Razer Kishi V2 Razer Kishi V2

Accessories

Razer Kishi V2 review

Handheld console mobile gaming

Published

on

There’s always been this quest to recreate and/or bring the feeling of console gaming to mobile. 

In 2022, there are more than a handful of iterations. We have the actual handheld gaming console – the Nintendo Switch. More recently, Valve released the Steam Deck. And then you have the ultra-gaming-focused smartphones like the ROG Phone and the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel. 

For a while, Razer attempted to compete in the gaming smartphone space. Ultimately, they decided, instead of competing, they’ll just complement it through accessories. That strategy gave birth to the Razer Kishi and now its newest iteration — the Razer Kishi V2.

A new look

It’s gone through some design changes. Most notably on how it looks in its no-phone-attached state. 

The original version had this more compact look, almost like a controller all on its own. 

Razer Kishi V2
Meanwhile, the Razer Kishi V2 is more open, showing a bridge instead of being totally closed. This may have been done in order to accommodate larger smartphones. 

Razer Kishi V2

The button layout is mostly the same. You have the universal X,Y,A, and B face button on the right hand side. Right below it is a joystick. 

Razer Kishi V2

Over on the left side you have the joystick up top with the directional pad and/or buttons right underneath it. 

Razer Kishi V2

You also still get the Right Button (RB) and Right Trigger (TR)… buttons as well as their left side counterparts. New on the V2 though, are the M1 and M2 buttons situated right next to the aforementioned buttons. 

Razer Kishi V2
New ones are the screenshot button on the lower left hand side as well as a dedicated Nexus button which fires up the Razer Kishi V2’s companion app — the Razer Nexus. 

Razer Kishi V2

Naturally, you have the USB-C connector to plug-in to the port of your smartphone. 

Razer Kishi V2

You can charge the phone while playing through the port on the lower left hand side of the controller.

How to use it

Razer Kishi V2

The Razer Kishi V2 is technically plug and play. Simply slide your smartphone in, fire-up any controller-supported mobile game, and it’ll just work. 

Sounds simple enough, right? But the keywords there are “controller-supported mobile game(s),” which, to be honest, are not a lot. And the most talked about and/or most played ones typically do not support them. 

So, how does one find these games? You can go to the Google Play Store and simply type some variation of “controller support” or “control support” and it’ll pull-up games that have controller support. 

Alternatively, you can download the companion app called Razer Nexus. On its main screen you’ll find the games you already have installed and below it are games it recommends. Each row is separate by genre, and you immediately know they have controller support. You can also connect your YouTube and Twitch accounts should you want to stream your games.

What games can I play?

Razer Kishi V2

There is a wide selection of games to choose from. We were able to play the following titles: 

  • Asphalt 9 
  • Diablo Immortal
  • Final Fantasy VII: First Soldier
  • Life is Strange 

The games above presented the least friction when it comes to playing. They are controller-supported and the areas on the screen where you would tap show the buttons on the controller you should press to take any sort of action. Pretty straightforward. 

 

There were plenty of other suggested games that seemed like pretty good titles. The ones that piqued my interest were: 

  • Dead Cells
  • Catalyst Black
  • Leo’s Fortune
  • Star Wars: Knights of the Republic
  • Final Fantasy (all the mainline titles ported to mobile)

That’s a decent enough selection. But the thing is, none of these rank in some of the most played games on smartphones. Just off the top of my head, the titles that come to mind are Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Genshin Impact. 

None of these titles have built-in controller support. You’ll have to use some button mapping app to make this work and that’s a process that may take about an hour, depending on your patience and the number of games you want to use it on. It’s seriously a hassle and I ultimately ended up not going through with it. 

What’s it like playing?

Razer Kishi V2

Playing feels fantastic. I have always preferred gaming with physical buttons. This is, perhaps why, the only time I really play any mobile games is when I’m working on a smartphone review or reviewing an accessory like the Razer Kishi V2 (which doesn’t happen often). 

The overall build quality is fantastic. I have had the chance to hold other, more obscure, controllers for smartphones and I just immediately felt the difference. The Razer Kishi V2 is lightweight without feeling fragile and cheap. 

The face buttons feel almost just like the ones on bigger controllers meant for actual consoles. The same feels true for the joysticks and the directional pad. 

The triggers also feel great but I can’t say the same for the shoulder buttons. They’re not bad, but due to the size, they feel more squishy than crunchy. I personally would have preferred a crunchier feel. But that’s not to say that they are terrible. They’re fine, but maybe they could have been better. 

