console controller means you’re getting the crème de la crème of technology. Razer’s gaming mice are renowned for their exceptional quality, and now, that same cutting-edge tech has made its way into console gaming.

Another significant new feature that warrants excitement is the inclusion of Hall Effect joysticks. These are worthwhile additions due to their superiority. They offer heightened accuracy and responsiveness compared to conventional analog sticks, and most crucially, they boast an extended lifespan. For more insight into why this is significant, you can find a comprehensive explanation about what Hall Effect is and the reasons behind its necessity in our detailed article.

Rounding off the hardware on the Wolverine V3 Pro are the mecha-tactile action buttons and the floating D-pad. Admittedly, I rarely use a D-pad for anything, but I’ll always take one designed this way.

1. Each of the ABXY buttons offers an incredibly satisfying click and tactile feedback; there’s no room for squishy ambiguity here. Moreover, they are well-designed with a suitable height, minimizing the chance of accidentally sliding over them due to their prominent placement on the controller. Lastly, the actuation provides a reassuring firm sensation, reducing the possibility of inadvertently pressing the wrong button by mere hand movement.

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro: Software

Software highlights

Dedicated Razer Controller app available on console and PC, no need to use Synapse on the desktop.
Decent, if uninspiring design.
Easy to use and customize the daylights out of your Wolverine V3 Pro.

Regardless of whether you’re using a console or a personal computer, Razer offers a specialized application for configuring their controllers. It isn’t mandatory to utilize the Razer Synapse software on a PC, but this app functions reasonably well and fulfills its intended purpose. Although it may not impress with awards, it gets the job done effectively.

The Wolverine V3 Pro should be designed to offer extensive customization options. You’ll be able to craft personalized profiles with various layouts, tailor the performance of the thumbsticks, and for first-person shooter enthusiasts, map the sensitivity clutch to optimize your quick headshots dynamically.

The application is quite straightforward and easy to understand, which is beneficial because it must function consistently across both consoles and computers. Regardless if you’re using a laptop or a large TV screen, there’s minimal risk of confusion.

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro: Competition

At this stage, there aren’t many controllers like these around, making competition relatively scarce. A natural point of reference would be Microsoft’s Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which is nearly five years old now. Compared to the Wolverine V3 Pro, it’s less expensive and offers similar customization options. However, it lacks some extra controls that the V3 Pro has, but it provides a wider variety of swappable sticks and D-Pads instead.

Additionally, there’s the SCUF Instinct, which is essentially a customized variant of an original Xbox controller. It offers personalization and extra features like rear paddles that competitive gamers often seek. While it may not be as top-notch as the Elite Series 2, it shares some similarities with Microsoft’s attempt, and it has been on the market for quite a few years now.

If you’re primarily a PC player and also own a PS5, Razer offers another option worth considering: the Wolverine V2 Pro controller works with both PS5 and PC. It features the usual Sony components and shares a similar design and layout to the Wolverine V3 Pro. This controller is wireless and boasts Bluetooth support, but it might feel outdated compared to the V3 Pro.

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro: Final thoughts

You should buy the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro if…

You should not buy the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro if…

Without hesitation, I confidently assert that the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro stands out as the finest Xbox controller currently available on the market. Admittedly, it carries a premium price tag; however, if you’re willing to invest in quality, this device is tough to beat.

A significant factor behind its ascendancy is that it’s relatively recent. To be more precise, it’s not merely new, but significantly more advanced compared to competitors such as the Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 and Scuf Instinct. Razer, leveraging their proficiency in PC gaming, has crafted something innovative, superior, and outstanding. The integration of mouse switches into a controller is an ingenious stroke I hadn’t realized was necessary, but now that I have, it’s quite impressive indeed.

Personally, I can take or leave it being wireless, but that’s just me. I know how important that single feature is to scores of Xbox gamers, and I’m ecstatic that Razer has now delivered. There is no Xbox controller on the market that boasts the tech inside the Wolverine V3 Pro, and it simply stands in a class of its own.

At long last, I’ve found a new go-to controller that’s taken over from my cherished Wolverine TE. Kudos to Razer for creating such a fantastic piece of tech!