The American company Razer, familiar to fans of video games and professional eSports continues to experiment with game controllers and releasing new models of controllers that can satisfy the needs of even the most demanding and capricious players. We have previously told you about gamepad Razer Raiju for the PlayStation 4, and today we will talk about the Wolverine Razer Tournament Edition, developed exclusively for Xbox One (also compatible with personal computers running Windows 10).
The related iron and accessories, I like to start with an examination of the package. Box can tell us so much not only about the device, but also on the attitude of the manufacturer to its customers. I will not hide: I always liked how the designers Razer presented the product to the potential buyer. Minimalism, bordering on garish – here’s how you can describe a box with the products of this company. In addition to the name on the front surface, you notice a label stating that the controller was designed specifically for consoles of the Xbox family, as well as a reminder that it uses the Razer Chroma, the controller providing a bright illumination with a palette of 16.8 million colors.
The reverse side of the packing sheds light on several features Wolverine Tournament Edition that distinguish it from standard controllers manufactured by the same Microsoft. Apart from the already mentioned backlighting, this can be attributed to the presence of four additional, fully customizable buttons, braided cable to connect to a gaming console or computer, “rapid fire”, as well as the improved ergonomics of the body with rubber inserts for a firm grip with the palms of the player.
After opening the controller stands before us in all its glory. In the eye catches a catchphrase manufacturer, applied on the inner surface of the package: “Welcome to the cult of Razer”. I will not argue that the products Razer really is a cult, but its trace in the gaming industry in eSports, this company definitely left.
Before moving on to the controller, let’s see what’s in the box besides him. Equipment, I must say, rather poor. I managed to find only a manual, a standard text greeting from the head of Razer, as well as a pair of bright shimmering in the light stickers in the shape of a company logo. I recall that in the case of the same Razer Raiju complete with controller supplied elegant hard case that allows you to take the gamepad with you on the gaming Championships (don’t forget that it we are now talking about the Tournament Edition model) or to store it, thereby protecting from dust and moisture. In the case of a new controller is nothing like that in sight, which is somewhat frustrating. However, there are positive aspects of this solution manufacturer: Wolverine price significantly lower than Raiju.
The controller produces an exceptionally pleasing. First, it is very similar to original controller for Xbox One from Microsoft: hull shape, location of buttons and analog sticks, inset at the top with the round button with the logo of the console – all played with precision and respect to the original. That is the brainchild of Razer, resembles a little logo in the form of a tangle of intertwining between snakes.
However, after the controller take in hand, begin to realize that all is not so simple and in front of you is not a mindless copy, and in many ways reinterpreted and brought to mind the device. The materials and the build quality is pleasing from the first seconds. No squeaks, no backlash, the controller feels absolutely complete, monolithic piece.
Four main buttons A, B, X and Y are not low profile, as in the case of Razer Raiju, however, they are based on mechanical switches with strong tactile feedback. You always sense a positive, thanks to a resounding click. Of course, Razer’s engineers have once again used their signature Hyperesponse technology, eliminating even the slightest delay between the press and send a signal to the gaming console or PC. The analog sticks are rubberized and comfortable enough to use. The only drawback I would call small grooves on the surface of the “hats” where quite quickly stuffed mud that spoils the overall aesthetic picture. This is clearly seen in the pictures.
Button d-pad D-Pad, unlike Raiju, equipped with a common ground, though, and look so that it creates the illusion of their independence from each other. This is good news for fans of fighting games and other games where high-quality and responsive cross-piece with smooth rolling of the thumb buttons just anywhere.
Illuminated panel Chroma around the round buttons of the Xbox controller gives individuality. After all, the player can customize it by selecting one of several modes. And they are presented here for every taste: the “Pulsing light” — when the color will fade and die out, “Lights, enhancing the effect of presence” — when the LEDs will light up only when activated effect a vibration of the “Dynamic backlight” — operation LEDs when you press the button, “Cyclic switching” — a smooth transition of colors in the range of 16.8 million palette, “Static” lighting — the controller one is highlighted in your chosen color and “Wave” effect of the backlight is consistently moving in your chosen direction. As I tried to photograph the light – my photographic equipment was unable to convey the beauty of her work. So to your review I know a few official pictures from the manufacturer. Believe me, in person it looks exactly, if not prettier.
