Razer Raiju V3 Pro vs Wolverine V2 Pro: Which PS5 Controller to Buy This Black Friday
▼ Summary
– The Razer Raiju V3 Pro is the clear winner over the Wolverine V2 Pro, offering significant improvements at a lower price of $219.99 compared to $249.99.
– Raiju V3 Pro features TMR thumbsticks that prevent stick drift and provide a satisfying feel, while the Wolverine V2 Pro lacks this technology.
– Both controllers are compatible with PS5 and PC, have similar battery life, and include remappable buttons, but the Raiju’s rear buttons are more discreet and tactile.
– The Raiju V3 Pro has a symmetrical thumbstick layout similar to the DualSense, making it more comfortable for PlayStation users, unlike the Wolverine’s offset design.
– During Black Friday, the Wolverine V2 Pro may see steeper discounts, but the Raiju V3 Pro remains the recommended choice due to its superior features and value.
For gamers seeking a premium controller for their PS5 or PC, the choice often narrows down to two standout options from Razer. The Razer Raiju V3 Pro and Wolverine V2 Pro represent the upper echelon of third-party gamepads, each packed with features tailored for competitive play. With Black Friday approaching, understanding the differences between these two can help you secure the best value and performance for your gaming setup.
When it comes to price and overall value, the Raiju V3 Pro holds a distinct advantage. It launched at $219.99 / £199.99, making it notably cheaper than the Wolverine V2 Pro, which retails for $249.99 / £249.99. Despite being the newer model, the Raiju V3 Pro omits the RGB lighting found on the Wolverine V2 Pro, which likely contributes to its lower cost. Black Friday could see significant price reductions, especially for the older Wolverine V2 Pro, which has previously dropped to around $179.99 / £179. Even with a discount, however, the Raiju V3 Pro often represents better value given its modern features and lower baseline price.
In terms of specifications and performance, both controllers share similarities in weight, dimensions, compatibility, and connectivity. Each supports wireless 2.4GHz and wired USB-C connections, and both offer comparable battery life, roughly 10 to 20 hours depending on usage. The most critical difference lies in the thumbstick technology. The Raiju V3 Pro uses tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) thumbsticks, which provide the familiar feel of traditional analog sticks while virtually eliminating stick drift. The Wolverine V2 Pro relies on conventional potentiometer-based sticks, making it more prone to drift over time.
Both controllers feature remappable rear buttons, but their execution varies. The Raiju V3 Pro’s rear buttons are discreet and use Razer’s mouse-click technology for a crisp, tactile response. In contrast, the Wolverine V2 Pro’s rear buttons are positioned closer to the center and lack the same satisfying feedback. Both pads include microswitch face buttons and trigger locks for faster input response, and each allows extensive customization through Razer’s Controller app on PC, with settings carrying over to PS5.
![Image of Razer Wolverine V2 Pro controller]
Design and dimensions reveal further distinctions. At a glance, the two controllers look nearly identical, but the Raiju V3 Pro forgoes the RGB lighting strips present on the Wolverine V2 Pro. The Raiju V3 Pro also features a symmetrical thumbstick layout, similar to the PlayStation DualSense, which may feel more natural to longtime PlayStation users. The Wolverine V2 Pro uses an offset thumbstick arrangement. Additionally, the Raiju V3 Pro’s redesigned rear buttons are more ergonomic and accessible than the clustered, trigger-like buttons on the Wolverine V2 Pro.
Taking everything into account, the Razer Raiju V3 Pro is the clear winner in this comparison. It delivers meaningful upgrades, including drift-resistant TMR thumbsticks, improved rear button placement, and a more PlayStation-friendly layout, all at a lower price than the Wolverine V2 Pro. While the Wolverine V2 Pro might see deeper Black Friday discounts, it would need to drop significantly, perhaps to around $149.99 / £149.99, to be a compelling alternative. For most gamers, the Raiju V3 Pro is the smarter investment, offering superior performance, durability, and value now and throughout the year.
(Source: techradar)
