Razer is known for its gaming peripherals all over the world and has a controller for the competitive sector in its lineup with the Wolverine V2 Chroma. Whether extra keys and cable connection provide the desired boost and what the technology of the Razer mice has to do with it, we will clarify in the test.
Technical Data
| Size | 161.5 mm x 105.8 mm x 65 mm (W x D x H) |
| Weight | 270 g |
| Colors | Black |
| Cables | USB-C to USB-A (3 meters) |
| Compatibility | Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC |
| Features | Front panel with various settings; 6 customizable auxiliary buttons (4 rear, 2 shoulder); Superhuman Hearing mode; 3.5 mm jack connector; 2 vibration motors |
| Scope of delivery. |
Quick start guide, Swappable analog sticks |
| Price | € 129.99 * |
Scope of delivery
But first the scope of delivery, which is nicely showcased as usual from Razer. Upon opening, we find the controller well protected in foam packaging. The two interchangeable variants of the left analog stick are placed in two slots. The sleeved 3 meter USB cable is of course also included. And last but not least, a small manual is included. Apart from that there is nothing in the box.
Design and workmanship
In terms of design, the Wolverine controller is based on Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S generation controller, as you might expect. The typical asymmetrical arrangement of the analog sticks and the other button assignments are identically designed. However, some differences are immediately noticeable when you first take it in your hand. The basic shape of the controller differs from the Microsoft product. It is a bit clunkier in the hand at first. However, this is by no means negative, but rather beneficial. It feels more grippy. Together with the rubberized grip surface, this results in a combination that really feels very good in the hand.
The 3.5 mm audio jack for stereo output and microphone input on the bottom of the gamepad is also retained.
Other special features of the controller are the six additional buttons. Two of them supplement the usual shoulder buttons. Four more are located on the underside. These are easy to reach with the middle and ring finger and are assigned with the action keys A, B, Y and X as standard. In addition to the usual two shoulder keys on each side, a third key has been added. This gives us a total of six additional buttons compared to the original Xbox. All six buttons are freely configurable.
However, when the A, B, Y and X keys are used, an advantage also comes to light here. The click feeling of the action keys and the directional pad is absolutely precise thanks to the Razer Mecha-Tactile, which is already used in Razer mice, and has a slight but noticeable resistance. The input is confirmed with a clicking noise that definitely reminds of a Razer mouse.
The already mentioned interchangeable heads of the left analog stick are quick to change due to the magnetic connection and should get the most out of any gaming session. Razer itself advertises that the longer stick is suitable for more defensive gamers who need more precision. Recommended for snipers and racing gamers. The mushroom-head-shaped stick, on the other hand, is said to be suitable for offensive, fast players.
As a final extra, trigger stop switches are built into the Wolverine controller. With this it is possible to “block” the triggers. That is, the trigger point of the shoulder buttons is pulled forward considerably and triggers after about a third of the way. This is highly recommended for shooters. However, if a racing game is on the agenda, the triggers can be extended again to the full trigger travel within a second with a flick of the wrist. This gives more control over throttle and brake again. In the center of the back next to the triggers are the sliders for this (see picture of the bottom).
In order to be able to use the Wolverine V2 controller in the competitive field, Razer has decided to only enable the connection via cable. This is to prevent possible delays due to Bluetooth or other wireless connections. A practical side effect is that the controller is pleasantly light due to the lack of batteries.
The controller’s menu buttons are distributed on the upper side by default and the Xbox button is placed prominently in the center. Just as we are used to.
Handling and practice
Due to the somewhat modified shape, the controller feels very good in the hand right from the start. Due to the ridged surface that fills the entire palm, the controller stays well in the hand and does not slip away even in stressful and warm sessions. Since the standard keys are all placed as usual, you can play immediately without getting used to them. The improved pressure points of the keys feel very good and give a better click feeling from second one.
However, it takes some patience and getting used to in order to use the additional keys effectively. This is simply because it is very unfamiliar to have the six new keys at your disposal. But it is worth getting used to if you play competitively. The advantage is small, but noticeable. And in corresponding pressure situations, it can bring decisive fractions not to have to let go of the right stick, for example. This was noticeable in shooters, as the opponent could be kept in my sights while I could jump over obstacles. In other words, it is noticeable wherever the thumb has a fixed task and there is hardly any time to spare it.
However, one shortcoming stood out during our tests. The menu keys are placed in such a way that you have to reach over the stick to reach them. This quickly leads to unintentional inputs via the stick when trying to pause the game. There could perhaps have been a better solution for this. Especially since there would have been more space in the middle. However, that remains the only minus point. Nevertheless, we didn’t want to withhold this from you.
Conclusion
The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is a very good controller. There is technically no real negative point that speaks against buying it. The workmanship is top notch. The handling is well optimized compared to the standard Microsoft controllers and is supplemented with useful features, such as swapping the left analog stick and the additional buttons.
The Razer Mecha-Tactile buttons take this controller to another level and it feels like Razer is taking the controller gaming community seriously. At the same time, the question arises as to why not all standard devices are equipped with them. Putting the undoubtedly good tech from the Razer mice into the controller was a great idea!
The last question now is only whether the price-performance ratio is worth it. Performance definitely brings the device and if it is only about that, the device is an absolute recommendation! However, the price is also powerful and cannot be ignored. The controller’s price is aimed at competitive gamers who fight for every tenth of a second. Of course, casual gaming is also absolutely fun with it! However, there are other controllers for relaxed gaming in between, which can be used more relaxed on the couch or on the PC thanks to wireless.
Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma
Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Value for money
91/100
A technically ingenious controller that can be played competitively, but it also has its price!
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