Razer has unveiled its latest Xbox-licensed and PC-compatible gaming controller, the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro. The keyboard boasts innovative dual-mode triggers, offering seamless analog performance or precise mouse-like responses, all housed in premium hardware, but at a price that reflects its exceptional quality.
The Razer Wolverine has consistently ranked among the best PC controller options, boasting a premium build and features, albeit at a higher cost. While the Wolverine V3 Pro doesn’t buck this trend, if you’re seeking a top-tier controller, it’s worth considering.
The Wolverine lineup had historically suffered from a lack of clarity due to its licensing agreements with major gaming platforms; specifically, the non-Pro version of V2 was exclusive to Xbox, while the Professional model was tied to PlayStation. For this latest update, there are two V3 variants specifically designed for both PC and Xbox users.
Two fashion options are available for the V3: the V3 Professional, a wireless model, and the V3 Professional Event Version, a wired-only option that halves the price of the Professional model while maintaining comparable features.
The V3 controllers’ headline feature is the innovative integration of mouse-click dual-mode triggers. With a simple toggle, seamlessly switch your HyperTriggers between a smooth, analog mode perfect for precise movements and a crisp, digital mode ideal for quick-fire actions. While not a novel concept, the ability to utilize distinct mouse-button triggers for digital mode exhibits greater precision by employing a trigger stop instead of merely shortening its travel distance with a blocker.
The Wolverine V3 Professional now comes equipped with four precision-crafted mouse click paddles, providing intuitive and instantaneous response at your fingertips. This controller features two supplementary buttons mounted on its upper rim, catering specifically to gamers employing a claw grip and providing them with an additional set of controls for enhanced gameplay.
One notable improvement is the utilization of Corridor Impact thumbsticks.
These should ensure stick drift is not an issue, and they are frequently calibrated to your preferred sensitivity level as well. The availability of both short and long sticks also allows for the ability to switch between a quick or more precise feel.
The eight-way directional pad (D-Pad) can be upgraded with mechanical-style buttons, dubbed Mecha-Tactile by Razer. They deliver swift switch activation paired with the tactile comfort of a rubber membrane keypad.
The Razer Wolverine V3 Professional, touted by the manufacturer to offer approximately 20 hours of battery life, arrives accompanied by a carry case that provides ample storage space for two interchangeable thumbstick caps, the wireless adapter, and a 10-foot cable. Customers missing the non-professional version’s nuances may struggle to grasp the stark value difference between the two options, leaving them uncertain about their purchasing decision.
The Wolverine V3 Professional comes with a price tag of $199.99, representing a $50 discount compared to the PlayStation-focused V2 Professional, which retails for $249.99. In contrast, the more basic Wolverine V3 is priced at $99.99. By allowing PC players to use controllers directly connected to their PCs, rather than relying solely on mouse and keyboard, this option piques the interest of gamers eager to refine their skills in front of their computer screen.
Explore our in-depth analysis on the best premium Xbox and PC controllers by reading our comprehensive overviews of the Microsoft Xbox Elite Series 2 and Xbox Wireless Controller, and discover how these two flagship options stack up against each other.