For gamers on the go, there are a lot of options out there, and they’re generally pretty good. There are (particularly for users on the go) problems with dedicated options like the Nintendo Switch, ROG Ally X, Steam Desk and PSP that equate to the cost, space they take, or the weight they add to your daily carry.
If you’ve got a mobile phone or even iPad Mini that can play games, Razer has just released a device that could be the answer to your mobile gaming desires. The Razer Kishi V3 Pro clamps onto your mobile device and provides a game controller-like interface to improve your mobile gaming experience.
What is the Razer Kishi V3 Pro?
The Kishi V3 Pro is a game controller designed to connect to your mobile phone, turning it into a portable console gaming alternative. It utilises the hardware you already have (your phone) and complements it by adding console-like control to the device.
It clamps onto your mobile device and holds it firmly, ready for you to get into your gaming. Building on and refining the previous versions of the Kishi, the V3 Pro doesn’t have an on/off switch but rather uses your phone’s power to turn the device on. But there is a bit of a catch if you keep your phone in a case; there’s a rubber guard around the USB-C connector that sits under the phone. You’ll need to remove this so that the USB-C can go into your phone far enough to connect properly.
Once connected, your phone’s interface — for console gamers at least — becomes a very familiar gaming controller with the ergonomics that have taken years to evolve. Dual thumbsticks, a d-pad, X-Y and A-B buttons as well as the usual buttons behind the controller, which is pretty awesome in something so light.
The user experience
The hardware is lightweight and highly functional for the intended purpose. The controls are comfortable, and the huge range of compatible devices makes the Kishi V3 Pro an excellent option for mobile gaming. During testing over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had the chance to play a few mobile-based games and use Steam Link to play some higher-end games.
My daily driver phone is the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which has an outstanding screen for gaming, combined with the Kishi V3 Pro. The larger gave me flashbacks to the original Nexus 7 tablet, and even with some higher-end games (F1 2024, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and NBA 2K25), there was enough screen space to make the game a meaningful experience, not a compromised one for the sake of mobility.
Probably the biggest issue users will face is the prolonged gaming sessions hitting phone batteries hard. But there’s a cover for that in the Kishi V3 Pro hardware, too: passthrough charging. So, provided you’ve got some form of power supply available (USB-C, of course), you’ll be able to game on and maintain communications along the way.
The other really nice little touch on the Kishi V3 Pro is the headphone jack on the bottom of the unit below the USB-C, giving connectivity for higher quality audio and communication options if you’re using them during a game.
Would I buy one?
As someone who enjoys a game, but is often time poor, this is a remarkably good option. Probably the biggest issue I’m trying to overcome is the lack of protection for the unit if you’re commuting with it. Something similar to the Belkin Switch 2 travel case would be perfect to protect your investment. But I’m sure it won’t be long till a reasonable case appears on Amazon.
At an expected release cost of $249.99, it’s a lot cheaper than buying a portable console, you’re saving weight in your bag and don’t have to be concerned about even more expensive electronics when you’re travelling. There are a lot of wins here for someone who doesn’t have — or want — a dedicated mobile gaming option.
