An impressive list of Android phones work with the Razer Kishi

Best answer: The Razer Kishi was designed to support most modern smartphones. Most Razer, Samsung, and Pixel smartphones released in recent years are compatible, as well as most other Android phones with a center-mounted USB-C port and the correct dimensions. While iPhones aren’t compatible with the current Android controller, an iOS-compatible Kishi is expected to ship later in 2020.

• Upgrade your mobile gaming: Razer Kishi Controller for Android ($90 at Amazon)
• Bluetooth alternative: Razer Raiju Mobile ($100 at Amazon)

An impressive compatibility list

One of the biggest criticisms of the Razer Kishi’s predecessor, the Junglecat, was the limited number of Android smartphones that worked with it. Thankfully, the Kishi directly responds to and resolves this issue with a more flexible setup that allows most Android phones to slot into it.

The following Android devices work with the Razer Kishi:

• Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9+, S10, S10+, S20, S20+
• Samsung OnePlus 7, 7 Pro and 8
• Samsung Note 8, Note 9, Note 10 and Note 10+
• Google Pixel 2, 2 XL, 3, 3a, 3XL, 4 and 4XL
• Razer Phone 1 and 2 (with some modifications, see below for more info)
• Other Android devices with a center-mounted USB-C port, if they have the correct dimensions:
  • Height: 145.3–163.7 mm (5.7–6.4 inches)
  • Width: 68.2–78.1 mm (2.8-3.1 inches)
  • Depth: 7.0–8.8 mm (0.28-0.34 inches)

One important thing to note is that our reviewer noticed that smaller phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S20, had some noticeable wobble while playing games with the Kishi attached. Larger phones with dimensions closer to the maximum size, however, will fit more snugly into the Kishi, and will teeter less as a result when pressing buttons rapidly.

The odd phones out

Many Android smartphones not listed above do work, with the exception of some recent releases that are either too large or have off-center USB-C ports. The following devices are confirmed not to fit in the Razer Kishi:

• Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
• Samsung OnePlus 8 Pro
• Moto G Power
• ASUS ROG Phone I and II

Note: The Razer Phone 1 and 2 require custom grips in order to fit inside the Razer Kishi; no other phones require these grips to fit. You must contact Razer support in order to claim rubber grips that you can then attach to your Razer Phone.

Future iOS compatibility

Razer has announced that it will release an iOS-specific iteration of the Kishi that will reportedly work with practically every recent iPhone available, according to information released at CES. While the Razer Kishi currently on sale doesn’t work with any iOS phone, the future Kishi model, due out later in 2020, will reportedly work with the following iPhones:

• iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S and 6S Plus
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
• iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
• iPhone X, XR, XS and XS Max
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Max

We’ll confirm this information once the iOS-edition Kishi is formally slated for launch.

Upgrade your mobile gaming

Razer Kishi

$90 at Amazon

One size fits most

Anyone with a smartphone listed above should consider the Razer Kishi as their first choice for a mobile gaming accessory. The Kishi connects instantly via USB-C with no app required, enabling you to try gaming streaming platforms like Stadia and Project xCloud on the Go. It’s comfortable to use and easy to stow away once you’re done.

Bluetooth alternative

Razer Raiju Mobile

$100 at Amazon

Elite-style controller

For a more traditionally shaped controller for playing games at home, mobile or console, the Razer Raiju will fulfill many gamers’ needs. It works for any Android phone 79mm width or less, while also working for PS4 or Steam titles.