With Asus, much of the attention lately has been focused on the upcoming release of their Windows-powered gaming handheld, theROG Ally. As it turns out, the ROG Ally is not the only gaming product the company is releasing over the next month. Most likely, the timing is no coincidence with the arrival of the ROG Raikiri Pro controller, which is compatible with gaming handhelds, mobile devices, PCs, and Xbox consoles. The ROG Raikiri Pro is a pro-grade controller with a pricetag to match, but its features appear to justify the peripheral’s high cost.
Asus ROG Raikiri Pro Design and Features
Asus ROG Raikiri Pro Wireless Controller
The Asus ROG Raikiri Pro is the perfect complement to the ROG Ally handheld gaming system. For gamers who need the performance and customization that only a pro-grade controller can provide, the ROG Raikiri Pro is a wireless controller with 3 ways of connecting. Gamers can utilize a USB cable, Bluetooth, or a 2.4 GHz RF adapter to pair the controller with PCs or Xbox consoles.Featuring an integrated built-in OLED display, users can view the status of the controller and switch between profiles managed in Asus Armoury Crate. 4 remappable rear buttons allow gamers to execute commands faster while the left and right triggers offer adjustable dead zones.
With one glance at the Asus ROG Raikiri Pro, it’s obvious that the controller uses theXbox template for its design. The traditional Xbox asymmetrical analog stick placement is found on the face of the device, which won’t please some fans ofPlayStation controllers. Regardless, Asus is using a proven formula with the Raikiri Pro, right down to the view, menu, share, and large Xbox buttons. Things get more interesting just above the Xbox button, where a gamer finds an OLED display that provides information like which button mapping profile is active, and status checks on battery life. Also, the Armoury Crate software allows users to program custom text and animation for the display.
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The ASUS ROG Raikiri Pro has a definite futuristic look to it, with a semi-translucent shell and some customizable RGB lighting effects running diagonally down from the top of the controller. There is plenty of Asus branding near the handles of the Raikiri Pro, so the controller fits in extremely well with otherROG keyboards, mice, and monitors. Unlike the white ROG Ally, the Raikiri Pro is only available in black at this time, which supports a marketing strategy of advertising the controller as multi-platform compatible.
Some added rear buttons are almost a must on a pro controller. Accordingly, the ROG Raikiri Pro offers four paddle buttons on its backside that are remappable to other commands in the Asus software. The buttons have a textured grip and are in close enough proximity to fingers to launch attacks faster than using topside triggers of bumpers. Speaking of the standard LT and RT buttons, these feature adjustable sensitivity for either firing weapons at a rapid pace or being tuned to avoid costly misfires.
Connectivity
Most of Asus' current controllers are designed to connect to their ROG gaming phones and other mobile devices. The Raikiri Pro has far wider appeal, boasting tri-mode connectivity with an RF USB dongle, Bluetooth, or a USB-C cord. Unfortunately, despite its RF capabilities, the only way to connect the Raikiri Pro to Xbox consoles is wired, as it does not support Microsoft’s wireless protocol. This is not a concern for mostEsports pros, who usually favor wired connections to reduce any chance of latency.
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Asus has implemented Adaptive Frequency Hopping technology for those gamers who choose to use the Bluetooth protocol.ROG Ally gamers can either use Bluetooth or the USB-Cwireless adapter, but it’s wise to first add a hub to expand the handheld’s single USB port. At 48 hours without RGB effects, the battery life on the Raikiri Pro will easily outlast the Xbox Core controller or DualSense.
The ROG Raikiri Pro also includes a 3.5mm headset jack on the bottom of the device. Listeners have an integrated ESS DAC at their disposal to make game audio sound more lifelike. These audio features are only available with wired headsets when the controller is connected through a USB-C cable.
Where to Buy the Asus ROG Raikiri Pro
Currently, in North America, the only place to order the Raikiri Pro Wireless Controller isBest Buy, for an asking price of $169.99. Likewise, Best Buy is the exclusive North American retailer for theROG Ally, which isscheduled for release on June 13th. It’s probable that more retailers, if not Asus directly, will sell both devices after their release.
Asus ROG Raikiri Controller
The Asus ROG Raikiri controller is a step up from the ordinary gaming controller with two rear buttons as well as triggers with adjustable sensitivity and dead zones. RGB lighting, button mapping, and other settings are customizable in the Asus Armoury Crate software. The ROG Raikiri controller connects through a USB cable to PCs and Xbox consoles.
A considerable investment to make, the ROG Raikiri Pro comes with added buttons and the extensive customization that a buyer would expect from thebest gaming controllers. Even so, there are cheaper alternatives that provide some added functionality compared to the standard Xbox Core controller. In fact, Asus also plans to release the less expensiveROG Raikiriwhich offers many of the same features as the wireless Pro minus the OLED screen, but with 2 instead of 4 rear buttons and wired-only connections. The ROG Raikiri is expected to be available soon, but no exact release date is confirmed.
TheXbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controlleris another controller that would appeal to many buyers considering the Raikiri Pro. The core version of Microsoft’s pro controller is considerably less expensive and also offers adjustable thumbstick tension, a dongle-less wireless connection to Xbox consoles, and connectivity to PCs and mobile devices with Bluetooth or RF.
The Asus ROG Raikiri Pro is an Esports-worthy peripheral that promises a combination of style, customization, and enhanced functionality with additional paddles and an OLED display. GameRant will keep you up to date with how the controller performs as it reaches the hands of gamers.
FAQ
Q: What controllers are compatible with the ASUS ROG Rally gaming handheld?
With a USB-C port and Bluetooth, most wired and many wireless controllers should function with the Asus ROG Rally. However, a USB hub or dock is recommended since a USB cable or wireless adapter would occupy the only USB port on the ROG Rally.
Q: Are wireless controllers as good as wired?
Wireless controllers used to trade off latency for greater freedom in the past. Now, with much better underlying tech, they tend to be nearly as fast as wired controllers which is why we see so many professional Esports players selecting them as their weapons of choice.
