When it comes to PC gaming, having a controller is never a bad idea. The standard Xbox controller has always been the gold standard (together with the venerable Logitech F-series controllers) for playing console-ported games on PC. A lot of companies have tried to reinvent things and muscle their way through the PC controller market but few have succeeded. In this review, we get to play and tinker with the ROG Raikiri Pro, an upgraded wireless Xbox controller made with ROG features and quality. Is it good? Let’s find out in this review.
| Compatibility | Windows 10 Windows 11 Xbox Series X|S Xbox One |
| Connectivity |
Wired
RF2.4Ghz Bluetooth (Download driver required) *Xbox console only supports wired connection |
| Weight |
330g (include cable)
|
| Dimensions |
103(W) x 64(H) x 155(L) mm
|
| I/O port | USB-C 3.5 mm jack |
| OLED |
1.3” with 128 x 40 resolution, 2 grey level
|
| Audio output |
3.5 mm analog audio port compatible for Xbox and PC (Windows) * Headset connection is only available in wired connection
|
| Microphone input |
3.5 mm analog audio port compatible for Xbox and PC (Windows) * Headset connection is only available in wired connection
|
| Battery life |
Last for up to 48 hours of use (w/o lighting, vibration OFF).
|
| Cable |
3m USB-C to A detachable cable
|
| Contents |
1 x ROG Raikiri Pro gamepad 1 x USB Type-C to Type-A cable 1 x USB wireless dongle 1 x Warranty book 1 x Quick start guide
|
The ROG Armoury Crate is the companion PC app that helps power the ROG Raikiri Pro. It is not required to play the Raikiri Pro but is handy to have if you want to unlock more features and tinker with the controller more. With the help of the app, you can change the RGB lighting on the controller, edit the messages on the OLED display, and even bind certain keys and combinations to the buttons.
Part of what makes the ROG Raikiri Pro a bit more unique than most controllers is that it has four additional buttons on the back. These buttons can then be customized using the ROG Armoury Crate. Unfortunately, I find that these four buttons are awkwardly placed and it may take time for one to get used to using both ring fingers to push buttons.
The tiny OLED display on the ROG Raikiri Pro displays the usual stats like battery, connection, and controller number. In addition to this, it can be customized to display messages and moving images with the help of the ROG Armoury Crate app, albeit to a limited extent. The OLED screen can be navigated with the help of the two buttons located on both sides of the USB-C port on the top of the controller.
The ROG Raikiri Pro can be tethered to up to three devices. It has a wireless USB dongle hidden snugly behind it and it can be connected via USB C cable. Lastly, you can connect to compatible devices via Bluetooth. To summarize things, you can use this controller for your mobile phone, your PC, and your Xbox Series X|S. Unfortunately, you can only connect to the Xbox Series X|S via wired USB cable.
On its own, the ROG Raikiri Pro is a great product. It has features that most would wish to have on their gaming controllers. It has that uniqueness tied to it and you can definitely show it around and expect people to look at it in awe. The screen adds personality and the additional buttons on the back add more practicality especially in certain gaming genres. But then again, these are features that one would wish for but are they actually implemented well and are they actually needed?
While I did mention that it has features that most users would want, it’s not what most users would need. The controller adds nothing significant to gameplay experience. Take the OLED screen for example. Although it’s a good addition to the whole package, it’s not well implemented due to its clunky controls and limitations. It can only display in black and white and it would have helped if they made it a bit larger for it to be more practical. To navigate the screen, you have to hold the buttons for a few seconds first before things register. It’s that tedious and it shouldn’t be that way given the price of this thing. I get that ROG is on a roll with adding OLED screens on anything they can touch but on a controller that you don’t often look at? Why?
Handling an ordinary Xbox Controller after playing with the ROG Raikiri Pro made me realize something: there’s nothing different. It’s just the same thing. The button feedback is the same, the overall feel is the same. There’s nothing different from an ordinary legit wireless Xbox Controller and in some ways it is an advantage rather than a curse.
And while we are talking about the lack of significant improvements, let’s talk about the more pressing stuff.
The ROG tax strikes again. The ROG Raikiri Pro has an asking price that does not justify the features that it brings on the table. If you’re looking for a new controller for your shiny new PC, best get the standard Xbox Wireless Controller. It’s less than half the price of the ROG Raikiri Pro, comes in great colors, and it can connect wirelessly to an Xbox unlike this one.
However, if you do feel a bit competitive and wish to have a competitive edge with the usual ROG flair, then by all means, the ROG Raikiri Pro is a good addition to your growing arsenal.
The ROG Raikiri Pro is currently priced at PhP 7,290 (*ouch*). The wired version, the ROG Raikiri has a more acceptable price tag with PhP 4,890. Both are set to be available here in the Philippines.
Get to know more about the ROG Raikiri Pro via its official product page here.
