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)
What phones are compatible with Kishi?
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+, S21, S21+, S21 Ultra
- OnePlus 7, 7 Pro and 8
- Samsung Galaxy 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)
- 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)
What phones may be compatible, but officially aren't?
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.
Also, 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.
Some major new Android releases are too large, according to Razer's recommended dimensions, to fit inside the Kishi. But, those recommended specs may be conservative. The OnePlus 8 Pro, with a 165.3mm height slightly above the maximum, can reportedly fit inside the Kishi, according to an Android Central reader. And it may be possible, according to some Reddit users, to squeeze the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra inside as well despite its 166.9mm height.
We aren't certain if Razer kept these phones off its Kishi compatibility list for a reason; and we haven't tested the fit ourselves, so we can't guarantee they will work consistently. Still, readers can take a chance on larger phones should they so desire.
We are positive, however, that the ASUS ROG Phone I and II are incompatible due to their off-center USB-C port. And the Moto G Power also should not fit due to being too deep (9.6mm) to slot inside.
Updated 6-16-20: Updated this section to clarify that Razer's compatibility guidelines may not be accurate.
Kishi will have 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.
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.
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.