Rubberized surface back of the case feels great in your hands, even if they sweat in the midst of a network battle or tournament. As you know, the controller does not use the built-in batteries and instead is powered through the cable that connects to Xbox One or PC. Why Razer has released a wireless controller? I’ve already explained this in my previous reviews. This is for two reasons. First, large manufacturers like Sony and Microsoft do not want anyone to reveal their technology of wireless data transmission out of fear that manufacturers of accessories steal and resell them to the side. Second, the wired connection eliminates the possibility of any interference signal and the probability that the controller suddenly run out of power. Imagine what will happen in the midst of a major championship game, where at stake is serious prize money. That is why the competitive players in 100% of cases use only wired solutions.
Large keys M3 and M4 resemble petals Xbox Elite Controller or the triggers on the Razer Raiju. By default, they duplicate the buttons A and B, but you can assign any other values using remapping, which we will discuss later. These buttons are convenient to press the middle or ring fingers. But, of course, it all depends on the size of your hands and length of fingers.
Just above you can see the two two-position mechanical switch to activate the Hair-Trigger Mode or “fast fire”, speaking in Russian. What does it mean? As a rule, to shoot in the game, you have to press the trigger of the controller until it stops. When activated the switch, the pressing of the trigger is reduced about three times, which saves a lot of time and leads to immediate shot after you started to press the trigger. This feature is especially useful for fans of online shooter, preferring to dominate other players.
The form itself triggers RT and RL, and RB and LB bumpers, in principle, similar to those to which we are accustomed when using standard controllers Xbox One. There is nothing unexpected can be expected, except that bumpers are not as rigid as in the original device that I am personally incredibly happy.
Here you can see two additional bumper – M1 and M2. You can also assign any function you like. They are located just under the tip of your index finger, so click them very convenient. I am confident that the application they are in a game of any genre. As they say, extra buttons not much happens.
Between the bumpers and triggers is located a connector to connect the cable. It should be noted that this is a standard MicroUSB interface, just deeply recessed into the housing of the controller to protect it from dust. It is also equipped with a special socket with safety stoppers that do not allow to stick the cable into it the wrong way.
As you may have noticed, despite the use in the production of quality controller, in my opinion, materials, glossy surface perfectly picks up fingerprints even if your hands are washed five times and carefully dried. In principle, this point can be attributed to the disadvantage of the design of the device. But, on the other hand, for someone it will not be a disadvantage.
Three-meter cable is covered with quality fabric braid, protecting him from unwanted kinks and physical damage. The advantage is the presence of a special silicone coupler which provides easy storage and transportation.
The cable fits the slot very tightly, and the likelihood that you accidentally pulled the controller so that the cable will fall out, tends to zero. I played with this controller more than a dozen hours, and did not have even a hint of a similar situation, although my Xbox One is located off the couch at a decent distance and I pulled the cable for it.
Controller configuration is done using the official app for the game console Xbox One and Windows 10 operating system called Razer Synapse for Xbox. You can download it for free from the app store, Windows Store. In the application, you can rename the controller to your taste and to create an unlimited number of personal profiles with different settings, sharpened by your favorite video games.
Inside the created profile, you can reassign the meanings of the buttons M1, M2, M3 and M4 in such a way to make game process more comfortable for yourself. Is very simple to understand the interface will not be easy. Don’t be afraid to experiment, because at any time you can rollback all changes to standard factory settings by pressing just one button.
Furthermore, you can set the lighting, moreover, in addition to the above listed above regimes, you are free to choose the speed of the light effects and adjust palette, which is not limited to 24 colors that are present by default. You can always turn to 16.8 million colors and find what is closest to your mood at the moment. And Yes, I understand that all these beauties, perhaps unnecessary, especially for professional players. But what the hell, nice all of these modulations in a dark room. Just lovely sight!
