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While a “gamer” design for phones isn’t always something you want, where you do generally want that gamer aesthetic is with controllers, like the two new ones ASUS just unveiled for Xbox and PC. This week during its CES event, ASUS showed off the brand new ROG Raikiri and ROG Raikiri Pro. Each one works with PC and Xbox Series X|S.
There are a few differences, but the main ones are the wireless capabilities and the extra buttons on the Pro model. The standard ROG Raikiri is no slouch though. While it loses the freedom of wireless connectivity, it still has two programmable buttons on the back for that extra advantage.
It also has what ASUS is calling selectable step triggers, which are just triggers with a full range of motion or a shorter pull. Like the instant triggers found on the SCUF Instinct Pro. Additionally, ASUS added in an ESS-DAC for immersive audio when you plug in a wired headset.
Both Xbox controllers from ASUS look solid, but the Raikiri Pro is extra special
Those looking for something with more versatility can opt for the Raikiri Pro. It offers tri-mode connectivity with a flexible USB-C cable, or it can link up through 2.4GHz low-latency or Bluetooth. It also comes with four programmable buttons on the back instead of two, and offers the same ESS-DAC for immersive audio and the selectable step triggers.
The extra special feature though, which might come off as a little gimmicky, is the OLED display above the Xbox button. If this looks similar, that’s because it’s the same type of OLED display seen on the ASUS ROG Phone 5 and ROG Phone 6 series. Using the Armoury Crate PC app, users can customize the display with graphics and text, but also with useful details like charging and power status. There’s also two buttons on top of the controller that can be used to switch between profiles or change what can be seen on the OLED display.
The Raikiri Pro also comes with a dpad that’s more akin to what you’d find on the Xbox Elite and Elite Series 2 controllers. Both the Raikiri and Raikiri Pro Xbox controllers should launch this year, but ASUS hasn’t announced pricing or availability yet.