While Microsoft has been touting the Xbox Elite controller, it looks like Razer has been hard at work on an answer to it. The just announced Razer Wolverine Ultimate is not only a high-end, configurable Xbox controller for PC and the console, but it also sports Razer's popular Chroma RGB lighting.
Razer Wolverine Ultimate
Featuring interchangeable D-Pads, thumb stick adapters that vary in height and size, and no less than six remappable triggers and buttons the $160 Razer Wolverine Ultimate looks to be a compelling alternative to Microsoft's Elite controller.
- Remappable 2 Multi-Function Buttons & 4 Triggers
- Razer Chroma lighting with full 16.8 million color options
- Interchangeable D-Pad – Choice between Individual and Tilting Designs
- Interchangeable Thumbsticks
- Hair-Trigger Mode with Trigger-Stop for rapid-fire
- Quick Control Panel
- Tactile Switch Action Buttons
- Ergonomic Non-Slip Rubber Grip
- Razer Synapse for Xbox app
- Razer Chroma SDK enabled
- Play Anywhere – Play on Xbox One or PC
- 3.5 mm audio port for stereo audio output and microphone input
- Carrying case
- Detachable 3 m / 10 ft lightweight braided fiber cable with Micro-USB connector
- Approximate size: 106 mm / 4.17 in (Length) x 156 mm / 6.14 in (Width) x 66 mm / 2.60 in (Height)
- Approximate weight (without cable): 260 g / 0.57 lbs
As expected, Razer has put a lot of emphasis on the trigger and button tactile responses giving gamers more accurate game play.
Unfortunately, it does not seem the controller supports wireless connectivity, so you'll be wired up to your Xbox (though the cable is likely needed for those Chroma lighting effects).
Razer Chroma now for Xbox and games too
Perhaps the most interesting part is support for Razer Chroma – the brilliant glowing LEDs lights that nearly every Razer product supports. While putting Chroma on a controller is not new, the ability to modify it directly through the Xbox is. Razer can do this with its new Razer Chroma for Xbox app that lets users choose from 16.8 million colors and multiple effects, such as spectrum cycling, breathing, stars, reactive, and more.
Even better there the Wolverine Ultimate supports Razer's new Chroma SDK. That means game developers can add support so that the controller's colors are reactive to the game adding for the first time lighting immersion as an experience.
Pricing and availability
I'll be reviewing the new Razer Wolverine Ultimate in the coming weeks contrasting it with Microsoft's Xbox Elite controller for reference.
General availability for the Wolverine Ultimate is slated for September from Razerzone.com with global availability in Q4 2017. Pricing is set at U.S. $159.99 / EU €179.99.
More information about the Wolverine Ultimate can be found on Razer's site.
