Opinion: Razer’s Kishi gamepad for iOS is a steal!

If you’re tired of struggling with touch controls on your phone while gaming, consider getting an external controller like the Razer Kishi. The iOS version is currently on sale for $55 on Amazon, while the Android version is priced at $45.

The wired connection of the Kishi means you won’t have to worry about charging it, leading to lower latency compared to Bluetooth-connected gamepads. While it doesn’t have a headphone jack like the Backbone One, it is compatible with Apple Arcade, Google Stadia, GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and remote play apps for Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

The Kishi is compact and easy to carry around when not in use, with a convenient rear panel that needs to be unclipped to use. It’s designed to fit various phone sizes, but you may need to remove your phone case to plug it into the Lightning port.

Although some users may find the design of the Kishi uncomfortable for long gaming sessions, it’s a great option for gaming on the go. Razer has also released the $100 Android edition of the Kishi V2, which features a sliding bridge, clickier buttons, and a share button for streaming gameplay to platforms like YouTube and Facebook.