While tablets are not meant to be portable gaming devices per se, they are fully compatible with game apps available from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). And there are separate apps for accessing a variety of cloud-based subscription gaming services and libraries. To experience a more console-like gaming experience, for several years now it’s been possible to pair an Xbox or PlayStation wireless controller to a tablet via Bluetooth and use it as an alternative to controlling games using a tablet’s touchscreen.
For the first time, there’s another gaming alternative for Apple iPad and Android tablet users. It’s called the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL. It’s a one piece gaming accessory that expands to fit almost any size tablet. Once connected, it provides gaming controllers on either side of the tablet. The controls are nicely equipped with buttons, thumbsticks, triggers, a D-Pad, and more. When used with the Razer Nexus Game Launcher app, the device becomes compatible with multiple gaming services and individual game apps.
So not only can gamers experience their favorite AAA PC or console games on their tablet, but they can also have more precise control over the on-screen action. Razer recently sent me a review unit of the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL, which is the version of the device designed for tablets. I tested it with a handful of popular games running on a 13-inch iPad Pro. The XL version of this device is a larger version of the Razer Kishi V3 Pro (designed for use with smartphones).
As you’re about to discover, I was generally impressed by the design, quality, and gaming experiences offered by the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL. However, I found the device a bit unwieldy and heavy when used with a larger size (13-inch) tablet. And at $200, this accessory is a bit on the expensive side. Keep reading to learn more about my experience using this device during my hands-on testing.
Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL Game Controller for Tablets
Specifications
- Price: $200.
- Compatibility: Apple iPads or Android Tablets (up to 13-inches).
- Connector: USB Type-C.
- Number of Controller Buttons: 20.
- Button Functions: 2x TMR thumbsticks with clickable buttons (L3/R3), 1x Mecha-tactile 8-way D-pad, Mecha-tactile ABXY face buttons, 2x Hall effect triggers (L2/R2), 2x Bumpers (L1/R1), 2x Programmable multifunction buttons (L4/R4), 2x Programmable Back Buttons (M1/M2), Menu and Options buttons (labelled Start and Select in some games), Home Button, Screenshot/Record button, and Razer Nexus Button.
- Haptic Feedback: Razer Sensa HD Haptics.
- Mobile App: Razer Nexus Game Launcher (iOS / Android).
- Compatible Services: Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce Now, Razer PC Remote Play, Steam Link, PS Remote Play, Apple Arcade, Google Play Store (Android) Games, App Store Games (iOS).
- Pass Through Charging: Yes.
- Measurements: 12.92-inches wide by 4.33 inches deep by 2.55 inches high.
- Weight: 10.97 ounces.
Pros
- Transforms a tablet into a console-like handheld gaming system.
- Enjoy full-size buttons and controls using a tablet with up to a 13-inch display.
- Access a vast selection of app- and cloud-based games from multiple services.
- Works with Apple iPads or Android tablets.
- The Razer Nexus Game Launcher app auto configures to work with popular games.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Heavy when connected to a larger size tablet.
- Drains the tablet’s battery faster.
- It’s bulky to travel with.
Who the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is Made For
First and foremost, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is designed for gamers who are already tablet users and want to gain more control over their favorite game apps and games played through cloud-based services. Sure, you can use the tablet’s touchscreen to control games, but this does not provide the same precise level of control or responsiveness as you’d get using a controller or mouse/keyboard combo playing computer or console games.
The Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL can be a great gift for existing tablet users who enjoy gaming. However, because of the way it’s designed and how it attaches to a tablet, the device itself is a bit on the fragile side. Thus, I would not recommend it for people under the age of 12. I’d say that the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is best for people who already own a highe-end tablet with a high-resolution display and fast processor.
For someone who’s a gamer but not already a tablet user, there are plenty of other portable gaming options available, so I would not suggest buying a high-end tablet (for $500 to $1,000 or more) and the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL ($200) if gaming as a primary reason for the purchases.
Key Features of the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL
Does the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL make gaming on a tablet more fun? Without a doubt, yes! Once connected to a tablet, it allows for two handed gaming with the tablet in the center. Just like a PC or console controller, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL offers an impressive selection of buttons, thumbsticks, triggers, a D-Pad, and more to give players precision and fast responding controls when playing compatible games.
For me, the most impressive feature of the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is that right out of the box, it’s compatible with a variety of popular online gaming services and libraries, as well as individual game apps. With one or more paid subscriptions to the various services, a user gets access to literally thousands of games — including AAA PC and console titles — from an internet connected tablet.
