Razer Wildcat XBox One and Windows Gaming Controller Review
Summary: Razer Wildcat XBox One and Windows Gaming Controller ticks all the right boxes for professional gaming
4.7
Gamer Ready!
Given the hype of Microsoft’s Elite controller, Razer have given gamers another option with their Wildcat Gaming Controller that is compatible with both the Xbox One and the Microsoft Windows platform. However with the Elite, unfortunately this controller has been extremely difficult to get due to the popularity and somewhat short-sightedness of Microsoft in terms of the quantity released and of course, not everyone is happy with the design of this aforementioned controller. This is where third-party controllers come into the picture and the Wildcat is 25% lighter than tournament grade controllers, has a great ergonomic design and is quite responsive, not to mention you can create button layout configurations on the fly.
Key Features
- Four Additional Fully-Programmable Buttons For Personalized Control Layouts
Designed to be a cut above the rest, the Razer Wildcat has four additional buttons – two bumpers at the shoulders and two removable triggers on the underside. Positioned right at your fingertips, these Multi-Function Buttons can be individually set to remap any of the other controls found on the controller. With the ability to freestyle the configuration of your controller, you get to decide exactly how you pwn the competition. - Ergonomic Shape And Weight Favored By Top eSports Athletes
Engineered to give gamers the most comfortable gaming experience even during the most intense of battles, the Razer Wildcat is based on the same familiar weight as the standard Xbox One controller and features a refined ergonomic shape, complemented by the placement of the Multi-Function Buttons. Together with the tactile feel of the Hyperesponse ABXY buttons, this stellar controller is perfect for staying on top of your game during extended training sessions and critical tournament moments. - Quick Control Panel For Easy Profile And Audio Customizability
When a split second distraction could cost you the entire game, it’s crucial that you always concentrate on what’s important – the in-game action. The built in quick control panel gives you easy access to a variety of functions, from toggling between profiles, to adjusting as well as muting game and chat volume, so you never have to take your hands off the controller during a match. - Forged with enhanced materials for complete reliability on the battlefield
With reinforced high carbon steel analog stick necks, removable aircraft grade aluminum triggers, and optional palm grips, the Razer Wildcat’s bespoke materials give you a greater edge over the competition with unrivaled durability regardless of how extreme your playstyle is. - Optional Trigger Stops For Rapid-Fire
By reducing the travel distance of the triggers by 72% from 18°to 5°, the time needed for you to actuate the triggers is greatly reduced. Allowing for a faster response time and rapid-fire and in shooter games. - Cross Platform Connectivity
Whether it’s the Xbox One or the PC, The Razer Wildcat works across both platforms with ease. With built in memory you can now take your customized settings with you and simply plug and play to your device of choice. The Razer Wildcat is compatible with Windows® 10 / Windows® 8.1 / Windows® 8 / Windows® 7.
The Razer Wildcat Gaming Controller retails for $199AUD (March 2016), however it came be found cheaper if you Google. Although it doesn’t have all the features (e.g. customisable sticks) of the Elite, it’s still a great controller to use on both the Xbox One and the PC. In terms of design, the Wildcat is a well-designed controller which feels quite good in your hands. Having used this controller religiously for the last few weeks, I quite enjoyed the layout, button placements and the sensitivity of the unit. For those more professional gamers, the Wildcat does have an adjustable switch for the left and right triggers which basically tweaks the sensitivity of the controller. This is ideal to swap between games such as Forza Motorsport which may require a longer delay for brakes or for something like Call of Duty where you might want an instant reaction when you’re on the battlefield.
Package Contents
- Razer Wildcat Gaming Controller
- Carrying Case
- Screwdriver
- Detachable braided fiber cable + breakaway cable
- 2 analog stick grips
- Optional rubber palm grips
- Production information guide
The D-Pad buttons which are directional are responsive as are the two analog sticks. Razer also include two covers for the stick to increase the grip as well plus some textured bumper decals. I had a few issues in lining up these decals onto the controller so one word of advice, be patient. You can even adjust the sound/microphone via the controller which is another bonus and is great for changing on the fly. The controller has two profiles plus a default one. The profiles are also highlighted by an LED so you know exactly which profile has been selected. Programming buttons is relatively straight forward and you push the bind/remap button and hold down the trigger and then press the button you want to bind. The controller even rumbles to inform you that the button has been bound.
Technical Specifications
• 2 shoulder Hyperesponse Multi-Function Bumpers
• 2 removable Hyperesponse Multi-Function Triggers
• 4 Hyperesponse ABXY action buttons
• 4 button Quick Control Panel
• Optional trigger stops for rapid-fire
• Zero slow-turn analog joysticks
• 3.5 mm audio port for stereo audio output and microphone input
• Optional rubber palm grips
• Quick-release cable feature
• Carrying case
• Detachable 3 m / 10 ft lightweight braided fiber cable with Micro-USB connector
• Approximate size : 106 mm / 4.17” (Length) x 156 mm / 6.14” (Width) x 66 mm / 2.60” (Height)
• Approximate weight (without cable) : 260 g / 0.57 lbs
Furthermore, the Razer Wildcat includes additional programmable buttons with two on the top between the trigger and bumper buttons and another two on the back which can also be removed. For example, the PowerA Fusion Controller from Bluemouth Interactive did annoy some of our staff because of the button placement on the back where you could accidentally press them by mistake. Thankfully this is not the case with the Razer controller. Lastly, the buttons on the Wildcat feel quite good as well and definitely add to your overall gaming experience. For travelling Razer have included a sturdy case which allows the controller to be neatly packed away.
Final Thoughts?
All in all, the Razer Wildcat controller has definitely been designed for the gamer and is a good alternative to the Xbox Elite controller. Sure, some of the features of the Elite are different but I found this controller far more preferably to the standard Xbox One controller and it also worked great on the PC. The programmable buttons and layout of the Wildcat are definitely highlights and if you’re looking for additional customisation options for your gaming, I would recommend that you check out this controller!
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