The quality of basic controls in recent generations of consoles has maintained a relatively high standard. Perhaps those of this generation feel a little more fragile, especially with respect to the famous drift on the analog sticks, but all modern closed platforms come with good control. However, there is always room for improvement. Without going any further, both Playstation as Nintendo y Xbox They offer “superior” versions of their own peripherals for a modest extra fee. Years ago Razerone of the most important accessory manufacturers on the market, has been manufacturing its own line of licensed controls for each brand with a clear objective: to offer more options to players who are not satisfied with the performance of the original controls or perhaps are looking for other types of functions according to your playing style.
Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition It is designed to play online in competitive titles, improving the weak points of game control. Xbox and adding a handful of more than welcome functions and shortcuts. Upon receiving the product, the first thing that came to mind was: what kind of advantage can it offer when playing a competitive title? After about ten days of constant use, in titles of various genres, I can affirm that there are several key functions that can make a difference in a multiplayer game. But it also corrects a couple of vital issues in the design of the official control, justifying the purchase even for those who do not usually compete online or are not directly interested in taking advantage of every advantage to win.
Right off the bat we are going to notice that it is a control with a detachable cable, but without an option for wireless connection. Hence the nickname “Tournament Edition”, because in these types of events only wired controls are allowed to avoid interference and especially the infamous “Input lag”. This also allows you Razer offer it at a more affordable price than the Pro version, but maintaining the same build quality and components in general. It feels sturdy to the touch but not heavy, with a 3-meter USB to USB-C cable that allows for smooth gaming from a considerable distance.
In addition to having all the functions of a traditional control of Xboxhe Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition Includes 6 programmable buttons. First of all we have two bumpers extra between the RB and LB and the triggers, which are ideal for players who grab the controller in a “claw”. But using it at a dizzying FPS like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 I was able to take advantage of it by programming them as a shortcut for support and lethal equipment. Secondly, and perhaps the most striking thing about the joystick, we have 4 super-sensitive paddles that can be clicked as if they were the buttons on a mouse. It is difficult to get used to having to press them with the ring and little fingers of each hand, but in practice they were vital in freeing the thumb from any function other than aiming.
When we play an FPS with a joystick, one of the main problems is that to crouch, jump, change weapons or reload we need to take our thumb off the stick right. That means stopping aiming, literally losing control of the gun, which is why this control seems designed for competitive shooter players. If we practice enough we can relegate the A, B, Y and X buttons to the 4 rear paddles and make the thumb independent forever. It is true that at the beginning there will be errors and a large number of inputs false, but in the long run it is possible to get used to it. In my case I started by reprogramming only the functions of jumping and crouching, and once it becomes a reflex act it enables us to have an amazing reaction speed. I noticed this especially in hand-to-hand combat, to go from a jump to melee to the ground in a matter of seconds while we continue shooting or aiming at the opponent.
In addition to programmable buttons, the controller comes with higher quality components and a few features to suit every playing style. For starters, the triggers have long travel to offer more precise analog control, but they also have a switch to limit the travel and transform them into instant-click triggers. This is vital, for example, for fighting games where the time it takes to travel the trigger can negatively affect the player’s reaction. Another great addition to that genre is the 8-way floating mechanical D-pad, which not only has a rubber membrane to prevent thumb slippage when dialing in special moves, but has microswitches that guarantee inputs faster. The directional pad of the original control Xbox It was always his weak point and that of control Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition It offers a substantial improvement in every sense.
Los sticks analogues also have a superior construction designed to prevent friction wear and drifting. For this they used rings that minimize the friction of the components, with lighter and more sensitive sticks. Additionally, the sensitivity can be configured through a dedicated application to Xbox y PCwhich allows you to create several profiles to speed up the transition between different games. And those who play in PC They can activate “Tournament Mode” which increases the polling rate to 1000Hz making, in short, the device respond faster and there is less risk of losing inputs in the heat of battle.
Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition offers an experience, in itself, superior to that of basic control of Xbox. The difference in the quality of the directional pad and the possibility of shortening the travel of the triggers already make it an indispensable ally for lovers of fighting games or 2D platformers. But when we take into account the amount of extra features it has, such as buttons and programmable rear paddles, the sticks anti-drift and the application to personalize the experience through different profiles, it is evident that this is a product created for the most competitive players. If we take the time to learn how to use it, and take advantage of all its functions, it is a control that can make our lives easier and significantly improve our gaming experience.
