Razer Kitsune Review

The Razer Kitsune is a premium leverless controller designed for serious fighting game enthusiasts. However, its premium quality comes at a high price—while I managed to snag mine for £275 (not much of a difference), the regular retail price is £299.99. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are alternatives like the Haute42 hitbox controller.

Build and Compatibility

Right out of the box, the Kitsune impresses with its compatibility. It works seamlessly on both PC and PS5, thanks to its native PS5 support, which eliminates the need for any third-party software. This feature is a significant plus, especially when considering that the only other leverless controller with native PS5 support is the Victrix PS5 Pro FS-12, which is even more expensive at £349.99 RRP.

Design and Customization

A noteworthy feature is the ability to customise your Kitsune with personal designs using the template available on Razer’s website. While the controller’s sleek surface tends to attract fingerprints, they are easily wiped clean, maintaining its polished look. The buttons are impressively quiet, which is a pleasant surprise for those who are used to the louder clicks of traditional arcade sticks. The RGB lights around the bottom of the controller give it a nice sleek look as well.

Performance and Usability

There is a learning curve, particularly with jumping being assigned to your thumb. As someone who has transitioned from using a pad and an arcade stick (I still occasionally use my Bitdo arcade stick), it took a few weeks to get accustomed to this new setup. However, once I got the hang of it, I was hooked. I don’t want to go back to using a d-pad or arcade stick.

One of the standout aspects of the Kitsune is how it has improved my execution in games like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8. My moves are more precise, and my DP’s are far more consistent in SF6. If you’re wondering if it has SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Direction), then not to worry, it does now with a recent patch by Razer.

Comfort and Overall Experience

Comfort is another area where the Razer Kitsune (and other hitbox controllers) shines. It is, without a doubt, one of the most comfortable controllers I’ve used for fighting games, despite the initial learning curve. The ergonomic design allows for extended play sessions without discomfort, which is crucial for both casual and competitive play.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Razer Kitsune is a top-tier leverless controller that justifies its price with exceptional build quality, native PS5 support, and significant improvements for me. While it may be a steep investment, for those serious about their fighting game performance, it is a worthy addition to their arsenal.