Razer Raion controller review

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The Razer Raion is a wired controller for PlayStation 4 and PC especially designed for mano-a-mano fighting games. It's not a fully fledged arcade stick like the Razer Panthera Evo, nor is it a regular gamepad like the DualShock 4. Instead, it straddles a weird middle ground that will only appeal to a very niche audience.

Incidentally, Razer's previous controller, the Raiju, was named after a lightning-cloaked wolf from Japanese mythology – the name literally translates to "thunder beast". By contrast, the Razer Raion is named after a Soviet-era administrative unit. Razer's quest for alliteration is clearly becoming a struggle.

Design

Design

• Extra-wide body has a great feel
• Six face buttons for proper Street Fighting
• No analogue sticks
• Wired control only

• Read more about the Razer Raion's design

  In terms of design, the Razer Raion is markedly different to a standard DualShock 4. It has a wider, boxier shape that reminded us of an Xbox One controller. This extra real estate is used to make room for six plus-size face buttons in the classic Street Fighter layout. The additional pair mimic the DualShock 4's R1 and R2 buttons and are sadly non-configurable. (You can reconfigure the Raion's shoulder bumpers to R3 and L3, but these inputs are rarely used in fighting games so there's not much point.)

  However, the most striking difference isn't what the Razer Raion adds but what it takes away. In short, there are no analogue sticks. Instead, you're stuck with a single D-pad like it's 1995.

  As you're doubtlessly aware, analogue sticks are a requirement for nearly all modern console games, including first-person shooters, RPGs, action adventures, racing games and sports titles. With the exception of 2D indies, the Raion can only be used to play fighting games. It is literally dedicated to one genre.

  If you're looking for a controller that can handle stuff like Call Of Duty in addition to Mortal Kombat, et al, the Razer Raion is not for you. (Grab the Astro C40 TR or Razer Raiju instead.)

  

  The Razer Raion compared to a regular-size DualShock 4 controller. (Image: Finder)

  Otherwise, the Raion has all the same features as a standard PS4 controller, including four shoulder bumpers, a central PS button, Share and Options buttons, a 3.5mm audio jack (PS4 only) and a two-point capacitive touch pad.

  It should also be noted that the Raion isn't a wireless controller. You need to connect it to your PlayStation 4 or PC via the inbuilt USB cable. Fortunately, Razer hasn't skimped on the length. At three metres, it should be long enough to reach your couch without issue.

Performance

Performance

• Large, responsive buttons
• 8-way D-pad runs rings around DualShock 4
• Six-button layout can be a gift or curse, depending on the game

• Read more about the Razer Raion's performance

  If you're currently using a four-way D-pad to play fighting games, the Razer Raion will almost certainly improve your win/loss ratio. It runs rings around every other PS4 controller I've tested.

  The circular pad boasts eight dedicated directional inputs – that's double the standard – with a tactile "clicky" feel synonymous with pro controllers. This added feedback really helps to maintain accuracy during frenzied directional prompts. Common mistakes, like ducking instead of sidestepping, will largely disappear from your fighting form when using this pad.

  The face buttons are equally impressive, with Razer utilising its silent Yellow Mechanical Switches beneath each button. These are designed for rapid-fire keypresses, which translates to more accurate button mashing. According to Razer, the buttons have a guaranteed life cycle of 80 million taps, which should get you through a fair few bouts of Dead or Alive.

  But the most impressive thing about the buttons is their size. They're slightly larger than the DualShock 4's and more widely spaced apart. This makes it easier to pull off complicated button combos. Whether you rely on your thumb for mashing or prefer the multi-fingered "claw" technique, the Raion's buttons feel highly responsive and intuitive.

  

  A common sight when using the Raion. (Image: Finder)

  Attack combos that are barely achievable on a DualShock 4 are much easier to achieve with the Raion. I was able to unlock moves that used to be in the too-hard basket. This made me feel a lot more formidable when taking on online opponents.

  As mentioned, you also get an extra pair of face buttons. This is obviously great for fighting games like Street Fighter which require six buttons to play. However, the benefits are far less tangible when it comes to four-button fighters. In fact, they can actually prove to be a hindrance.

  Take Tekken, for example. In the heat of combat, my fingers would occasionally wander off to the right, resulting in completely fudged combos with predictably brutal repercussions. You eventually get used to it – and become a better player as a result – but prepare for a steep learning curve.

Features and price

Features and price

• Package is pretty barebones
• Expensive for such a narrow purpose
• Arcade fighting sticks present stiff competition

• Read more about the Razer Raion's features

  Beyond the aforementioned button and D-pad enhancements, Razer has kept the bells and whistles to a minimum. It comes with a pair of switches for bumper selection and directional control. The latter allows you to make analogue stick inputs with the D-pad, although you're forced to choose between left or right (a second D-pad would have really been handy here).

  While you can't really play 3D games in this mode, it does allow you to navigate menus that don't normally support D-pad controls.

  There's also a Competition Mode which disables all non-essential buttons. You can toggle it by pressing the Mic and Volume buttons simultaneously. This changes the indicator light from green to white so you know which mode you're in.

  Otherwise, the onboard features are more or less identical to the DualShock 4. All work as normal with the exception of the PS button – I couldn't get it to switch on my PlayStation, which was mildly aggravating.

  The package doesn't contain any extras which is a bit of a shame. It would've been nice to receive a carry case of some kind, especially seeing as it's partially aimed at pro gamers on the fighting circuit. As it stands, all you get is the cardboard box it comes in. Tch.

  With an RRP of $149.95, the Razer Raion is reasonably priced compared to other pro controllers. For example, the Razer Raiju Tournament Edition retails for $299, while the Astro C40 TR will set you back nearly $400.

  However, you need to factor in the controller's versatility, or lack thereof. $149.95 is a lot to spend on a peripheral that only works with a handful of games. Needless to say, you need to be extremely invested in the fighting genre to make this worthwhile.

  There are also fighting sticks to consider. Like the Razer Raion, these are singular-purpose controllers tailor-made for fighting games. The good ones tend to be significantly more expensive than the Raion, but they also provide larger buttons and a proper arcade stick.

Should you buy the Razer Raion?

The Razer Raion performs its primary function well. It will give you a significant edge over players armed with bog-standard controllers in games like Tekken, Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. However, the absence of analogue sticks severely hampers its use outside of the fighting genre. If you're willing to spend a bit more cash, a fully fledged fighting stick could be a better option.

Pricing and availability

Price

RRP $149.95

Where to buy

Specifications