Razer Wolverine V3 Pro short review at launch: HyperTriggers and HyperSpeed make the difference
The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro looks quite similar to the regular Xbox wireless controller (around US$44 on Amazon) but soon after taking it out of its packaging and into your hands, you will notice that the Razer is in a whole different league—especially when it comes to the D-pad's click feedback, the ABXY buttons and the shoulder buttons.
For Xbox, PC and Steam Deck, but not universally compatible
The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is marketed as a controller for the Xbox Series X|S and for Windows PCs. Razer delivers it with a USB cable as well as a USB-A dongle. With both, connecting it to a PC and an Xbox works via plug-and-play; in other words, no additional software needs to be downloaded in order to use it. You can also conveniently switch an Xbox off and on using the controller.
Thanks to Razer's "HyperSpeed Wireless" technology, lag is supposedly also minimized wirelessly, and you can even activate a sampling rate of 1,000 Hz using "tournament mode" via a USB cable. The dongle is comparatively large but its connection quality was great during our test, even in difficult environments where, for example, an Asus ROG Omni receiver had long since given up.
Even if this isn't explicitly marketed by Razer, the Wolverine V3 Pro can also be used wirelessly with an older Xbox One or with a Steam Deck using the USB dongle. In our test, however, the gamepad couldn't be used with a Mac, neither via the dongle nor by using the cable. While the controller supports Bluetooth, it isn't possible to use the Wolverine V3 Pro as a Bluetooth gamepad for a smartphone or tablet. Instead, Bluetooth is only used so you can use the accompanying smartphone app.
HyperTriggers and paddles make the difference
Next to the additional configuration options, the Wolverine V3 Pro offers two further significant advantages compared to the regular wireless Xbox controller. At the forefront are the Razer HyperTriggers that allow you to switch between analog and digital triggers at any time using a slider on the back. In digital mode, the triggers feel like high-quality mouse buttons and trigger significantly faster, which can reduce the reaction time in a first-person shooter, for example.
There are also four additional buttons on the back, which can be conveniently operated using your middle and ring fingers. You can freely configure the function of these buttons. If you need even more, there are also "M1" and "M2" buttons on the top alongside the four regular shoulder buttons, which you can easily reach with your index finger.
The analog sticks are attached magnetically and can therefore be swapped out in a few simple steps. Razer supplies a longer stick, which should allow players to aim more precisely—as well as a shorter stick with an outwardly curved surface, which should increase speed, making it suitable for use with a shotgun, for example. The sticks rely on Hall effect sensors, ensuring that they are protected against drift.
The D-pad, the ABXY buttons and the shoulder buttons give first-class click feedback, resulting in there never being any doubt as to whether a button has been pressed successfully or not—in direct comparison, the difference to Microsoft's wireless Xbox controller is massive. Another advantage is that you can create multiple profiles, so the button assignment can be customized for each game.
Full control with the Razer Controller app
In order to adjust the controller's settings or set the paddles' function, users can use the Razer Controller app, which is available to download via the Microsoft Store for both Windows and Xbox. The app is also available for smartphones, in which case the controller must be connected via Bluetooth. A practical feature is that the smartphone app allows buttons to be adjusted without you having to exit the game.
As the smartphone app was not yet compatible with the Wolverine V3 Pro at the time of testing, we were only able to try out the apps for Xbox and PC. Both versions of the app offer the same functionality and recognized our controller without any problems. First and foremost, you can customize the function of the four paddles and the two additional shoulder buttons. Although Razer doesn't allow macros, it does give players the option of adjusting the sensitivity of the analog sticks and switching between higher and lower sensitivity with the additional buttons.
Furthermore, you can adjust the dead zones of the sticks. It is also possible to set the number of minutes after which the controller switches to standby mode. If required, you can adjust the color and brightness of the Razer logo's RGB lighting. Thankfully, you can also switch off the lighting completely so it doesn't distract you when gaming in a dark room—this is a significant advantage over the official Xbox controller, whose illuminated Xbox logo is almost blinding at times.
Carrying case included, but no USB-C dongle
Razer delivers the Wolverine V3 Pro with a high-quality hard-shell carrying case, which allows the controller to be thrown into your backpack without any worries. Razer also includes a high-quality USB-A to USB-C cable, two alternative analog sticks and the Razer HyperSpeed Wireless Transmitter. The dongle has a USB-A plug, so as an adapter to USB-C is missing, you will have to purchase this separately if the controller is to be operated via a USB-C port.
Pros
+ HyperTriggers (analog and digital)
+ no lag thanks to USB dongle
+ high quality carrying case
+ good Windows and Xbox app
+ compatible with Windows, Xbox and Steam Deck ...
Cons
– ... but not with macOS, Android or iOS
– rumble can't be configurated
– no support for macros
– Bluetooth only for smartphone app
– no USB-C adapter included in scope of delivery
Verdict
During our roughly two-week test period, the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro proved to be a reliable controller with high-quality buttons, all of which provide unmistakable click feedback. The Hall effect sticks react precisely, the accompanying app makes configuring the sticks, additional function keys and RGB lighting child's play.
The highlight of its features are the HyperTriggers, which can function either as analog triggers or as excellent digital ones.
The wireless connection via Razer HyperSpeed Wireless works without any noticeable lag, even in difficult environments. As the Wolverine V3 Pro didn't show any major weaknesses during our short test, it is a clear recommendation for gamers who are willing to pay the steep price of US$200 for a gamepad for Xbox, PC or Steam Deck.
However, the Wolverine V3 Pro isn't recommended for customers who are looking for a controller for all devices—the Wolverine V3 Pro cannot be used with a Mac, a smartphone, cheaper gaming handhelds based on Linux or Android or even Apple TV. Its lack of macros could also be a deal-breaker for some customers. Rumble works, but is neither particularly strong nor precise, and cannot be customized in the app.
Price and availability
The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro retails for US$199.99 and can be purchased via online retailers such as Amazon.
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. We never accept compensation or payment in return for our reviews. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
This is how Notebookcheck is testing
Every year, Notebookcheck independently reviews hundreds of laptops and smartphones using standardized procedures to ensure that all results are comparable. We have continuously developed our test methods for around 20 years and set industry standards in the process. In our test labs, high-quality measuring equipment is utilized by experienced technicians and editors. These tests involve a multi-stage validation process. Our complex rating system is based on hundreds of well-founded measurements and benchmarks, which maintains objectivity. Further information on our test methods can be found here.
