Razer Wolverine V2 Review

Chances are pretty high that if you are a new owner of an Xbox Series S or X, you're probably pretty well stocked with controllers. As you know, the console comes with a completely new and redesigned controller, and you can use your controllers from Xbox One without further ado, which is also a thing plenty of people buy for their PC.

So why rush out and buy another one that also has a cord? Especially as Microsoft has brought the lag down further with the Xbox Series S/X controller. The Razer Wolverine V2 is of course a successor to the Razer Wolverine Ultimate, which we have previously reviewed. It must be said, however, that in addition to the name, they do not have that much in common at all, as among other things, the shape and material choices are completely different.

In fact, when I picked up the Razer Wolverine V2, I was thrilled. The controller offers a rounder shape in a way that brings to mind using Play-Doh. I hadn't felt this way since I first used a Gamecube controller, with the feeling that it kind of flows out into my hands. The trigger buttons and LB/RB also fit perfectly in a way that surpasses what Microsoft offers (and yet the Xbox Series S/X controller is incredibly ergonomic in itself).

The choice of material I mentioned above is also something I think deserves to be commented on a little extra. Both the front and back of the handles on the controller are rubberised with a rough pattern that gives you a fantastic grip, to the point that I feel it also counteracts hand sweat. If I may guess, it probably depends on the amount of air formed in the pockets of the rough surface.

On the back of the controller are two hidden switches that are used to lock the trigger buttons so they directly register pressure in order to shave off milliseconds in, for example, first-person shooters. Between the trigger buttons and LB/RB there are also two macro buttons marked M1/M2, where you can add functions for quick access. A good solution, however it does not match the paddle-switches on the back of Microsoft's own Elite 2 controller - which on the other hand has a different, higher price tag (this one is £99.99).

There is also a 3.5 millimetre socket for the headset at the bottom and on the top, the cable protrudes. The Select/Start buttons (yes, I know they are not called that) have also been moved higher up for easier access. If you download the Razer app, you can also easily re-map the buttons on the controller to get all the functions where you want them, which is something I appreciate.

The D-pad is also extremely fast and sensitive, and unlike its predecessor, it is a physical D-pad and not just four buttons placed in the classic cross shape. Like the other buttons, it has a very distinct and "clicky" feel, which Razer claims is due to the technology used; a further development of their previous controllers. They call this Mecha-Tactile, and I can only attest that they play in their own division when it comes to speed, so it's not just "buzz-words".

So far so good, and after playing mainly Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Tekken 7 and Forza Horizon 4, I really think that the Razer Wolverine V2 is a great controller, especially for the price you pay for it. What I have to add though, is that the trigger buttons are not as sensitive as the original controller for racing, although superior in action games thanks to the lock option. I do get the feeling that the analogue sticks are more precise, but also slightly more slippery than the regular ones, which is worth mentioning.

Its biggest shortcoming for many, however, is probably the cord, which is also one of the strengths. It inevitably gives less lag and also means that there is a 0% risk that you will suffer from dying batteries in the heat of battle - but it is a minus for the convenient and casual player. Professionals of course want a cord and this is the target group, but professionals would probably also want macro paddles on the back, so I can't say it is entirely dedicated for pros either.

Overall, it's easy to recommend the Razer Wolverine V2 to anyone who wants to optimize their gaming without having to pony up with a controller for twice the price. It will make you a better player, but you should be aware that you are not really getting everything that the most premium controller gives you.