Overall, it really does feel like you’re playing on a handheld console, especially if your phone has the power to run the supported games at max settings. In case you’re curious, I used the Honor Magic4 Pro, OPPO Find X3 Pro, and vivo T1x during this review. 

Remote Play

Razer Kishi V2

What made things even more fun was using Steam Link. If you’re a PC gamer, this lets you stream, on low-latency, the games on your Steam Library to your smartphone. 

With the Razer Kishi V2 attached, it almost feels like you’re playing on a Steam Deck. Of course, I’m just speculating since I’ve yet to try a Steam Deck. 

The catch, of course, is that your PC and smartphone have to be connected in the same network. So, you can’t really go out and take your Steam Library with you, wherever. But the idea is that you’re able to play your Steam Library without being in front of your PC (laptop/desktop). 

Is the Razer Kishi V2 your GadgetMatch?

Razer Kishi V2

A couple of lifetimes ago, I was getting ready for a job that required plenty of travel. At that point in my life, I didn’t have any gaming console whatsoever but knew that I needed some type of gaming to keep me sane. 

At the time, all these mobile handheld devices weren’t a thing yet. Yes, not even the Nintendo Switch. I resorted to using a OnePlus phone and a much, much cheaper version of a mobile phone controller. Having something like the Razer Kishi V2 would have been a godsend. 

Fast forward to 2022 and there is absolutely no shortage of options when it comes to mobile play. But if you don’t have the means to splurge on a Switch (or a Steam Deck which is still pretty scarce), this may be the next best thing. Especially if you already have a smartphone that can run some of the supported games. 

There are a few things I wish it had. The Razer Nexus app feels bare. Other than the suggested games and remapping the M1, M2 buttons, I wish you had the option to map buttons for games that didn’t have automatic controller support.

However, if, like this writer, you absolutely must-have the satisfying feeling of pressing buttons when you play, the Razer Kishi V2 is a worthy pick-up. It’s well-built, feels great, and won’t take up too much space in your bag. 

The Razer Kishi V2 is available now and retails for PhP 5,999 / SG$ 149 / US$ 99. Right now it’s only for Android smartphones. An iPhone version, one with a lightning port, is coming later in 2022. 

Accessories

Making the case for sophisticated protection

Why settle for survival when you can have style?

Published

on

Protection is a baseline, but sophistication is a choice.

We’ve moved past the era of chunky, industrial shells that make your phone look like it’s prepared for a lunar landing. This season, we’re embracing accessories that complements the lifestyle you’ve curated.

Confidence in minimalism

Photo by Tom Lorenz

The RHINOSHIELD Air X in Black is the choice for those who appreciate the architecture of their device. In the dappled sunlight of a garden or resting against the weathered grain of a vintage wooden wheel, the Air X feels right at home.

It offers a translucent window into the tech you’ve invested in, framed by a silhouette so slim it feels like a second skin.

Photo by Tom Lorenz

The MagSafe ring on the back acts as a focal point; a piece of geometric art that doubles as a functional powerhouse. It’s designed for the person who values a seamless flow, snapping onto chargers and accessories with a satisfying click that echoes its precision.

Photo by Tom Lorenz

Because it retains the phone’s original profile while providing world-class impact resistance, the “cost-per-wear” logic applies here perfectly.

A bold declaration

Photo by Tom Lorenz

The RHINOSHIELD Solid X in Blue is the case that stands out among the bougainvillea and the golden hour glow. The deep, saturated blue is a mood. A rich hue that holds its own against the most vibrant summer palette.

Photo by Tom Lorenz

Holding the Solid X feels premium; its matte texture provides a secure, tactile grip that defies the humidity of a tropical afternoon.

Photo by Tom Lorenz

It’s the “sensible” purchase that feels entirely indulgent. By absorbing the shocks of an active life without sacrificing its sophisticated edge, it pays for itself the first time your phone meets the pavement instead of the repair shop.

READ MORE: 11 must-have accessories for your next tropical escape this summer

Continue Reading

Accessories

11 must-have accessories for your next tropical escape this summer

What to pack for your next vacation!

Published

on

Summer isn’t merely a date on a calendar; it’s a visceral, shimmering feeling.

It’s the specific scent of high-end SPF mingling with saltwater, the warmth of the sun on your shoulders as you step off a private jetty in Palawan, and that delicious, light-headed euphoria that comes from knowing you have absolutely nowhere to be, except precisely where you are.

But darlings, a mood this perfect requires maintenance. To navigate this season, one must view accessories not as mere purchases, but as strategic assets.

After all, if an item is bought specifically to prevent a holiday disaster or to match a turquoise horizon, it isn’t “spending” but a self-funded insurance policy. (And we all know insurance is the most adult, responsible thing one can have.)

