Razer Kishi reviewed: A controller for your pocket
The Razer Kishi smartphone controller fits in your pocket. The folding concept works well, and the device is really fun to use with 2D side-scrollers like 'Dead Cells'. On the downside, some games don't run at all, the sticks are too small for me in other cases, and the price is high.
Anyone who plays more on their phone than just «Candy Crush» knows the problem: good controllers are large, bulky, and rarely end up in your pocket. Razer is taking a different approach with the Prio. The controller can be folded up and fits in the same pocket as your wallet. I've been using it for two weeks, playing games including «Dead Cells», «Asphalt Legends», «Racing Master», and «Neverness to Everness». The concept is clever, but the Prio isn't perfect.
Small, flat, robust
Even when unboxing, the Prio seems inconspicuous but solid. Folded up, it measures 10.7 × 6.7 × 2.3 centimeters. It's about the size of a credit card, just thicker, and weighs 101 grams. It could easily pass for a hard-shell wallet. The matte black finish with subtle branding is simple by Razer standards. Great, as potential scratches from keys and the like in your pocket won't be as noticeable.
The setup is simple but difficult to explain. A rubber band holds the left and right sides of the controller together. I can easily slide them apart and then unfold them. This makes them «fall» apart. One side with the USB-C connector pivots 180 degrees. Finally, I insert the smartphone in between. Sounds complicated? It is at first. But over time, it becomes intuitive and is actually fun. It's best to watch the video on it:
The Prio accommodates smartphones up to seven inches. According to Razer, large models like the iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Galaxy S26 Ultra also fit, even with thin to medium-thick cases. The attachments for the phone can be swapped out; I choose different rubber inserts depending on the size of the device and the case. With thick cases, especially around the USB-C port, it can get tight. Those have to be removed for the sake of gaming enjoyment.
USB-C instead of Bluetooth: no battery needed
The Prio connects directly to the phone via USB-C. This has advantages: input lag is lower than with Bluetooth controllers, there's no need for pairing, and it doesn't require its own battery because it draws power from the phone. This has a negligible impact on the smartphone's battery, as the games themselves consume significantly more.
The controller works with iPhones running iOS 18 and later, and Android devices running Android 14 and later. Additionally, there is the «Razer Cortex» app. Once installed, it opens automatically when plugged in and lists compatible games. Settings can be defined per game, and a dedicated button on the controller takes me directly to the app. It works, but it isn't intuitive for newcomers.
Compact controls: good D-pad, small sticks
The small size comes at a price. The face buttons and sticks are small, and there are no proper grips. Those coming from large controllers or handhelds will need to adjust. It's fine for short sessions, but the Prio is only made for small hands for hours of gaming. Those blessed with bear paws will certainly not be happy. Although I wear size L gloves, I still manage just fine.
There are two bumpers, two analog triggers, a D-pad, and four action buttons. The latter are quiet so that fellow passengers on buses and trains don't feel disturbed, yet they still have a clearly perceptible pressure point. The D-pad is surprisingly pleasant, with a slight indentation and clear directional inputs. For the sticks, Razer uses contactless, capacitive sensors. This is intended to minimize drift and mechanical wear. They aren't large, but they have enough grip to be usable.
In practice: «Dead Cells» top, «Neverness to Everness» flop
I have the most fun with «Dead Cells». I missed out on the 2D rogue-lite back in the day, and it plays excellently on the smartphone with the Prio. I play with the D-pad and will spend many more hours here.
«Asphalt Legends» is also a good experience. The racing game is simple, doesn't demand much from the small buttons, and thanks to automatic acceleration, I hardly have to bother with the triggers.
With «Racing Master», however, the Prio doesn't work for me because it isn't recognized. That's annoying; a controller shouldn't fail on individual games. With the open-world hack-and-slash «Neverness to Everness», the sticks are simply too small for me. When precision is required in the third dimension, I struggle with the Prio.
These features are missing
There is no haptic feedback, nor are there back buttons. While the triggers are analog, they aren't curved. Razer's larger mobile controllers like the Kishi V3 offer all of this. In everyday life, I hardly missed it. A foldable controller for on-the-go doesn't need to do everything, but at this price, it is noticeable.
The Prio has been available since the beginning of September. Razer provided me with the controller for testing purposes.
In a nutshell
Clever concept with limitations
Pro
- fits in your pocket
- quick assembly with a clever mechanism
- good D-pad
- no battery required thanks to USB-C
Contra
- small sticks
- little comfort during long sessions
- not every game works
- high price
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