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Razer is renowned for creating some of the most responsive gaming peripherals ever, though most of their technology has been tied to their industry-leading line of gaming mice. Given the fairly recent changes to Xbox’s acceptance of third-party controllers,or the major lack thereof, players have been left withalmost no wireless controller optionsoutside of Microsoft’s offerings. Although the Elite Series 2 is a nice controller, the fact remains that it’s about as responsive as the core Xbox controller, doesn’t comewith Hall effect sensors, and is quite expensive, likely a result of being the only decent competitive controller compatible with the console.
Amidst this controller drought, Razer has arrived on the scene with an updated version of their most successful controller ever: the Wolverine V3. This comes as somewhat of a surprise, not only because of Microsoft’s restrictions, but because Razer has been hard at work fighting in the current arms race that iscompetitive gaming mice. Controllers are not new territory for the famed brand, but can Razer claim victory within the console world with the Wolverine V3 wireless controller?
Game Rant got the chance to test out the new gamepad for weeks ahead of its release on August 28th, so you can decide whether to invest in the latest controller update as soon as possible.
What’s in the Box
The Razer Wolverine V3 comes as one might expect: with a full suite of accessories. A hard-shell carrying case makes it easy to transport the controller, the tournament-grade wire, and the smaller included accessories just about anywhere.
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless
The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is the definitive wireless esports controller. Officially licensed by Xbox, players can enjoy tournament-grade performance on both Xbox Series X consoles and PC. Designed with first-of-its-kind mouse-click inputs and six programmable buttons, gamers can react to the competition with speed, control, andprecision. With a max polling rate of 1000Hz and durable parts that can withstand millions of cycles and presses, players never have to worry about lag or moments of high latency. Plus, the controller features a super comfortable rubberized grip and a convenient carrying case.
Design & Comfort
It’s clear that when Razer set out to create this controller, their goal was to cater to as many competitive gamers as possible. While trying to please everyone is usually a fool’s errand, the Wolverine V3 comes very close to perfect for everyone. In particular, the design is well-executed, despite fitting in a bevy of desirable features.
As you might expect, the controller is very heavy compared to wired alternatives. It is also heavier than the core Xbox wireless controller, but not by as much as you’d expect. The grip is made more comfortable with the addition of rubberized handles, which are soft and smooth, yet still very grippy and breathable. The texture changes to a smooth hex pattern for the back paddles, making it easy to quickly tap out a function.
Razer’s placement of the four paddles is intuitive, though they are raised a bit higher than similar programmable controllers. This is perfect for most competitive gamers though, as they want to keep their fingers over their remapped functions as much as possible. This controller grip style is also more ergonomic, as your hands are essentially floating over the controller, rather than gripping it tightly. The Wolverine V3 also accommodates the much less popular claw grip for controllers by offering two more remappable buttons on the top of the controller, nestled next to the triggers and bumpers.
One downside to this more ergonomic design is that it’s fairly uncomfortable for less stimulating gameplay, such asMinecraftorStardew Valley. Even when the back buttons are deactivated, it’s not comfortable to firmly grasp the controller. In general, when it comes to slower-paced games, you aren’t moving your hands enough to get a good, comfortable balance with the V3. Additionally, it should be noted that the V3 gets dirty easily, not only because it attracts dust with its metal and electronic parts, but also because the matte finish on the face is perfect for dust to stick to and leave marks, rather than be wiped away easily.
The rest of the design has very few surprises, with the only one that comes to mind being the brightly lit Razer branded lighting. The lighting is very bright, displays true to life colors, and is just as pretty as any other RGB Razer accessory.
Customizability & Software
Lighting is far from the main customizable feature on the Wolverine V3, though, as is standard for Razer, the lighting is certainly a highlight. Not only is the small LED logo bright and vibrant, it can be set to any one of eight standard colors or set to cycle through them all at one of three speeds. Alternatively, the lighting can be turned off to save battery power or simply prevent any distraction.
Along with the lighting, buttons and triggers can be customized as well. The six additional buttons can be remapped to work as any of the other buttons on the controller, save the share and function buttons. There are even trigger stops on the back, which snap into place to activate hair triggers on the fly.
Customizing the lighting and inputs is possible without having to connect to an app, though this was very hit and miss in practice. The best luck was when the controller was connected to Xbox, though even in that instance, about half of the customizations took multiple attempts to stick. On PC, things were a bit worse, with physical remapping only working reliably when the app was open.
However, the app is extremely straightforward and easy to use, so the troublesome physical customization is not a huge negative. A much bigger missed opportunity is the ability to program functions. It seems as though it wouldn’t be much of a stretch to have the app allow full sequences to be programmed into each extra button for functions, though with its focus on competitive gaming, this decision does make sense and it’s unlikely that such a feature would ever be added to this specific model of the Wolverine V3.
The Razer Wolverine V3 still relies on the Controller Support for Xbox app, which is also available on Windows, meaning it is not compatible with Synapse, though the app has been updated for the new release. Now, when you connect a Wolverine V3, there’s a lovely, concise tutorial, rendering the well-made instruction booklet somewhat obsolete in the best possible way.
The app gives players full control over the Wolverine, immediately displaying battery life information and three open profile slots to start. Each profile can be customized to fit your needs in a specific game. Everything from joystick dead zones to haptic feedback and, of course, remapping, can be adjusted in the app in seconds. You can even adjust the power settings to extend your gaming session.
