The ASUS ROG Raikiri II offers tri-mode connectivity, a 1,000 Hertz polling rate, anti-drift TMR analog sticks and up to 50 hours of battery life. At gamescom 2025, the gaming division of ASUS presented the Raikiri II Xbox Wireless Controller, a new gamepad with modern features aimed primarily at professionals. But is this pro controller really worth the money? And how does it compare with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2? Let’s find out in the test.
Technical data
| The product | Raikiri II |
| Connection | wireless (2.4 GHz / Bluetooth 5.3), USB-C |
| Sampling rate | 1,000 Hz |
| Compatibility | Windows 11; Xbox Series X/S; Xbox One |
| Special features | TMR analog stick; micro-switch buttons; 4 backpaddles; trigger stop; Xbox Ally buttons |
| Battery life |
up to 20 hours |
| Scope of delivery | Controller, USB receiver, USB-C to USB-A cable (2.5 m), transport case, charging station, 2 additional thumbsticks, operating instructions |
| Dimensions | 155 mm x 105 mm x 65 mm |
| weight | 345 g |
| Price | € 209.00 * |
ASUS ROG Raikiri II review: design and build quality
- harmonious design; good workmanship
- Excellent ergonomics
- Practical additional functions
The new ASUS ROG Raikiri II is based on the classic design of the Xbox gamepads from Microsoft. Clear lines, comfortable grip horns and asymmetrically arranged analog sticks. In direct comparison to its predecessor, the Raikiri Pro (our test), the new professional gamepad is noticeably more delicate, which is positively noticeable in the practical test.
With a weight of around 345 grams, this is undoubtedly a real heavyweight that weighs just as much as the top model from Microsoft. Nevertheless, the controller is very comfortable to hold, which is due in particular to the non-slip horns and rounded edges.
Ergonomically, the Raikiri II is basically based on the classic Xbox layout, but goes its own way in some respects. The grips are slightly longer and slightly slimmer in shape, which suits players with medium to large hands in particular. In my tests, the controller was comfortable to hold even after several hours without causing pressure points or signs of fatigue.
Visually, the Raikiri II is surprisingly inconspicuous. The case is a matt black, which is complemented by subtle ROG accents and the illuminated logo. Pleasantly discreet. I really like that. In addition, many smaller details catch the eye on closer inspection. Like the small “ROG” and “Xbox” letters on the front and the pleasantly non-slip triggers, bumpers and additional buttons.
The workmanship leaves a very high-quality impression in the practical test. The plastic shells are neatly finished, the gaps are even and there is no creaking or yielding, even with strong pressure or twisting attempts. The rubberized grip areas on the back are a particularly positive feature. These are not only visually appealing, but also ensure a secure grip during longer sessions, even if your hands sweat easily.
What I don’t like so much are the lower parts of the handles with their matt piano lacquer finish, which are comparatively susceptible to fingerprints and scratches.
Interesting for owners of the ROG Xbox Ally handheld: The controller offers two additional buttons that can be used to call up the Command Center and the library of the gaming handheld. However, if you prefer, you can simply reconfigure both buttons.
Features and connectivity of the ASUS ROG Raikiri II
- Wired, wireless and Bluetooth
- Excellent TMR sticks
- Trigger stops; micro-switch buttons
In terms of features, the ASUS ROG Raikiri II clearly plays in the top league of gaming controllers. However, this is to be expected given the price. A key feature is the tri-mode connectivity. The controller can be operated either wired via USB-C, wirelessly via a 2.4 GHz dongle or via Bluetooth.
This versatility makes it extremely flexible in everyday use: I prefer to use the 2.4 GHz mode on the PC because of the particularly low latency, while Bluetooth is ideal for mobile devices or fast pairing. The only point of criticism: the mode switch on the underside of the gamepad is a little too smooth and it almost feels like it changes position if you look at it the wrong way.
The TMR joysticks are a real highlight. This technology combines high precision with significantly reduced susceptibility to drift. In practical tests, the sticks are very smooth, return cleanly to the neutral position and offer a pleasantly linear resistance. This is a clear advantage over conventional analog sticks, especially in shooters and games with fine aiming controls.
The precise triggers of the Raikiri II are also particularly noteworthy. Asus relies on a dual-mode system here, which allows you to switch between a short, digital trigger travel (which comes very close to a mouse click) and a long, analog travel. In fast-paced shooters, I use the short mode almost exclusively, as every shot is triggered immediately. In racing games or simulations, on the other hand, you benefit from the full analog travel, which allows finely dosed accelerating or braking.
The controller also has four freely assignable back buttons on the back. These are ergonomically easy to reach and can be meaningfully integrated into your own game setup. I find the positioning and size absolutely perfect. The buttons don’t protrude as far from the housing as on the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K (our test), for example, which makes them more natural to trigger. In my practical test, I mainly used them for jumps or slides in shooters such as Apex Legends and Valorant. Better movement without having to take your thumbs off the sticks.
