Razer is fast becoming one of the more prolific Xbox and Windows gaming peripheral manufacturers. The company has been churning out all kinds of various hardware, from keyboards through to headsets and even gaming mice. However, while all of those peripherals dance on the edge of greatness, the true wonder lies with the company’s game pads. The Razer Wolverine V2 hits it out of the ballpark. There has hardly ever been a better bang-for-buck proposition for the Xbox Series X/S range. Even so, it was lacking one primary gaming element: RGB! The good news is how Razer is fast tracking a correction with the new Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma. Contrary to what the name implies, however, RGB is not the only new addition. 

Similar to the Wolverine V2, comparing the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma to the stock Xbox Series X/S controller and calling it different, is challenging. The controller layout is similar across the board, and on paper, looks like it brings no additional benefit; until it is unboxed and in-hand. As with the normal Wolverine, the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma has been designed to be a tiny bit wider with rounder grips. While it may not look vastly different, the feeling over the stock controllers is vastly improved. With that said, the shorter grips do become uncomfortable a lot sooner than the stock controller’s grips, which may be an issue for marathon gaming sessions of two hours or more. Sweaty palms might also feel the discomfort sooner. 

One of the best features about the normal Wolverine is Razer’s patented “Mecha-Tactile” technology in its D-Pad and face buttons. These have been retained in the Chroma, resulting in a set of buttons that feel like they come straight from the highest quality of keyboards. Buttons press down softly, but deliberately, with a click that never fails to satisfy. Similarly, the d-pad feels good to use with a design hearkening back to the circular d-pad of the stock controllers. Unfortunately, this is a step back from the classic and far more tactical cross shape featured in the normal Wolverine V2. Besides this regression in design, the overall feel of the buttons and triggers is very good and quite satisfying. 

Similarly to the Razer Wolverine Ultimate and Xbox Series X/S Elite Controller, the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma features buttons on its back. Unlike the normal Wolverine, however, the Chroma has an extra button; totalling four back buttons that can be changed to any desired input. This is a huge step up from the non-RGB version. These buttons are not only easy to press and use, but also extremely premium-feeling. There are also two buttons positioned next to the trigger and shoulder buttons. These buttons total the amount of Macros to six, but their awkward placement means they hardly ever come to mind during use. It is a strange give-and-take, then, with the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma, where one buys a controller with six additional macros, but only ever really use four. Thankfully those who do get used the feel will enjoy it immensely. As an aside, the controller also features a lock-step mechanic for the triggers, whereby toggling them will considerably shorten the travel distance of the triggers. This allows for precision input in games that do not rely on the sort of input featured in Forza Motorsport or Horizon. Sekiro Shadows Die Twice and Apex Legends, for instance, benefit a lot from the lock.

With all of that said, it must be noted how the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is a wired controller. As such, players can expect to never worry about the controller losing connection. However, the lack of a wireless connection is highly noticeable and feels more like a cost cutting measure than one to bring any sort of real-world benefits. With super cheap wireless solutions available, it certainly feels like Razer skimped on what is otherwise a very well built and precise controller. Fortunately one can remove the cable from the controller whenever it is not in use, which alleviates some of the stress of handling any kind of controller with a cable. It also comes in at 2.7 metres (nine feet), which is quite lengthy. 

Using the Razer Controller app on either Xbox Series X/S or Windows 10/11 allows players to keep the controller drivers updated and to change the macro buttons. Since the controller is wired, there is no fancy bluetooth pairing or Xbox sync. It simply works.

The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is designed with professional gamers in mind, but with a much cheaper cost of entry than some of the more expensive controllers. Its wired nature ensures players will always have latency-free gaming with easy plug-and-play convenience, while buttons and triggers sport an extremely premium feel. The wider and rounder design is great, if a little annoying for long play sessions. The controller also feels weighty, yet easy to hold, and is a great step up from the stock controller. It is clear the controller favours form over function, and would make for a valuable addition to any gamers’ arsenal. 

Verdict:

GOOD

PROSCONS
Premium look and feelShorter grips can become uncomfortable within two hours of play
RGB all the things!Wired
Razer Mecha-Tactile and lock-step is next level

Device temporarily provided for review by Razer.

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Junior Editor at Vamers. From Superman to Ironman; Bill Rizer to Sam Fisher and everything in-between, Edward loves it all. He is a Bachelor of Arts student and English Major specialising in Language and Literature. He is an avid writer and casual social networker with a flare for all things tech related.