Did you know that Xbox got third-party wireless controllers only last year? Up until now, every external controller worked via cable. As expected, we didn’t have to wait too long for the new (third-generation) controllers from Razer. The Wolverine V3 is their latest pro controller designed for Xbox and PC gamers. It is available in both wireless (Pro) and wired (Tournament) versions. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Pro version.
There’s something you should know before we begin. You probably don’t know me (yet), because this is a new blog, but I’ve been writing about games and the tech world for almost a decade. I’ve also been playing shooters for even longer, mainly on Xbox, and I “grew out” of official controllers some time ago. The Wolverine V3 is not my first pro controller, and my collection even includes its predecessor, the Wolverine V2. My everyday controller is the Victrix Pro BFG – this will be important in the later review. However, you should know that you are in good hands here.
Appearance and first impressions
The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro controller comes in a neat package with an image of the controller and green accents – both a reminder of the brand itself and the console it connects to. Like all such accessories, it will work with Xbox Series and Xbox One consoles.
After sliding the black cardboard sleeve, we see a brown box with the words “For Gamers. By Gamers” written on it. Inside we find a stiffened case with a controller and its accessories inside.
In the case itself you will find:
- controller (with sponges around analog sticks)
- 3-meter (10 ft) braided USB-C to USB-A cable in a separate pocket
- adapter for wireless connection
- two interchangeable analogs (short convex and long concave)
The whole thing looks very neat and is very safely packed. The case is quite tight, so we can be sure that nothing will happened to the controller while in a backpack or a bag.
Note, that the case is only a part of Pro variant of the controller. Tournament one won’t have it!
App and personalization
In the store on Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles, as well as in the Windows Store on PC, we can find the Razer Controller Setup For Xbox app. I highly recommend downloading the app before you jump into any game for the first time. It will allow you to adjust settings as well as update the controller’s software! That’s very important.
Default settings of the Wolverine V3 Pro controller include: deadzone of analogs at 7% and “standard” in their movement, which will “slightly” pull them to the main x, y, z axis. Playing on the analogs customization screen you will probably notice the difference without any problems. I didn’t even think to check it beforehand and it drove me crazy during my first Apex game with it.
So remember to update your controller and then customize it to your preferences, before you even get to the game!
Among the possible options we will find: the ability to map additional buttons (two on the top of the controller, four on the back), changing the sensitivity of the analogues and how they are “read”, as well as the intensity of vibrations. If you create different profiles, you can also assign them different colors (the Razer letters lights up) to quickly figure out what settings you currently have active.
Why does this matter? Because depending on the game, you may want different sensitivity or vibration settings, not to mention you extra buttons.
Two camps?
I’ll admit that for years I’ve had the impression that there are (at least) two camps of Xbox controller users.
On one side, we have those accustomed to the original controller. The Elite controller will feel good in their hands, as well as the SCUF and Razer.
On the other side, there are people who experienced PDP controllers quite early, so similar in shape, and yet… different. The natural evolution in this branch is of course the love for Victrix, a PDP sub-brand focused on esports.
(For those who are stubborn, the third group would probably include manufacturers such as PowerA or HyperX, but… that’s not the price range.)
Why do I even mention this? Because most of my “problems” with this controller stem from this personal preference. From years spent with other controllers that have made me feel that something just doesn’t feel right about either the Wolverine or the Elite. But it’s not the controller’s fault .
Wolverine V3 Pro in FPS/TPS
My main console game is Apex Legends. I’ve been putting every other shooter on the back burner for almost 6 years now. After over 3k hours mostly in ranked games, I can tell you I’m good. Not amazing, but I usually get to platinum in less than a week, and when I have the time I can even get higher during the 6-week-long splits.
Apex, being a very dynamic shooter, is great for testing pro controllers. Response time is extremely important here, as are the extra buttons, not to mention of course the biggest motivation to spend money on a pro controller – short triggers.
On the back of the controller, we can find switches that will allow us to set the triggers to short or long. Short ones will obviously be useful in shooters, where every second counts. Long ones will work well in… any other case, especially in racing games, where we will need the biggest possible pressure control.
Thanks to the fact that we map this controller using the app, we can assign each of the buttons on the back. Because, I don’t know if you know, but in some you can’t duplicate the View and Menu button. Both of them are key in Apex Legends, so I assigned them to additional buttons on the top of the controller.
If you’re wondering what my settings looked like: I have the buttons mapped to the back for jumping and sliding (A and B), switching weapons (Y), and healing (up on the d-pad).
I feel like the analog sticks themselves are a tad slower than I’m used to. So after lowering the deadzone to 3% (from the default 7%) I still had to increase the sensitivity in the game settings to make everything move the way I want.
V3 Pro or Tournament?
Is it worth paying twice as much for the Pro version? In this case, it’s not just a matter of comfort.
The Pro controller will have wireless connectivity and the case. Both versions, when connected to a PC with the original cable, will have a tournament mode available, which will increase the polling rate of the controller from the default 250Hz to 1000Hz, reducing the response time four times (from 4ms to 1ms).
Keep in mind that this mode is not available on the console. To activate it you will have to use a specific combination of keys: Function + Menu + A.
Wireless connectivity is also convenient, of course. Not to mention that if you have your console and a PC on the same desk, you can have the cable connected to the PC and the adapter in the console to easily switch between devices – while also charging the controller!
The battery in the controller lasts a really long time, with vibrations turned off (or severely limited) you have to charge it every 4-5 days of intensive gaming (in reality I usually spend between 3 and 5 hours a day playing). Even if you can play “all day” on the weekend, the Wolverine V3 won’t have a problem with that. Just remember to plug it in when you go for a short break. The manufacturer advertises a 20-hour battery life, although I think it’s a bit better.
If you have the money and you know you’ll actually use this controller, get the Pro version. If you’re not sure if this is for you or you plan on playing only on a cable and only on PC, the Tournament version will be more than enough to make you happy. Its price is quite attractive, considering everything it offers. We’re definitely not paying for the Razer logo here.
Technicalities
| Type of buttons | Razer Mecha Tactile Action Buttons |
|---|---|
| Additional buttons | 4 Mouse Click Back Paddles 2 Claw Grip Bumpers |
| Analogs | Anti-drift Hall Effect |
| Triggers | 2 Hall Effect Analog + Mouse Click trigger stops |
| Microphone input | Yes |
| Audio output | Yes |
| Battery life | About 20 hours |
| Dedicated application | Yes (Xbox, PC) |
| Case | In the Pro version. |
| Approximate dimensions | Length: 156.7 mm Width: 105.7 mm Height: 65 mm |
| Approximate weight | 304 g |
Impressions
The Razer Wolverine V3 is definitely one of the best pro controllers for Xbox and PC, but… it’s not a controller for me. Something about the movement of the analogs didn’t quite work for me, but I know it’s literally a matter of preference. Besides, I’m already terribly used to the simple directional pad, which literally has the shape of a plus. Here we have a round 8-way pad, without the possibility of swapping it.
Bottom row: left Victrix Pro BFG, right original Xbox Series controller.
The Razer Chroma advertised on the controller is a bit disappointing, as the only illuminated element is the Razer letters. It’s still a nice touch, though, and won’t be too distracting even during night sessions.
The ability to customize this controller is definitely worth considering. Very short triggers will please those who like to compete in games and every additional millisecond of advantage will count for them. Additionally, there is also something simply cool in the “clicky” buttons, with a very pleasant sound. Most buttons in other controllers are completely silent. Here we will hear a characteristic, very satisfying click. Analogs and triggers with the Hall effect will guarantee us the gaming experience at the highest level, thanks to their precision and fast response time.