ASUS ROG Raikiri II: Up to 50 hours of battery life
- Strong battery life of up to 50 hours
- multiple charging options
Another key point in the everyday life of a wireless controller is of course the battery life. And here the ASUS ROG Raikiri II delivers a very strong result. Asus claims a runtime of up to 50 hours, depending on the usage scenario, vibration and RGB lighting. In my practical test, I was able to confirm this information, at least in part. With deactivated RGB lighting and moderate vibration levels, the controller lasted several days of intensive use without any problems.
This puts it well above many of its competitors, which usually run out of breath after a maximum of 20 hours. However, the Raikiri II also has to make do with a polling rate of 1,000 Hz, which in my opinion is absolutely sufficient – even for competitive gaming.
If the battery does run low, the controller can still be used while playing via USB-C without any problems. The included charging case and charging stand are also exciting. The hard case allows the controller to be charged in a protected state, while the stand enables wireless charging via magnetic contacts. The controller thus has a fixed place on the desk and is virtually always ready for use.
Software connection: Extensive customization in the browser
- Practical customization directly in the browser
- Extensive settings
Like most manufacturers, ASUS ROG also allows the Raikiri II to be customized directly in the browser. The detour via the Armoury Crate software is therefore no longer necessary. Instead, settings can be made conveniently via Gear Link.
Almost all relevant controller parameters can be set via Gear Link: Button assignment, stick sensitivity, trigger characteristics, vibration strength and profiles. No technical wishes remain unfulfilled here. Trigger paths can be adjusted, the movement curve of the sticks can be adapted and, if you like, you can reconfigure all the buttons to your liking.
In practice, this all works very reliably. A positive feature is the ability to create multiple profiles and switch between them quickly. This is ideal when switching between different game genres. Of course, the RGB lighting can also be synchronized with other devices from the manufacturer using Aura Sync.
ASUS ROG Raikiri II in practice and gaming test
- Very good gaming performance in all genres
- Strong professional features, but…
- … Unusually deep grip recesses; deadzones too large
The actual practical test very quickly shows what the ASUS ROG Raikiri II was developed for: for ambitious gamers who value precision, customizability and comfort. In shooters, you benefit enormously from the fast micro-switch buttons, the precise sticks and the short trigger travel. Every input feels immediate and controlled. I find the ergonomics of the gamepad to be very pleasant, as it sits very comfortably in the hand thanks to the non-slip surfaces and rounded edges.
In action-adventure and role-playing games, the ergonomic shape and the back buttons have a particularly positive effect. Long gaming sessions remain comfortable and complex button combinations can be performed in a much more relaxed manner. The controller also impresses in racing games thanks to the analog triggers and stable stick feedback.
There is one small point of criticism with very fine aim corrections: the deep stick recesses and deadzones, which are a little too large by default, can lead to minimal over-control if you are not used to the layout. However, after some time getting used to it and with slight adjustments, this behavior can be easily compensated for.
I’m a fan of shortened trigger travel, especially in shooters, and here the Raikiri II provides really direct and precise feedback that comes relatively close to mouse clicks. The D-pad is also okay, but lacks a little precision in very complex fighting games.
Overall, the ASUS ROG Raikiri II leaves an extremely positive impression in the practical test. It is not a cheap controller and is clearly aimed at enthusiasts. However, it delivers a well thought-out, powerful overall package that performs excellently on both the PC and the Xbox.
ASUS ROG Raikiri II test: Conclusion
The ASUS ROG Raikiri II presents itself as an all-round successful further development of the first generation, which not only eliminates the biggest points of criticism such as the lack of Xbox wireless connectivity or replaceable thumbsticks, but also comes packed with modern features. TMR joysticks, shortened trigger travel, precise micro-switch buttons and tri-mode connectivity with a long battery life paint an extremely coherent picture.
The ergonomics and customization options are also impressive. The Raikiri II can be criticized for the hollows of the sticks, which take some getting used to, and the deadzones, which are a little too high by default (but can be remedied with adjustments). The bottom line is that this is an excellent controller for PC, Xbox consoles and the manufacturer’s own gaming handheld, but its high price is clearly aimed at professionals.
- Excellent thumbsticks
- Successful ergonomics
- Tri-mode connectivity
- Strong battery life
- Great buttons and triggers
- High embroidery troughs
- Relatively heavy
- Slightly too large deadzones
ASUS ROG Raikiri II
Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Battery
Value For Money
91/100
Extremely high-quality, versatile professional controller for PC and Xbox. Impresses with precise TMR sticks, tactile buttons, trigger stops and long battery life. Only the deadzones need some fine-tuning.
