I seem to be starting quite the collection of “made for Xbox” gear. The latest addition is the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma. It joins the likes of the HyperX Cloud Stinger and CloudX Stinger Core Wireless, Razer Kaira Pro, Otterbox Power Swap Controller Batteries, Power A Fusion Pro 2 wired controller, RIG Pro Compact Controller and Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X. Needless to say, I have a bit of experience with Xbox products, and I’m starting quite the collection.
I always have the same gripe with wired controllers—they’re wired. Thankfully, the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma provides a long enough cable that I wasn’t struggling to sit comfortably eight feet away. My kids did feel the need to limbo regularly, but I digress. Though the controller is wired, I can’t fault it for that, and Razer made sure it would be as manageable as possible.
From the cable to the controller itself, the Wolverine V2 Chroma looks slick. It’s sleek lines and flashy RGBs—though completely unnecessary—add a touch of flair you don’t see with regular controllers. It features six additional multi-function buttons, two near the triggers and four on the back—two more than the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller. There are so many options on this controller and almost everything is completely customisable.
“It’s sleek lines and flashy RBGs—though completely unnecessary—add a touch of flair you don’t see with regular controllers.”
The triggers feature trigger-stop switches allowing for rapid-fire usage, and it comes with two interchangeable thumbsticks. I will note that the thumbsticks pop off easily. I never had an issue while playing, but after one drop of the controller (my bad) I was searching under the furniture for the missing piece.
The Razer Controller Setup for Xbox app allows you to remap the six new buttons to any other buttons on the controller. The app also allows you to customize the Chroma lighting on the Wolverine V2, including the colours, brightness and effect. Here you can adjust the Motor Vibration and the Sensitivity Clutch, meaning you designated a button that will change the thumbstick sensitivity temporarily while it’s held down. The Setup App was really easy to use, making customization simple. My controller breathes teal and magenta for absolutely no reason, and I love it.
The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma fits comfortably in my hands. There is a slight grip coating where your hands rest—enough to feel secure, but not so textured that it feels odd to touch. My one issue here is the location of the back four buttons. On a regular Elite controller, you’d find them toward the outer portion of the centre-back of the controller. Here, they are right smack dab in the middle. If you’re like me, with smaller hands, they are a challenge to reach. If you’re used to an Xbox Elite controller, it will feel odd to adjust your fingers to this location for the first little while.
“My controller breathes teal and magenta for absolutely no reason, and I love it.”
The absolute best part of the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is the Mecha-Tactile Buttons. If you’ve ever used a Razer keyboard, like the Huntsman V2, you’ll recognize the satisfying click that they’ve implemented here. The X, Y, A, B, D-Pad, View and Menu buttons all feel great to use, and the sound is extremely gratifying.
My one issue is the location of the View button. The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma has relocated the View and Menu buttons from the middle of the controller to higher up near the Xbox button. This means in order to hit the View button you need to use the thumb that is on the left thumbstick. Up and over the stick is not a comfortable position for a key you may often use, especially in a game like Fortnite where it’s used as your map button.
The device can be used for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC, making it extremely versatile. Razer has upgraded the original Wolverine V2 by adding an extra four buttons, allowing for interchangeable parts, adding RGB Chroma and a circular D-Pad. If there is a choice between the two, for the additional $50, I’d definitely go with the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma at $149.99. The improvements are significant.
Though I’m reworking some muscle memory in order to master the M buttons on the back of the controller, the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is easily my new favourite way to play on the Xbox. The device isn’t without flaws, but the easy-to-use app, ultimate customization, satisfying click, and, of course, RGBs, make the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma well worth it if you’re in the market for an Elite style controller.
