Product: Razer Wolverine V2
Type: Wired Controller (Xbox Series X|S and PC Compatible)
Price: $169.95 RRP
Availability: Out Now
Link: razer.com/au-en/gaming-controllers/razer-wolverine-v2

The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, in addition to ushering the next generation of Xbox consoles with new internal architecture and grunt, also introduced some improvements to the standard Xbox controller. That said, many of the changes are subtle, which explains why both consoles still support existing Xbox One controllers. A very cool feature by the way.

The key and noticeable differences being the addition of a dedicated ‘share’ button, a differently shaped d-pad, and textured grips that even make their way across to the triggers. Overall, it’s more of an evolution – a refinement. As opposed to the PlayStation 5’s DualSense which went all out when it comes to next-gen features and going in a different direction to the PS4’s now classic DualShock form.

In the case of the trusty Xbox One controller though, there’s a case of if it ain't broke don’t go Nintendo 64 crazy. The original Razer Wolverine, pretty much kept the same shape and overall feel as the standard Xbox pad but with mechanical buttons and other high-end touches. The new Razer Wolverine V2 goes a slightly different route, with a shape that instantly feels different to the standard Xbox pad.

It’s still wired, but the buttons are possibly even more tactile and responsive this time around. Which makes it something of a more affordable Elite.

Grip It

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That is, if your setup (and possibly mindset) can go back to the days of the wired controller. Connected to a PC, playing with the Razer Wolverine V2 presents no issue – though the one benefit from going wired means less additional battery weight. Shape-wise things are different, and we’re not entirely sure if it’s better or worse based on the ungodly number of hours we’ve spent over the years with the traditional Xbox One form-factor. The difference is in the angle of the handles/grips which slightly adjusts finger placement.

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The new Razer Wolverine V2 goes a slightly different route, with a shape that instantly feels different to the standard Xbox pad.

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Perhaps the fact that we didn’t immediately reject the V2 shape is a good sign because the different grip angles and the premium feel you get from both the analogue sticks and the face buttons and triggers leads to comfort and responsiveness. Using this for extended sessions is great. And thanks in part to the clicky precision of the Razer Mecha-Tactile Action Buttons and Mecha-Tactile D-Pad, input is issue-free.

• Connectivity: Wired connection
  
• Cable length: 3m wired cable with strain relief
  
• Features: Razer Mecha-Tactile Action Buttons and D-Pad, 2 additional remappable buttons, Hair Trigger Mode with trigger stops
  
• Audio: 3.5mm analog audio port
  
• Weight: 275g
  

The build quality is uniformly excellent too, and in line with the price point. The rubberised grips, the mechanical clicky buttons, the premium feeling analogue sticks, the smooth triggers, are all a step above the standard pad - which puts Razer’s latest effort somewhere between the pack-in controller and the far more expensive Elite.

Press Start to Continue

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Compatibility and versatility is where the Razer Wolverine V2 shines, not only in terms of supporting both Windows 10 and Xbox - but in the inclusion of Razer customisation software you can fire up on either platform. Here everything from analogue sensitivity to functionality can be tweaked and refined to suit personal tastes. Software that works in unison with hardware features like being able to set hard stops for the triggers and even an additional button to give easy and quick access to headset volume settings.

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Compatibility and versatility is where the Razer Wolverine V2 shines, not only in terms of supporting both Windows 10 and Xbox - but in the inclusion of Razer customisation software you can fire up on either platform.

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Testing the Razer Wolverine V2 across a number of Xbox Series X launch titles, including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Forza Horizon 4, and Gears 5, it wasn’t long before we not only got used to the different shape and feel - but the fact that there was a wire attached too. In the end that’s the only real drawback - the inability to go from wired to wireless. But, from weight to durability to build quality and the excellent feel of the buttons and sticks - the Razer Wolverine V2 definitely feels like a premium controller. And when opting for a third-party option, that’s kind of the point.