The new professional controller from ROG is finally here: Starting today, ASUS Republic of Gamers is selling the ROG Raikiri II Pro, a PC controller with an 8,000-Hz sampling rate, hot-swappable TMR joysticks, and a full-color display for on-device configuration. The controller costs 219.90 euros; the black version is available now in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with the white version following in September.
In a nutshell
- 8,000 Hz polling rate via 2.4 GHz wireless using ROG SpeedNova technology
- Hot-swappable TMR joysticks with two force levels (50GF/120GF) to prevent stick drift
- Dual-mode triggers, full-color display, five customizable profiles
- Up to 79 hours of battery life in 2.4 GHz mode (at 1,000 Hz, RGB/vibration off)
- Windows 11 only—no Xbox support, unlike the standard ROG Raikiri II
- Price: 219.90 euros; black available now, white available in September
8,000 Hz polling rate: What ROG SpeedNova really delivers
Standard controllers poll for input at 1,000 Hz—that is, 1,000 times per second. The Raikiri II Pro achieves eight times that rate—8,000 Hz—when used in wired mode or via the 2.4-GHz wireless connection. ASUS refers to the technology behind this as ROG SpeedNova and touts latency that’s up to 4.6 times lower than that of competing controllers. In practice, this means that the computer receives stick and button input faster, which is expected to provide a small but measurable advantage, especially in fast-paced shooters, fighting games, and racing simulations.
Important for your purchasing decision: The 8,000 Hz is only available on a PC, either via cable or the included 2.4 GHz adapter. Bluetooth remains limited to the usual lower sampling rates because the standard simply does not allow for more bandwidth.
Hot-Swap TMR Joysticks with Anti-Drift Function
Stick drift has been a nuisance with controllers for years, regardless of the manufacturer. With the Raikiri II Pro, ASUS relies on TMR (tunnel magnetoresistance) sensors instead of traditional potentiometers. This technology is considered significantly less prone to drift because it operates without mechanical wear on sliding contacts.
The joystick modules can also be replaced without tools. The package includes two sets with different resistance levels: 120GF for a firm, precise feel and 50GF for lighter, faster movements. Those who prefer to use high or low stick caps can also swap them out; a suitable tool is included.
Dual-Mode Triggers, Button Layout, and Display
The triggers operate in dual mode: A toggle switch lets you switch between a microswitch with a short travel for fast, digital triggering and a TMR sensor with full travel for analog precision—such as when accelerating in racing games. The D-pad, ABXY buttons, bumpers, and the rear auxiliary buttons also use microswitches and are designed to respond noticeably more directly than standard controllers.
Four removable rear buttons are located along the bottom edge of the grip, along with two additional bumpers in the claw grip position. If you don’t need them, you can cover the recesses with the included blank caps. The central control element is a full-color display on the front, which allows you to adjust profiles, button assignments, RGB effects, and vibration intensity directly on the controller without opening software on your PC. Five profiles can be saved independently of one another.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The Raikiri II Pro connects to the PC via a USB-C cable, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth. ASUS provides three battery life estimates, depending on usage: up to 79 hours at 1,000 Hz with the display, RGB, and vibration disabled; approximately 63 hours at the full 8,000-Hz polling rate; and about 22 hours when the display, lighting, and vibration are continuously active. The included case also serves as a charging station and can be used to extend the range of the wireless connection.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Windows 11 or later |
| Connectivity | Wired / 2.4 GHz RF / Bluetooth |
| Connection | USB-C, detachable cable (USB-A to USB-C, 1.8 m) |
| Polling rate | 1,000 Hz and 8,000 Hz on PC |
| Joysticks | Hot-swappable TMR modules, 120GF/50GF, anti-drift |
| Trigger | Dual-mode: microswitch or TMR full-stroke |
| Additional buttons | 4 removable back buttons, 2 claw bumpers |
| Display | Full-color display, 5 profiles |
| RGB | Multiple modes, Aura Sync support |
| Battery life | Up to 79 hours (1,000 Hz) / approx. 63 hours (8,000 Hz) / approx. 22 hours (max settings) |
| Software | ASUS Gear Link, Armoury Crate |
| Dimensions | 105 × 65 × 155 mm |
| Weight | 270 g |
| Price | 219.90 euros / CHF (including tax) |
Price and Availability
The ROG Raikiri II Pro costs 219.90 euros or Swiss francs. The black version is now available at specialty retailers and online stores in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with the white version set to follow in September. For comparison: The predecessor, the ROG Raikiri II for Xbox and PC, costs around 175 euros; other high-end PC controllers, such as the Scuf Omega, are in a similar price range.
ROG Raikiri II Pro vs. ROG Raikiri II: What’s the Difference?
For those already familiar with the name: The ROG Raikiri II is already available as an Xbox wireless controller that also works on PC. The Pro version is a standalone new development exclusively for Windows 11 and offers several improvements over the original: a full-color display, a higher 8,000-Hz sampling rate, hot-swappable TMR sticks with two sensitivity levels, and a battery life extended from 50 to 79 hours. However, Xbox support has been completely removed; if you also want to play on the console, you’re better off with the regular Raikiri II.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
Conclusion
With the ROG Raikiri II Pro, ASUS is clearly positioning a PC controller in a competitive segment otherwise dominated primarily by Xbox Elite controllers and specialized vendors like Scuf. The 8,000-Hz polling rate is currently one of the highest on the market; hot-swappable TMR sticks are designed to solve the drift problem; and the device’s display eliminates the need to go through the software for quick adjustments. Whether the premium price compared to the regular Raikiri II is worth it depends primarily on how important pure PC optimization is to you. Those who also want to game on consoles should stick with the non-Pro model.
Sources: ASUS press release