As you can see from the image below, the right controller that’s built into the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL includes the familiar A, B, X, and Y buttons, a Menu button, the Razer Nexus button, a full-size TMR thumbstick, as well as bumpers and triggers on the top and back. The USB Type-C connector plugs into a tablet’s USB port.
The left controller (shown below) includes a TMR thumbstick. 8-Way D-Pad, Home button, Share button, Options button, plus bumpers and triggers on the top and back.
On the top and back of the left and right controller are bumpers and triggers, making the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL instantly compatible with a vast selection of popular games. Keep in mind, once the controller device is connected to the tablet, the player must hold the tablet and controllers using both hands. For most games, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL eliminates the need to use the tablet’s touchscreen to interact with the device during game play.
Setting Up and Gaming With the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL
The Razer Kiski V3 Pro XL comes with everything needed to connect the gaming accessory to your tablet. This includes several pairs of interchangeable rubber cushions and replacement thumbstick caps. The rubber cushions are designed to provide a snug fit for your tablet, but may not be required based on the make, model and size of the tablet you’re connecting to the controller device.
The Razer Kiski V3 Pro XL is powered by the tablet, so you don’t have to worry about charging it separately. I found this to be particularly convenient, although it can drain the tablet’s battery a bit faster. Overall, the device is super easy to connect to a tablet and begin using. Since the two controllers are connected with an expandable plastic strip, however, the Kishi V3 Pro XL is not too convenient to carry around. It could easily get crushed and broken if placed in a backpack or bag unprotected.
Access Games Using the Razer Nexus Game Launcher App
Using the Razer Nexus Game Launcher app running on a tablet, users can play games offered by Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce Now, Razer PC Remote, Stream Link, Apple Arcade, and individual game apps from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). While a vast selection of free games are available, to experience the most popular AAA PC and console games, a paid subscription to one or more of the compatible services is required. For iPad users, a six month trial subscription to Apple Arcade is included.
Based on which services you subscribe to, you can access them from the main menu screen of the Razer Nexus Game Launcher app and then choose which game you want to play. And if you happen to have your gaming laptop or desktop computer nearby, you can connect the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL to it using a USB Type-C cable, and then use it as a haptic PC controller (without plugging a tablet into the device).
Gaming With the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL and a 13” Apple iPad Pro
The Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL works with any Apple iPad or Android tablet, as long as it has a USB Type-C port. An iPad must run iOS 18 or later, while the Android tablet must be able to run Android 14 (or later). If you plan to use a tablet for gaming, I suggest using one that’s nicely equipped with a fast processor and a high-resolution display that has a fast refresh rate. This provides the best visual experience. You might also want to pair the tablet with Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to hear the most immersive gaming audio possible.
After playing several individual game apps downloaded from the App Store, I connected to the Xbox Cloud Gaming service via the Razer Nexus Game Launcher app. I then had no trouble loading and playing Fortnite and other popular games from this service. The Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL consistently worked exactly how it’s supposed to.
Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL Game Controller for Tablets
My Final Thoughts: Is the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL Worth It?
There are so many dedicated handheld and portable gaming options — like the Nintendo Switch OLED Model, Nintendo Switch 2, Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and Value Steam Deck — that trying to transform an Apple iPad or Android tablet into a gaming device that’s just almost as satisfying seems a bit counterproductive. And if you already have a higher-end tablet for less money, you can easily pair an Xbox Wireless Controller ($64) or PlayStation DualShock 4 ($60) wireless controller to enjoy more of a console-like gaming experience.
I’m not sure why someone would bother paying an extra $200 (in addition to the cost of a tablet) to gain access to full-size controllers that physically attach to a tablet. I found the experience using the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL to be fun, but a bit heavy and bulky when I used it with a 13-inch Apple iPad Pro.
That said, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL works very well with a wide assortment of games. It automatically configures for popular games using the Razer Nexus Game Launcher mobile app, and it offers plenty of customizable and mappable buttons and triggers to give players maximum control over their favorite games.
The Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is well made and the Razer Nexus Game Launcher is nicely designed to provide access to games via a variety of popular services. But personally, I prefer the added freedom and less cumbersome experience gaming on a tablet using a wireless controller.
If you’re looking for a fun gift for a tablet user who loves gaming, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is a great option. However, the form factor of the smaller Razer Kishi V3 Pro ($150) feels more comfortable in a player’s hands when used with a smartphone — at least in my opinion. As for the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL, the $200 investment may be worth it for some, but I feel there are less expensive and more comfortable options out there.
