At CES 2020, Razer unveiled the Razer Kishi , a universal, dual-sided mobile gaming controller developed in partnership with . Designed to transform iPhones into handheld consoles, the
received two "Best of CES" awards for its innovative, low-latency design Key Features and Design Universal Compatibility
: The controller features a flexible, stretchable bridge that clamps onto most modern iPhones, including models from the through the iPhone 11 Pro Max Zero-Latency Connection : Unlike Bluetooth controllers, the Kishi for iPhone plugs directly into the Lightning port , virtually eliminating input lag for competitive gaming. Console-Grade Controls
: It provides a full array of clickable analog thumbsticks, an 8-way D-pad, ABXY face buttons, and dedicated shoulder bumpers/triggers. Pass-Through Charging
: A built-in Lightning port on the controller allows users to charge their device during long sessions, though it does not support Lightning headphones. Performance Review Highlights Portability : Reviewers from
noted its compact, collapsible form factor, which makes it far more portable than a standard controller with a phone clip. Responsiveness
: The direct connection is praised for being significantly more responsive than wireless alternatives, which is crucial for cloud gaming services like Apple Arcade Xbox Cloud Gaming Ergonomics
: While highly comfortable for most, some users with larger hands may find the layout slightly cramped compared to a full-sized Xbox or PlayStation controller. Availability Launch Price Razer Kishi for iPhone was released at an MSRP of $99.99 USD Availability : It was first featured on the Apple Online Store and later in global retail locations. Razer Kishi V2 Kishi Ultra
CES 2020: Razer Debuts New Dual-Sided iPhone Game Controller in Partnership with Gamevice
At CES 2020, Razer officially unveiled the Razer Kishi, a universal mobile gaming controller designed to transform iPhones and Android devices into console-like handhelds. Developed in partnership with Gamevice, this dual-sided controller addresses the growing demand for tactile, low-latency controls in the era of mobile and cloud gaming. A New Standard for Mobile Gaming At CES 2020, Razer unveiled the Razer Kishi
The Razer Kishi marks a shift from Razer’s previous mobile efforts. Unlike the earlier Bluetooth-based Junglecat, which was limited to specific phone models, the Kishi features a universal fit with a stretchable support band that clamps onto most modern smartphones. Key design and performance features include:
Direct Connection: The controller plugs directly into the iPhone's Lightning port (or USB-C for Android), ensuring near-zero latency connectivity.
Console-Grade Controls: It is equipped with clickable analog thumbsticks, a full 8-way D-pad, four face buttons (A-B-X-Y), and shoulder bumpers/triggers.
Pass-Through Charging: To support long gaming sessions, a built-in port on the controller allows users to charge their phone while playing.
Portability: When not in use, the two sides of the controller snap together into a compact form factor that fits easily into a pocket or bag. Partnership with Gamevice
, Razer unveiled the Razer Kishi Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
, a new dual-sided universal mobile gaming controller developed in partnership with . Designed to provide a console-like experience for both users, the
featured a unique telescopic design that clamped onto the sides of a smartphone, effectively transforming it into a handheld console similar to the Nintendo Switch Key Features and Partnership Details The collaboration with
, a veteran in mobile gaming peripherals, allowed Razer to implement a flexible, universal fit that accommodated most modern smartphones. Form Factor: Two rigid grips that slid onto
At CES 2020, Razer announced the Razer Kishi, a universal, dual-sided mobile gaming controller developed in partnership with Gamevice. Designed as an evolution of the previous Razer Junglecat, the Kishi was built to provide console-quality controls for both iPhone and Android devices, specifically targeting the burgeoning cloud gaming market. Partnership and Design Evolution
The Razer Kishi represents a strategic collaboration where Gamevice, a veteran in mobile controller manufacturing, provided the foundational hardware expertise. While building on Gamevice’s existing split-controller concepts, Razer integrated its signature "look and feel," including clicky buttons and refined ergonomics.
Universal Fit: Unlike the Junglecat, which required specific phone cases, the Kishi features a flexible, stretchable bridge that allows it to clamp onto a wide range of smartphone sizes.
Direct Connection: For the iPhone version, the controller connects directly via the Lightning port, eliminating the input lag common in Bluetooth controllers.
Ultra-Low Latency: This direct physical connection ensures near-zero latency, which is critical for competitive play and cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Game Pass (xCloud), and Google Stadia. Key Technical Features
The timing of the Kishi’s debut is no accident. With the rise of Apple Arcade, Xbox Game Pass streaming (Project xCloud), and high-fidelity native shooters on iOS, the iPhone is no longer just a casual gaming device. However, the hardware has lagged behind the software; touch controls often obscure the screen and lack the tactile feedback required for precision aiming.
“The Razer Kishi is the bridge between the power of the iPhone and the precision of a console,” said a Razer representative at the show floor. By wrapping the controller around the phone rather than mounting the phone on top of a controller, the center of gravity remains balanced in the user's hands, significantly reducing hand fatigue during extended play sessions.
Razer and Gamevice held private demo suites at CES 2020 (not a main floor keynote). Key claims:
Exclusive leaked detail from a former Razer product manager (2021 interview): The device was internally called "Project Rafale." It was designed in 10 weeks to counter the announcement of the Backbone One (which was also in stealth development at the same time). Exclusive leaked detail from a former Razer product
Apple’s subsequent release of Call of Duty: Mobile esports leagues and League of Legends: Wild Rift (late 2020) validated Razer’s timing. This controller wasn't for casual Candy Crush players; it was for the hardcore audience demanding a "Switch Pro" experience on iOS.
The "Razer dual-sided iPhone controller" from CES 2020 is a phantom product. Approximately 200 engineering samples were built (serial numbers RZ06-0310-ENG). As of 2026, only three units are known to exist in private collector hands—one sold on eBay in 2023 for $4,500.
Why it matters: It represents the last major attempt to build a rigid, Vita-style iPhone controller before the industry settled on flexible bridges (Kishi, Backbone) or magnetic attachments (GameSir). It failed not because of bad design, but because of patent law, power delivery physics, and a pandemic.
Exclusive final detail: A former Razer engineer told this reporter in 2024: "Project Rafale would have been the best mobile controller ever made. The rigid spine meant zero flex when you pressed the triggers. But Gamevice had us by the balls with that patent. So we killed it."
At CES 2020, Razer debuted the Razer Kishi , a universal, dual-sided mobile gaming controller created in partnership with
. This MFi-certified device was designed to transform iPhones and Android smartphones into a Nintendo Switch-like gaming handheld. Key Features and Design Razer wins two official Best of CES Awards
Despite the CES hype, the product was dead by March 2020. Three reasons:
The controller required a specific 18-pin Lightning flex cable that was manufactured in Wuhan, China. When the city shut down in January 2020, production ceased indefinitely. Razer pivoted to the Kishi (which used a simpler USB-C bridge and no rigid spine) because its parts came from a different region (Guangdong).