Here is your definitive guide to the “investments” that will define your summer.

For the high-octane adventurer

If you are the type of person who can trip over a flat surface, the last thing you need on an island-hopping trip is a “phone-overboard” disaster.

The RHINOSHIELD Solid X in Blue is your first line of defense this season. Imagine the scene: you’re trying to capture a 360-degree sunset transition for your followers on a speedboat, the boat hits a wake, and your phone takes a terrifying tumble toward the deck.

While a lesser case would result in a mid-holiday meltdown, the Solid X absorbs the impact well. Its premium matte finish feels like silk against the palm, even in 90% humidity, ensuring your grip never wavers while you’re reaching for that third mango daiquiri.

It’s the “sensible” purchase that allows you to be reckless with your adventures. Technically, it’s peace of mind wrapped in a shade of blue so vibrant it makes the horizon look dull.

Since it saves you from the cost of an emergency replacement, it’s practically paying for itself with every drop.

For the unstoppable power player

For the high-functioning professional who simply cannot leave the “office” behind, having a foldable like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 means having a portable command center for those mandatory luxury resort check-ins.

But… it deserves better than a bulky, uninspired shell. You need the Pitaka Blue Aramid Fiber case. It’s so thin it feels like the phone is practically naked, yet it’s crafted from material used in fighter jets.

When you unfold that screen to check the exchange rate at a boutique in Bangkok or Gaysorn Village, the sleek, woven texture tells the world you value precision over bulk. It’s “Quiet Luxury” for the tech-obsessed — understated and impossibly chic.

For the hands-free curator

Forget fumbling with a camera while trying to balance a coconut in one hand and a designer clutch in the other.

These Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses in Shiny Jeans Transparent are the secret weapon for the Balinese spiritual retreat.

They allow you to record your walk through the bustling morning markets or the lush Monkey Forest in Ubud completely hands-free.

The transparent frames capture the light of the tropical sun perfectly, giving you that “Creative Director on a sabbatical” look.

This is a camera that lets you capture your POV documentary without missing a single moment of the scenery.

For the seamless traveler

Even if you’re only flying from Singapore to Phuket, your bag should look like you’re embarking on a grand tour of the continent.

The new TUMI Mediterranean collection in Peach and Sky Blue is the only way to travel. The colors are reminiscent of sunrise, and the organization inside is so meticulous. It’s the kind of bag that ensures you are never “that person” frantically digging for a passport at the check-in counter.

You’re the person who glides through the terminal with a peach-hued aura of total control, knowing that even if your flight is delayed, your aesthetic is right on time.

For the sophisticated urbanite

As the sun dips below the skyline and you transition from the infinity pool to a rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City or a five-star dinner in Makati, your tech needs a change of attire.

Enter the RHINOSHIELD Air X in Black. If the Solid X is your rugged adventurer, the Air X is your “Little Black Dress” of tech protection. This case is for the moments when you want your phone to disappear into your aesthetic rather than scream for attention. It’s impossibly slim, sliding into a tailored trouser pocket or a tiny evening bag without creating an unsightly bulge.

But don’t let the “Air” moniker fool you; the protection is still world-class. The MagSafe ring on the back is a masterclass in geometric minimalism, allowing you to snap on a battery pack during those long nights of “networking” (read: dancing) without missing a beat.

Since it works with every outfit you own, the “cost-per-wear” is essentially zero, which makes it a fiscal masterstroke.

For the beach club connoisseur

No summer is complete without a basket bag, and the CELINE Classic Panier is the gold standard for any respectable beach club, especially in Bali. It’s the “everything” bag that’s large enough to hold your sunscreen, your secrets, and a spare pair of sandals for when the humidity makes your heels unbearable.

The leather logo is a subtle nod to those who know, making it the perfect companion for a casual lunch at La Brisa that inevitably turns into a three-course affair.

For the private villa host

One cannot rely on the tinny speakers of a hotel room. You need the Marshall Willen.

It looks like a vintage piece of equipment but packs enough punch to fill a private villa with the sounds of Bossa Nova.

The cream finish is “Quiet Luxury” personified, blending into your sand-and-linen aesthetic perfectly. It’s dust-proof and water-resistant, meaning it can handle a little sea spray while you lounge on a catamaran or by the pool.

For the street-style visionary

For those days spent exploring the “hidden” cafes of Seoul-inspired districts in Jakarta or Manila, your iPhone needs the CASETiFY Matin Kim case.

