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    Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma: Upgrade your controller with RGB

    What’s better than a controller? Of course it’s a controller that has RGB. Chroma lighting has become one of peripherals’ the most desirable features. Whilst they might not be the top pick for pro gamers, casual gamers and streamers love the cool effects and colours.

    If you’re in the market for a new controller, you might want to consider Razer’s updated Wolverine controller. The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma has all the cool components of the Wolverine V2, with RGB, and some sweet additions.

    I was lucky enough to get my hands on the Razer Wolverine V2 for review in 2020. Now, I’m feeling so privileged to have the Wolverine’s upgraded version to provide you with all my thoughts.

    All the RGB lighting

    One of the most notable changes to the Razer Wolverine’s V2 controller is the lighting. Looking at each controller, the instantly noticeable difference is that one has chroma lighting. The chroma is in the same spot as the green highlights on the standard Wolverine V2. Thus at face value they don’t look all that different.

    The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma (left) compared to the Razer Wolverine V2 (right).

    Plug in the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma and it’s another story. In my previous review, I commented on the fact that the controller had something missing. There was a lot of dead space and maybe some lighting would do the trick to brighten up the controller. I guess Razer heard me!

    Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma in all its RGB glory (Video: Razer)

    If you plug in the controller, you’ll get this sweet RGB action. You’ll be able to use the controller straight away and the RGB defaults to spectrum cycling.

    Where there was plain green on the old Wolverine V2, the new Chroma edition has RGB.

    Players who want the full experience, however, will need to download the Razer Controller Setup For Xbox. It’s available on Xbox and PC (Windows only). This will allow you to change the colours on the controller as well as map various buttons. The Wolverine is built for Xbox, but works great on Windows PCs too, which is how I used mine.

    Once you’ve installed the software it should detect your controller. Follow the prompts and you’re set to go. I navigated to the settings tab and found a firmware update too. Slightly annoying this isn’t detected and prompted automatically, but it’s easy enough to find.

    If everything works right, the software should install and detect your controller (Screenshot by TechAU).

    The software allows you to map buttons, change sensitivities, haptic feedback, lighting, and even dead zones. Unfortunately, since everything runs through Razer Controller For Xbox, you can’t use Razer Synapse to change anything on the Wolverine controller. This includes the lights. So if you were thinking of mapping the lighting to match your other accessories, like a keyboard, mouse, or mixer, you’re out of luck here.

    Customise a multitude of items on your controller (Screenshot by TechAU).

    Other upgrades

    Whilst the chroma is the major visible upgrade, Razer didn’t just stop at adding some RGB to one of its most-loved controllers. The older Wolverine V2 had an attached, three-meter long rubber cable with a break-away connector near the end. This extra attachment makes the wiring feel bulky near the connection, not to mention the slight nightmare I had with cable-management.

    The Wolverine V2 Chroma however addresses these issues. There’s no break away cable. Instead, it’s just one detachable USB-C to USB-A braided cable. It’s much easier to use, store, and game. Rather than rolling the cable around the controller to pack it away, I can just unplug and stash them separately.

    The detachable USB-C cable is a welcome change. Out of the box you can also see the interchangeable thumbsticks as well as the sweet Razer stickers that everyone loves.

    Buttons

    The other notable change, although only one you’ll notice side-by-side is the buttons. The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma has a couple of added buttons, and a few changes. Firstly, the two stick controllers come with additional changeable rubber grips. Players can choose between concave or convex grips on each of the thumbsticks.

    Next, is the D pad. On the older Wolverine, the D-pad is very much a + shape. The new Wolverine V2 Chroma has a full circle. This means gamers have extra movements available. Instead of just up, down, left, right, you can now press the diagonals between each direction. This gives much better accuracy, bringing control players closer to keyboard and mouse gamers.

    I love this front, larger D-pad with full 360 coverage. The clicky-ness is addictive!

    Finally, there are the back paddles. Users of the new Wolverine are treated to four extra buttons on the back panel which can be custom mapped. These new additions make the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma a desirable controller.

    Four mappable back paddles are good if you like to use the full extent of the controller. I like to stick to the front though (tiny hands for the win).

    Everything else is roughly the same. All other buttons are in the same location. The top bumpers have a slightly more matte feel than the gloss finish on the original Wolverine V2. The ABXY buttons also appear to have thicker lettering. You can see on my older controller in the picture above that I really wore away the letters. I pretty much used it every day and loved it!

    The tactility of the buttons is virtually identical to the Wolverine V2. However, I can feel the difference that nearly two years of use have worn down. The new controller definitely has that ‘new-car-smell’ and faster button rebound.

    Is it worth the upgrade?

    Do you have a controller that needs replacing?

    Based on the fact that I use mine every day, have worn it in, and love RGB, for me this was a no brainer. I was due for a new controller anyway. You really put controllers through the ringer when using them every day.

    Okay, so it’s worth an upgrade for me, but what if your Wolverine V2 works just fine? If your controller is still in good working condition, wait until you’ve worn it down a little before jumping to spend a stack of money and get an upgrade.

    Razer is known for releasing new versions consistently. So who knows, there might be a new controller out by the time you need to replace your current one.

    Wolverine V2 vs. Wolverine V2 Chroma

    If you’re looking to choose between the Wolverine V2 and Wolverine V2 Chroma, then you have some things to consider. If you’re wanting a good, tactile controller that just works, then the Wolverine V2 is perfect. Razer even have a sale on the older V2 version so you can pick one up for just $135.95 AUD ($79.99 USD). It’s a little more expensive than a normal Xbox controller, but for the extra programmable buttons, you might find it worthwhile.

    But, if you want that RGB feel, some convenience with better wiring, the option of various thumbsticks, and additional buttons, then you’ll want to spend the extra money and go for the Wolverine V2 Chroma. It’s a little more expensive, but there’s still the Razer sale on at the moment.

    You can pick one up for $220.95 AUD ($129.99 USD). Both controllers are available in white or black so don’t make that part of your decision making process. The like the white because the Razer logo pops on the controller.

    Whilst it might not be worth an upgrade right away, if you need to purchase a new controller, spend the extra $50 and get the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma. When you compare the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma to the Xbox Elite controller at $249.95 AUD ($139.99 USD) they are on par in terms on price. The choice is then up to you if you want wired RGB or wireless. I know what my pick would be!

    Michelle Mannering
    Michelle Manneringhttps://mishmanners.com
    Mish is the Hackathon Queen, having participated in more than 100 events. Between being a Developer and Twitch streamer, Mish also finds time to pursue her keen interest in driving entrepreneurial culture in Melbourne's Melbourne’s esports industry and has founded several tech companies.

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