Razer Kishi turns your mobile into portable gaming console

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Razer has turned our mobile into a portable console thanks to the Kishi, a remote that attaches to the sides of the phone and turns it into some sort of Nintendo Switch with Android, with all that this implies. Let’s examine a little further the Razer Kishi functionality.

For some players players, the notion of “mobile phone gaming” is not considered the a worthy or ‘real’ platform experience to enjoy video games as they were intended to. It is true that social media platform games like Candy Crush did a lot of damage, as well as the lazy versions of PC and console games, that are merely an excuse of a video games, progressing through it just by smashing the same button. However more than 10 years of that have passed and things have changed a lot.

Now, there are games designed specifically for mobiles. Very good ports of classic games and adaptations of more current titles that can be perfectly enjoyed on mobile. The mobile itself does not stop being a very powerful console, with such performance one just have to take advantage of, since its processing power and screen quality is above the laptop market average.

With the arrival of Stadia, xCloud from Xbox and PlayStation remote play, it seems that more people are getting on the mobile wagon as a portable console, and to improve the ergonomics and control of video games, this is an untapped market for the taking.

Razer Kishi specs

Interface	Physical; D pad; Asymmetrical joysticks; Start, select and home buttons; X, A, B, Y buttons; L1/R1 and L2/R2.
Connectivity	USB Type C on the mobile; USB Type C for charging bypass; No Bluetooth.
Charging	Does not require charging; Used as a bridge to charge the device.
System	Android 8 +
Mobile compatible dimensions	145,3 to 163,7 mm height \| 68,2 to 78,1 mm width \| 7 to 8,8 mm thickness
Audio	No audio output; The USB Type C can be used with an adapter.

The measurements are 3.58 “high, 1” thick and 5.31 “long. The weight is 164 grams and is, therefore, a control that takes up a small footprint when folded and that does not add excessive weight to the mobile.

Both folding and unfolding is a manual process, but it is well thought out. When we fold it, we must put both parts together until we hear a ‘click’ that confirms that both have been joined with a security plate. If we want to unfold the device, we pull a pair of levers at the back and the safety anchor is released.

The side areas that engage with the mobile are made of rubber to adapt well to a wide range of thicknesses. You won’t be able to use all the mobiles in this device. We have a fairly clear limitation here, and it is advisable to read before buying this device to make sure your mobile is compatible.

The Razer Kishi is a device made entirely of high-quality plastic that gives a clear sense of rigidity and security when handling. It adjusts very well to the touch and the micro-movements of the player. Likewise, the mobile does not wiggle and fits firmly into the frame.

This device is primarily a video game interface. It does not have bluetooth connectivity, batteries, or external ports to extend the functionality of our mobile, such as a 3.5 audio jack adapter. The only thing we have (apart from the controls) is a USB Type C port, which is an extension of the same port that our cell phone uses on the outside of the device. This is a rather simplistic view and in our opinion, Razer missed many opportunities in this regard.

How well it does gaming

From this keypad we must know that the analog joysticks work the same as those of a console control, but unlike them they do not have sensitivity adjustment. The size is practically the same, although it is true that the right lever should be a little more to the left and not so much above the main buttons. To interact with them sometimes gets a bit in the way.

Where the Razer Kishi For Android takes the crown is in racing games and more Arcade style single player. Here the remote is perfectly detected and automatically maps the controls to be able to use it in a normal way as if it were the touch screen with high precision. In FPS and other shooter generes, it lacks a little of precision / speed.

The Razer Kishi For Android is a device purely focused on those users who spend many hours playing with their Android smartphone. These types of controls are not usually cheap at all, but the truth is that it takes the playable experience to a higher level, putting a smartphone at the height of a portable console. It is worth noting that this is not well suited for all games or play styles, and on the other hand, for a detachable controller its $100 USD price tag doesn’t suit very well.

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Razer Kishi specs

How well it does gaming

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