Denim is having a massive moment in street style, and this case allows your phone to join the movement. It’s tactile, it’s trendy, and it adds a touch of “effortless cool” to your mirror selfies. It’s like a tiny pair of designer jeans for your most precious possession, and we all know you can never have too much denim.

For the globetrotter

If your iPhone could talk, it would probably ask for a vacation.

This CASETiFY AirTags case is a whimsical tribute to the lifestyle, covered in a vibrant print of AirTag-style passport stamps.

It serves as a constant reminder of where you’ve been and where you’re going next. It’s the perfect conversation starter when you’re waiting for your next flight to Denpasar or Koh Samui. It essentially acts as a visual manifestation of your future travels. (And manifesting is free!)

For the high-society ironist

When you finally make it to the powdery white sands of Boracay, you need a statement piece that speaks to your high-society sensibilities.

Laying out the Hermès Traffic Jam towel on Station Zero is a stroke of genius. There you are, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and zero honking horns, reclining on a literal “traffic jam.”

It is a flex; a cheeky nod to the city disarray you’ve successfully escaped. The plush cotton is exactly what your skin deserves after a dip in the ocean.

For the stressed-but-stylish Optimist

Finally, for those moments when the heat gets to you and the “Out of Office” reply isn’t working fast enough, you need the CASETiFY Care Bears Shake-Shake Case.

There is something deeply meditative about watching tiny glittery bears tumble around through a transparent shell. It’s a bit of childhood whimsy for those who refuses to take life — or their accessories — too seriously. Don’t think of it as yet another smartphone case. It’s a portable stress-relief tool for the modern jet-setter who needs a little magic in their day.


A message from the editor: Perhaps, this is an extensive list. But it’s also a collection of absolute necessities for a definitive summer. Each item is a strategic “investment” so go forth, look fabulous, and don’t let the humidity ruin your glow.

Continue Reading

Accessories

Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features

Better Android lens support

Published

on

Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features
Excerpt: Better Android lens support

Insta360 has released a major spring update for its Flow 2 series handheld gimbals, bringing wider Android compatibility and new features for iPhone users.

The update focuses on improving how the Flow 2 and Flow 2 Pro work across different devices. It expands support for flagship Android phones while adding new shooting tools for iOS, making hands-free, stabilized video easier to capture without extra gear.

Android finally gets full lens access

One of the biggest changes is native multi-lens support on Android. When paired with the Insta360 app, the Flow 2 series can now access ultra-wide and telephoto lenses on supported devices from Samsung, Google Pixel, vivo, OPPO, and more.

This means users can shoot at full resolution using their phone’s native cameras, whether capturing wide landscapes or zoomed-in details. The update brings Android performance closer to what iPhone users have been getting, especially in more dynamic shooting scenarios like concerts, sports, and vlogging.

The improved lens access also works with features like Widescreen Mode, helping users create smoother, more cinematic footage with better framing flexibility.

Faster 360 panoramas for quick sharing

The Flow 2 series continues to stand out with its ability to capture full 360-degree panoramas. With the new 360 Panorama 2.0, stitching is now 50% faster, producing results in about 20 seconds.

Users can capture everything in one go, then choose their preferred framing afterward. The feature also supports interactive sharing via links, letting viewers pan and explore the image on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Creative templates such as Tiny Planet are also available for quick edits, making it easier to turn panoramic shots into shareable content.

Dual View adds more angles in one take

Dual View Mode introduces multi-angle recording without the need for additional cameras. It allows simultaneous recording using the front and rear cameras, or even dual rear lenses, producing three clips in a single take.

This is useful for creators who want to capture reactions alongside the main shot or experiment with different focal lengths at once. Combined with AI tracking, the feature keeps subjects centered while adding more variety to footage.

Apple Watch control for hands-free shooting

For iPhone users, the update adds Apple Watch control, turning the watch into a remote for the gimbal.

Users can start or stop recording, adjust settings, switch modes, and even control zoom using the Digital Crown. This allows for better control during solo shoots, especially when the phone is mounted on the gimbal at a distance.

Smarter tracking and remote control tools

The update also improves several AI-powered features across the Flow 2 series.

AI Tracker now works across more Android apps, enabling subject tracking during video calls, livestreams, or hands-free recording. Multi-person tracking keeps groups in frame, while Active Zoom Tracking allows up to 15x zoom while maintaining focus on moving subjects.

There’s also a new smartphone remote control feature, which lets users operate the gimbal using a second phone. This adds flexibility for more complex shooting setups without interrupting the shot.

Availability

The update is available now through the Insta360 app and the official website. Compatibility may vary depending on the smartphone model.

Continue Reading

Trending