Razer’s new controller is like the forbidden fruit — I adore it even though I probably shouldn’t

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PC gamers have tons of options when it comes to accessories, and controllers are no exception. You can use controllers designed specifically for PC, as well as those made for Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

I’ve recently had the chance to test out the Razer Raiju V3 Pro, and it’s impressive. This new controller from Razer is their most advanced yet, working great with both PlayStation 5 and PCs.

As a huge Razer fan, I was really excited to try their new Raiju controller – it’s the only one Sony’s licensing allows, so Razer went all-out on it! Honestly, I think I actually *prefer* it to my Wolverine V3 Pro, which I’ve been using as my main controller since it launched. And that’s saying something, because the Wolverine is amazing on Xbox *and* PC. It’s incredible that I like it even with the PlayStation button layout!

Razer provided us with a sample of this product for review. However, Razer had no influence over our opinion or what we wrote.

A word on PlayStation features

This review mainly covers using the product on a PC. However, if you’re planning to use it with a PlayStation 5, there are a few things to know. Specifically, the PS5 limits the polling rate to 250Hz.

Razer didn’t intentionally make this worse for consoles compared to PCs; it’s simply the highest performance possible on those systems. You’re still getting the very best experience available for consoles.

As an analyst, I’ve noticed a gap in Razer’s PS5 controller support. Unlike their Xbox controllers, there isn’t a dedicated PS5 app for customizing settings or saving profiles. Currently, users have to rely on the smartphone app, or connect the controller to a PC or Mac and use Razer Synapse to make adjustments – it’s not as streamlined as the Xbox experience.

Regarding controller options, specifically with Sony’s licensing, you won’t get the full experience of the DualSense controller. Features like the haptic triggers don’t work, and surprisingly, the controller doesn’t even vibrate because it lacks the necessary motors.

Since most dedicated gamers would likely turn this feature off anyway, its absence isn’t a major drawback. However, if you primarily play racing games, this probably isn’t the best controller choice.

The best of the best

If a feature is available on any controller, you can find it on the Razer Raiju V3 Pro. It boasts top-of-the-line TMR thumbsticks, which are an improvement over even Hall Effect sticks. While Razer’s Wolverine 8K (a PC-only controller) was the first to use this technology, the Raiju V3 Pro feels like a significant step up compared to the older Wolverine version I’ve tested.

I’ve been wondering if my new controllers actually *are* better, or if I just *think* they are because they’re newer. I’m starting to believe they really are an improvement, though it took some time to get used to them and find the right settings. Compared to my older Wolverine V3 Pro, the sticks feel slightly better, but it’s hard to say exactly how much.

Like Hall Effect joysticks, these offer a major benefit: they completely remove the annoying problem of stick drift. Razer also provides both a taller, curved stick and a more traditional convex stick, letting you choose whichever feels best.

If it’s possible on a controller right now, it’s on the Razer Raiju V3 Pro.

Something I really appreciate about this Razer controller, compared to older models I’ve tried, is that the rear paddles can be taken off. They’re similar to the ones on the Wolverine controllers, and Razer even includes a screwdriver and caps to cover the spaces where the paddles were. I personally use all four paddles, but I know some people don’t, especially since there are extra buttons near the shoulder buttons already.

One of the great things about this design is how customizable it is. You can really tailor it to your preferences, even opting for just a grip if you don’t need the buttons. I will say, though, taking it apart can be a bit tricky. Those small screws are incredibly easy to misplace, and trust me, I’ve already lost a few while trying to adjust things!

The controller’s face buttons feel fantastic – they’re designed to be tactile and have a satisfying, crisp click, just like Razer’s mice. Razer is now bringing its mouse button technology to its controllers, so the clicks really do sound and feel like you’re pressing mouse buttons.

This technology is built into the trigger mechanisms too. When you use the trigger stops, you’ll notice a quicker, more immediate feel – like a single click – compared to the slower, smoother response you get when they’re turned off. It’s all designed to give competitive gamers the best possible performance.

As a researcher, I’ve found that some software allows you to activate “digital triggers.” This essentially eliminates the analog response, which isn’t ideal for games where you need subtle control and a nuanced trigger curve. I generally advise against using digital triggers in those cases.

If you’re upgrading from an older controller, you’ll notice a big improvement with this one. While the differences might be small for someone already using a high-end controller like the Wolverine V3 Pro, this new controller is packed with features and, importantly, feels great in your hands thanks to its well-balanced weight.

The Raiju V3 Pro is very lightweight because it doesn’t include any vibration features. Compared to my Wolverine controller, it’s significantly lighter, which is a real plus – especially as you get older and your wrists start to feel the strain.

Customizing this Razer controller on a PC is just as simple as with any other Razer controller. You can use the mobile app if you prefer, or use Synapse 4 to make changes, save them to the controller, and then close the app. Because your profiles are saved directly on the controller, you can switch between devices and even platforms without losing your preferred settings.

Even with the PlayStation stick layout, I can’t put the Raiju V3 Pro down

I’ve been a PlayStation fan for a long time, having owned every console since the beginning, though I don’t currently have a PS5. I’ve mostly gotten used to the PlayStation controller layout over the years, even though it’s not always my favorite. I’ve occasionally switched to other controllers, like the Raiju, but I’m still comfortable with the PlayStation setup.

I’ve always liked the button arrangement on Xbox controllers, but I’m finding the Raiju V3 Pro incredibly hard to stop playing with. After using it mostly with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, I’m actually starting to prefer this controller’s layout.

It really depends on how you hold the controller. When I play Call of Duty, even though I’m not a professional gamer, I immediately get competitive. I use all the back buttons, and I recently realized I subtly change how I grip the controller compared to when I play other games.

I’ve been using the Raiju V3 Pro for just a week, and I’m already noticing a huge improvement in how well my controls are centered – it’s the best they’ve ever been!

I’ve noticed players have all sorts of ways they like to hold their controllers when they’re really focused on competitive gaming, and honestly, this controller’s design feels right for each of them. It wouldn’t be my first choice for a casual gaming session, but if I’m planning a long, intense gaming marathon, this is definitely the controller I’d grab.

One of the absolute best PC controllers around

Razer really outdid themselves with this PS5 controller, and that’s great news for PC gamers too. It has some of the best features available on any controller right now, including a super-fast response rate, high-quality sticks, and excellent switches.

While the PS5 version has a few restrictions due to Sony, you’ll generally have a great experience no matter which platform you play on.

This controller was created because top competitive gamers specifically asked for one with the PlayStation-style stick layout. There’s no reason we couldn’t see similar Xbox controllers in the future. If you’d like that to happen, let us know! We understand it’s a popular request, even if it’s unconventional.

The Razer Wolverine V3 8K is Razer’s most comparable PC controller, though I haven’t had a chance to test it yet. It boasts a faster response time and, similar to the Raiju, features advanced thumbsticks and technology borrowed from Razer’s mice. Overall, it seems like the best professional-level controller available right now.

If you play games on both PlayStation 5 and PC, this controller is a fantastic choice. It’s lightweight, comfortable to hold, and I’ve personally used Razer controllers for years without any problems. They’re really well-made and should last a long time, as long as you treat them reasonably!

If you only game on PC, you have more options, but if you prefer the PlayStation controller layout, this is a great choice. It’s expensive, but you get what you pay for with top-quality products.

The Razer Raiju V3 Pro is now available in some countries for £199.99. It’s not yet available in the U.S. because it’s waiting for official approval, but it will be priced at $219.99 when it launches there.

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2025-10-23 20:12