Razer Raiju V3 Pro review: The best controller for PlayStation fans?

It has been nine years since Razer released the Raiju, a new controller for the PlayStation aimed at ambitious gamers and esports professionals. The brand new Razer Raiju V3 Pro is not only a convincing new edition, but also the best controller for PlayStation fans. Our test.

Technical data

Razer Raiju V3 Pro review: The versatile individualist

• Simple and excellently crafted
• non-slip design
• Xbox pad shape meets PS controller layout

The fact that Razer has gathered a lot of expertise in the field of controllers over the years is evident in every corner of the Razer Raiju V3 Pro. At its core, the gamepad draws on the advantages of the Wolverine V3 Pro 8K (our test), but has a few unique features that make it even better.

The new Raiju also has a total of four additional buttons on the back (back paddles), which can be freely assigned. The special feature here: These rear buttons can be removed using the enclosed screwdriver and simply replaced with flat covers.

The manufacturer is thus negating a criticism of the Wolverine models. Not all players use the additional buttons, which change the feel of the gamepad and are not to everyone’s liking. So now you finally have a choice: do you want the additional buttons that come with pleasant mouse click feedback? Or do you want to do without them and improve the feel of the controller in your hand? Very commendable.

The dimensions of the Raiju V3 Pro are roughly the same as its Wolverine counterpart. PlayStation gamers are therefore offered quite generous grip horns, but for PC gamers these are noticeably more compact than the longer counterparts of the Microsoft controllers or many competitors. Personally, I would have preferred longer grips here too, even though the controller is ergonomically convincing.

This is also thanks to the pleasantly non-slip surface, which ensures an excellent grip even in heated situations. The workmanship of the black gamepad is once again beyond reproach.

Features and connection

• Excellent TMR tumbsticks
• Six additional buttons
• Interchangeable sticks

Like the current Wolverine, the Razer Raiju V3 Pro inherits the TMR tumbsticks (Tunnel Magneto-Resistance). This further development of the magnetic Hall Effect technology works even more precisely, ensures a longer service life and ensures that stick drift is not a problem.

Keyword analog sticks: Here, the Raju relies on a symmetrical PlayStation layout, with both sticks at the same height, while the D-pad moves to the top left. However, if you want to swap the sticks, you will also find options in the extensive scope of delivery.

In addition to a higher concave analog stick (ideal for precise aiming), a short outwardly curved stick is also included so that you can choose freely. The tumble sticks can be easily removed and replaced. An arrow mark indicates the position in which the sticks should be inserted.

Also familiar from the Wolverine are the claw bumpers on the top (M1 and M2), which can also be freely assigned and are easy to reach with the index fingers. Another advantage, especially in competitive shooters, is the ability to shorten the trigger point of the triggers (L2 and R2) via a switch on the back, which enables a mouse-click-like trigger feel.

On the underside, you can also choose between wireless and wired mode and switch between PS5 and PC mode, as the Razer Raiju V3 Pro is compatible with both the current Sony console and the PC.

App connection: Adjustable to PC or console

To make the extensive customization options of the Razer Raiju V3 Pro available on both the PC and the console. The controller can be customized down to the smallest detail not only via Razer Synapse 4 (PC), but also via the Razer Mobile smartphone app. All options are also available to you on your smartphone.

All six M-buttons can be freely assigned or, if desired, deactivated individually. With the directional pad, you have the option of switching between a 4-way and an 8-way D-pad, while you can also set what happens when you press two opposite directional buttons on the directional pad – ideal for fighting games in particular.

With the triggers, you can choose between an analog and digital trigger point and determine the point yourself, while the sensitivity can be individually adjusted for both analog sticks. The dead zone of the sticks can also be adjusted, making the Razer Raiju V3 Pro the ideal solution for competitive gamers who like to customize every component of their controller.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro in practice test

• Outstanding performance
• Successful feedback
• No adaptive triggers, no speaker

I have to admit: I’m not a big fan of the symmetrical stick layout of the PlayStation controller and clearly prefer the Microsoft layout here. Nevertheless, the Razer Raiju V3 Pro leaves an excellent impression in the practical test.

With its somewhat bulkier dimensions compared to the Sony original, the gamepad is very comfortable to hold, while the rubberized grips offer a very good grip. The pressure points of the mecha-tactile PBT action buttons are extremely precise, while they trigger with a pleasant click.

Thanks to the total of six additional buttons, there are of course a number of additional options, although I have removed the top two rear buttons for improved ergonomics and only use the bottom two.

This gives you the best of both worlds: No buttons that interfere with the grip of the fingers on the back and yet four additional input options.

The gaming performance of the Raiju V3 Pro is excellent. In competitive shooters such as Fortnite or Apex Legends, the trigger stop is particularly noticeable, thanks to which the triggers release pleasantly quickly. The PS-style touchpad also works very reliably.

As with all Pro controllers, however, you have to do without a few features. Sony’s DualSense gamepad in particular offers some unique features. Like an integrated speaker or adaptive triggers. Unfortunately, these are conspicuous by their absence on the Raiju, which is particularly annoying in immersive single-player titles.

Of course, the Razer Raiju V3 Pro is fully designed for esports and performance. However, those who don’t want to do without these features will be better served by Sony’s own DualSense Edge (our test).

In my opinion, the Razer model is noticeably ahead when it comes to the action buttons, analog sticks and triggers, while I also prefer the back buttons on the Raiju V3 Pro.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro Review: Conclusion

With the Razer Raiju V3 Pro, the manufacturer finally brings its professional controller series to the PlayStation 5 and delivers an excellent gamepad with the third edition. Particularly noteworthy are the various customization options, which allow the analogue sticks to be exchanged and the rear buttons to be individually adjusted.

Compared to the SCUF Reflex Pro or the DualSense Edge, Razer has opted for a design that is more reminiscent of the Xbox controller, but retains the classic PlayStation layout, which makes the Raiju noticeably bulkier than its Sony counterparts. In my opinion, however, it also feels better in the hand.

Razer has garnished the whole thing with innovative thumbsticks, a high degree of customizability via software and an absolutely non-slip, excellent finish. Although it lacks loudspeakers and adaptive triggers, anyone who wants to play competitively with the device will hardly miss these features.

This puts the Razer Raiju V3 Pro on a par with SCUF and DualSense Edge. The decisive factor for the choice is above all personal preference.

PRO

• Great TMR sticks
• Mecha-tactile buttons
• Interchangeable backpaddles
• Six additional buttons
• Powerful software
• Grippy design

CONTRA

• Expensive
• Short grip horns
• No PS-typical additional functions

Razer Raiju V3 Pro

Workmanship

Features

Ergonomics

Battery

Value For Money

93/100

Excellent professional controller for PS5 and PC with strong customization, excellent workmanship and many practical features.