Connectivity & Performance
Obviously, staying connected is absolutely vital for controllers, but with Razer that’s hardly a concern. A disconnection will be caused by a dead battery before any latency issues arise, especially considering the battery only lasts about 20 hours with the RGB lighting on, though it’s on par with Xbox wireless controllers when the lighting is turned off. Unfortunately, charging takes forever. Charging through the Xbox for an hour barely increased the battery life at all, while a subsequent hour at an actual outlet only recharged about 30% of the controller’s built-in battery. The controller will flash when it starts running out of juice, and there are battery indicators built into the Xbox and Windows gaming screens, so this is another minor downside to the V3. However, it would be nice if a specific percentage was provided somehow.
Battery isn’t an issue when the controller is in its most tournament-ready form, connected to a PC through a USB cord. When in wired mode on a PC, the Wolverine V3 can achieve a staggering polling rate of 1000Hz. The trigger stops can come in handy here too, snapping into place stiffly and providing abrupt, yet tactile stops for hair-trigger fans. While the rest of the buttons have an actuation distance of 0.65mm, the triggers use microswitches with a nearly instantaneous actuation range of 0.15 to 0.3 mm. The triggers also simulate the feel of a mouse click, being able to press down a bit further than one might be used to with other controllers, yet able to be customized in the app to allow for instant actuation.
The reason for that “mousy” feeling is the standout feature on the Wolverine V3, which is also an industry first: the use of mouse-click inputs. The triggers and remappable back buttons are built with Razer’s own top-rated side mouse switches, achieving both durability and unmatched responsiveness. Even the feel of these buttons elicits an immediate recognition that they are far different from any other controller’s inputs.
Hall effect sensors support the joysticks, meaning that degradation is years away and may never cause stick drift at all. Though Hall effect joysticks are quickly becoming an industry standard, Razer is the first company to create a wireless Xbox controller that takes advantage of the new technology. The included swappable joysticks can further enhance your control and comfort, though they can be a bit finicky to attach. Additionally, the floating 8-way D-pad completes the package with a durable design built for precision inputs.
All of these features function nearly as well when connected to PC or Xbox using the 2.4GHz wireless dongle. Being Razer’s first wireless Xbox controller, the Wolverine V3 relies on their tried-and-true ultra-low-latency HyperSpeed wireless connection, delivering the maximum polling rate afforded by the Xbox Series X for wireless controllers. The wired mode only guarantees a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, but seeing as howthe GameSir G7has been able to achieve this on Xbox Series X, it’s unlikely that Razer’s controller would perform worse without other extenuating factors.
Throughout hours ofFortnite, Minecraft, Turbo Golf Racing, and a handful of other games, both online and off, there were no disconnection or lag issues at all. Every input felt instantaneous and the haptic feedback seemed to confirm that precision with each shot.
Overall Impression
Razer has unexpectedly become a trailblazer once again, with the Wolverine V3 wireless controller successfully claiming a number of achievements along the way. It’s the first controller to use advanced mouse sensors; the first wireless competitive controller for the Xbox Series X that isn’t from Microsoft themselves; it’s the first wireless Xbox controller Razer has ever made. It’s the only wireless controller for Xbox Series X with Hall effect joysticks; one of the most customizable wireless controllers for the Xbox; one of the only competition-grade controllers with decent durability.
Sure, it isn’t ideal for laid-back or cozy gaming because of the back buttons and lack of programmable functions, but when it comes to competitive games, those remappable paddles prove to be outstanding and even somewhat ergonomic.
The innovative addition of mouse-click technology, paired with Razer’s top-of-the-line Hyperspeed Wireless means the Wolverine V3 is far and away from all the competition when it comes to reliably low latency and lightning-fast responsiveness. Plus, the Wolverine V3’s customizability is on parwith SCUFandPDP’s Victrix Pro, yet the materials and build quality is much, much better. The use of Hall effect joysticks, snappy trigger stops, input designs from competitive gaming mice, and high-quality plastic and rubber for the external parts ensures a long lifetime of gaming for the V3 controller.
Topping it off, the V3 is one of the only controllers listed at $200 that is actually a fantastic deal; this controller could easily command a $300 price. To be perfectly honest, most $200 controllers aren’t really worth it to non-professional players, but the Wolverine V3 earns every cent with its intuitive design, unmatched sensors and responsiveness, customizability, and, ultimately, the myriad of small details that take every feature and turn it up to 11, with physical durability to match. If you want the best controller on the market, you need to buy the Wolverine V3 Pro wireless from Razer.
Similar Products
If you somehow aren’t sold on the Razer Wolverine V3, you probably just aren’t in the market for a high-end Xbox controller. Here are some similar alternatives that might be a better fit for your gaming setup:
$200
$45
$130
FAQ
Q: Is the Wolverine V3 worth it?
Yes, if you are in need of a highly competitive controller on Xbox or PC, the Wolverine V3 is the best option in 2024.
Q: What software does the Razer Wolverine use?
The Wolverine uses Razer’s Controller Support for Xbox app, which is also available on Windows. The app allows for customization of Razer’s controllers, but is separate from Razer’s RGB customization app, Synapse.
Q: Can the Razer Wolverine be used on PC?
Yes, the Razer Wolverine V3 can be used on PC via the wireless dongle or the USB cord.
