Razer has released Gamepad Wolverine V2 for Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles, as well as for PC. Surprisingly, the controller from third-party manufacturer is felt more convenient and functional than the "native" Xbox gamepad. However, without flaws. Read more - we tell the review.
Specifications:
- Compatibility: Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X | S, PC (Windows 10)
- Connection type: Wired
- Key type: Mechanical tactile
- Additional keys: Two multifunctional
- Trigger Switches: There is
- Audio: 3.5 mm Analog port
- Cable length: 3 m
- Weight: 274 g
- by: Razer Controller Setup
Equipment and design H
Razer Wolverine V2 is packed in a compact cardboard box, decorated in black and green colors. On the front side it is a major print with the image of the controller. On the back you will find a list of features of the device.
The lid folds, opening the look packed into the neat out shape of the foamed polyethylene of the gamepad. In a separate pocket, a non-removable three-meter cable and the Wolverine V2 operating manual are neatly laid.
The gamepad received a slightly different form in comparison with standard Xbox One and Xbox Series controllers: its handles are more rounded, and the L-shape facilitates grip and provides better access to bumpers and triggers.
Layout Key Razer Wolverine V2 is standard for Xbox, with an asymmetrical location of sticks, however, differences lies in detail. So, the D-PAD repeats the Xbox One controller cross, and the ABXY keys are smaller than the Xbox gamepads. The triggers are smooth, without texture, and on the stick, on the contrary, the spraying is applied, which improves contact with the pads of the fingers. The handles are covered with non-slip rubberized material, and separated from the rest of the body with a winding groove.
Even more innovations - in the area of bumpers and triggers, where the auxiliary keys M1 and M2 were attached. They can be configured to execute any commands using software. On the bottom panel of the controller, there are Hair-Trigger Mode switches that limit the course of triggers, which allows you to squeeze them not to the end, but only to the middle, thus reducing the reaction time - this will provide an advantage in shooters.
All of the Razer Wolverine V2's keys are mechanical, with a noticeable click and pleasant tactile feedback. Razer claims that the buttons will last up to 3 million clicks and respond 35% faster than standard membrane keys. It will take a very long time to test their reliability, but already from the first click it becomes clear that they are tactilely much more pleasant than the buttons of the basic Xbox gamepads.
A three-meter cable with a USB connector extends from the central part of the controller housing. It is without braid, but with ferrite rings to eliminate interference. There is also a 3.5 mm jack for connecting wired headsets; You can control the sound volume using a combination of a special key located under the Share button and the D-Pad.
The Razer Wolverine V2 feels solid and solid. The gamepad withstands twisting test, does not crunch when compressed, demonstrating excellent build quality.
Connection and setup
Although wireless devices are more popular now, Wolverine V2 relies on the good old wired connection. However, this cannot be called a serious drawback of the device: a three-meter cable is enough to comfortably sit even in front of a PC, even next to an Xbox, the wire itself is light and does not twist.
You can set up your controller using the Razer Controller Setup for Xbox app, which you can download from the Microsoft Store on your Xbox console or Windows 10 PC.
The software automatically updates the controller firmware, and the user can access the vibration strength settings, can assign the functions of the M1, M2, view and menu keys, as well as set the sensitivity sticks. The application is available in Russian, and you can master it intuitively.
Usage experience
The standard Xbox Series X controller is criticized for its loud clicky D-pad and rough, not very pleasant to the touch plastic case. The Razer Wolverine V2 is another matter: the textured surface of the handles improves grip, and the mechanical keys click nicely and are barely audible (albeit louder than membrane ones).
The default device is graduated by Windows and Xbox, without requiring the installation of drivers (unlike controllers of other manufacturers and even DualShock / Dualsense, who have some compatibility issues).
A pair of additional triggers turned out to be quite by the way. In my scenario, one repeats the functions of the "A" key, which allows not to remove your finger from the right-wing style in shooters when I lead the fire and jump at the same time, and the second switches the sensitivity of the right-wing style, translating it into the "sniper" mode. Very comfortably. As for the trigger stops, they turn out to be useful in games where it is important to quickly react and shoot in the opponent: after all, there is a difference - to give it a trigger completely or only to the middle. These shares of seconds sometimes turn out to be decisive.
No complaints and to the habitual vibration gamepads (however, there are no vibration in triggers), and to connect wired headphones (And for the ability to control the volume of sound from the Razer controller, thanks separately). But I want to divert engineers for the disputed solution to place a very bright LED on the panel under the Xbox button: if you play in the dark, it beats right in my eyes.
Razer Wolverine V2 more expensive than Gamepad Xbox Series X, but it is worth it. This is a convenient device with mechanical keys and useful features capable of making gaming more comfortable.