Is in the Wolverine Tournament Edition is such a useful function as “Concentration.” With it you can reduce the level of sensitivity separately for each of the two analog sticks. To activate the reduced sensitivity during the game, it is enough to assign this function to one of the multi-function key M. this is Especially useful when you need to accurately aim at the enemy. Lower sensitivity will allow you to place the crosshair on the head of the enemy and make a shot and then switch back to the standard sensitivity for quick turns and move through the level, just release the button M.
Opposite to the “Concentration” function is called “Mobility”. She, on the contrary, increases the sensitivity of the analog sticks in the moments when you pinch the corresponding multifunction key M.
In a separate menu you can adjust the intensity of the vibration built into the controller of the motors. Let me remind you that all four of them: two large motor located in the handle controller and is responsible for the tactile sensation of explosions, shocks, bumps, and two pulse motor built into the RT and LT triggers – they simulate the recoil when you make shots.
A few words should be put on field trial for example the popular video game. Of course, professional controllers should be tested solely on first-person shooters. Now, fans of the series Battlefield and Call of Duty can be calm: Razer Tournament Edition Wolverine behaves as befits a professional gaming device, practicing every invested ruble in full. All-time two-week test of the device I did not have any complaints on the quality of his work in games. And though I do not consider myself a professional in the genre of First Person Shooter, the use of this controller seriously makes my life a number of things. Of course, now I’m talking about the quick firing, and can instantly reduce the sensitivity of the analog joysticks for more precise aiming.
Speaking of flaws, I can’t ignore the lack of connector Microsoft brand adapter in order to adjust the operation of the headset. Let me remind you that standartnyh gamepads Xbox One in the lower part there is a hole where you stick a kind of panel with buttons and connect it to the headset. This remote allows you to adjust the volume or to instantly mute the microphone if you, for example, someone calls on the phone. On the same hull Wolverine Tournament Edition has a standard 4-pin 3.5 mm connector, accessory Microsoft where to stick will not succeed at all desire. Another disadvantage can be considered the inability to record and store in the controller memory macros. Well, about the sparse equipment I mentioned above.
Package contents:
- Wolverine Gamepad Razer Tournament Edition
- Braided cable (3M)
- The manual
- Greeting from the manufacturer
- A set of labels
Features:
- Compatibility: Xbox One, Windows 10
- Controller type: gamepad
- Color: black
- Material: plastic, rubber
- Connection type: wired
- Interface: USB
- Cable: detachable, 3-meter
- Input for the headset: is
- Analog joysticks: 2, adjustable sensitivity
- Buttons: 4 mechanical switches
- D-Pad: is
- Triggers: there are
- Remapping buttons: there are
- Built-in memory: there are
- Macros: no
- Profiles: there are
- Adjustable weight: no
- Backlight: there, 16.8 million colors
- Vibration: there are
- The mode of the accelerated shooting: is
- Weight:256 g (without cable)
- Dimensions: 106 x 155 x 66 mm
Pros:
- Very high quality materials and excellent Assembly of the housing.
- Rubber inserts eliminate the slide controller in his hands.
- Mechanical buttons A, B, X, Y with a tangible tactile response.
- Four fully customizable multi-function button.
- The ability to adjust the sensitivity of the analog sticks.
- Mode of Hair-Trigger Mode for quick shooting.
- Expressive and fascinating lighting the Razer Chroma.
- Pleasant and intuitive software to configure.
Cons:
- Missing the ability to record and playback macros.
- There is no possibility to connect the headset adapter from Microsoft.
- The price of the controller could be somewhat lower.
- There is no case for storage and carrying of the controller.
Wolverine Razer Tournament Edition is a great controller for professionals and enthusiasts, seriously interested in video games. This device is a perfect gift for the Xbox One and Xbox One X, one does not confuse the presence of the wired connection of the controller with the console. Although the controller still not on sale in Russia, according to the official website, it will cost 8490 rubles, which is more expensive. However, one should not forget that we are talking about a professional device and not a “normal controller to play Minecraft”. For comparison, the same Razer Raiju costs 10 990 rubles, so the difference is quite noticeable. PC owners running Windows 10 I would also strongly recommend to pay attention to this model. In the case of personal computers, the availability of cable never was a big problem because most often we are sitting literally two feet from the system unit.
Gaming controller Razer Tournament Edition Wolverine
Sergey Grey