Razer has finally launched its latest esports-focused controller for PlayStation and PC gamers, the Raiju V3 Pro, marking the company's first PlayStation-compatible controller release since the Wolverine V2 Pro in 2021. After extensive testing, this premium gaming peripheral proves to be worth the extended wait for competitive players seeking superior performance and accuracy.
Design and Build Quality
The Raiju V3 Pro features the familiar PlayStation symmetrical thumbstick layout but incorporates cutting-edge Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) technology rather than traditional hall effect joysticks. This advanced technology represents a significant upgrade, offering improved precision, reduced power consumption, and better resistance to interference compared to conventional magnetic-based systems.
Constructed from hard plastic with rubberised handles, the controller weighs just 258 grams, making it approximately 50 grams lighter than the Wolverine V3 Pro. While some might question the premium feel of the materials, this weight reduction serves a specific purpose for esports professionals who prioritise lightweight equipment during extended gaming sessions.
The controller includes Razer's mecha-tactile PBT action buttons, an 8-way floating D-pad, and all standard PlayStation controller functions. One notable design element is the USB-C port on top, which features a protruding plastic cover that some users might find visually unappealing, though it serves practical purposes.
Performance Features
Where the Raiju V3 Pro truly excels is in its performance capabilities. The wireless functionality has been enhanced with a 2.4GHz dongle supporting a 250Hz wireless polling rate on PS5 and an impressive 2000Hz wired polling rate on PC, doubling the performance of the Wolverine V3 Pro.
Battery life sees remarkable improvement, jumping from 20 hours in previous models to 36 hours of continuous use in the Raiju V3 Pro. This substantial upgrade likely benefits from the power-efficient TMR joystick technology.
The trigger system stands out as particularly innovative. Unlike competitors that simply add physical barriers to limit trigger travel, the Raiju V3 Pro transforms the triggers into mouse-click mechanisms when switched to short-travel mode, providing instant responsiveness that feels both satisfying and highly functional.
Customisation and Accessories
Razer has addressed user feedback regarding back buttons by making all four rear paddles removable, including a small screwdriver in the package for easy adjustment. The controller retains two programmable claw grip buttons on the top, both configurable through Razer's Synapse software.
The package includes a comprehensive set of accessories: a carrying case, two replacement thumbstick caps, the 2.4GHz wireless dongle, a 2-metre USB cable, and the back button removal toolkit. The controller is available in black and white at £199.99, with a Razer green option costing an additional £10.
Competitive Landscape and Value
Priced at £199.99, the Raiju V3 Pro positions itself firmly in the premium controller market, competing directly with Sony's DualSense Edge and sitting slightly below the Scuf Reflex Pro in price. While alternatives like the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro and Victrix Pro BFG offer cheaper options, none match the Raiju V3 Pro's combination of TMR joysticks, mouse-click triggers, and advanced mechanical buttons.
The controller does make some compromises in pursuit of performance excellence. There's no haptic feedback or vibration functionality, partly due to PlayStation's restrictions on third-party controllers and partly by Razer's design choice to prioritise responsiveness over immersion. The top touchpad section serves primarily as an aesthetic element rather than a functional feature.
Verdict
The Razer Raiju V3 Pro emerges as an exceptional choice for competitive PS5 and PC gamers who value performance above all else. While it may not offer the premium material feel of some competitors and lacks immersive features like haptic feedback, its cutting-edge TMR joystick technology, exceptional battery life, and highly responsive controls make it arguably the most accurate and tactile controller currently available for serious gamers.
For esports enthusiasts and competitive players willing to invest in top-tier equipment, the Raiju V3 Pro delivers tangible performance benefits that could provide that crucial edge in high-stakes gaming scenarios.
