Razer has introduced the Wolverine V3 series of gaming gamepads. These are the manufacturer’s first controllers to use joysticks based on Hall effect sensors. The latter is used to measure the voltage created by a magnetic field. Sticks with Hall effect sensors have a longer lifespan than potentiometer-based sticks, and they are also more accurate, less prone to drift, and more resistant to wear.
Image source: Razer
The Wolverine V3 series of controllers was designed for eSports. The Wolverine V3 Pro wireless model is available now for $200. The company also introduced the Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition, a $100 wired version of the controller that will be available a little later. Both new products are compatible with Xbox and PC.
The Wolverine V3 controller features additional bumpers for claw-grip players and an eight-way floating D-pad. The rear paddles have been redesigned since the release of the Razer Wolverine V2 controllers – they now feature horizontal stripes of two on each side, rather than vertical buttons clustered near the center of the body. The buttons on the front of the Wolverine V3 are equipped with microswitches in a rubberized membrane, having an actuation distance of 0.65 mm, like the V2.
The wireless V3 Pro connects to the signal source via a USB transmitter at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. For the wired and wireless versions of the device, support for “tournament” mode is declared, when the controller polling frequency increases to 1000 Hz. It is turned on by simultaneously pressing the function button, the menu button and the A button. If desired, it can be turned off.
All controller buttons are programmable. Settings can be changed in the proprietary Razer Controller App, where you can also adjust the sensitivity of the sticks, bumpers, vibration intensity and create several profiles. V3 controller triggers can operate in two modes: full press or quick press, like a mouse. For this purpose, the controllers have special physical switches.
The Wolverine V3 Pro comes with interchangeable sticks: low for speed and high for accuracy. The wired V3 also supports interchangeable sticks, but they are not included in the package, but it does come with a 3-meter long braided wire. Both versions of the controller weigh about 304 grams. The battery of the wireless version provides up to 20 hours of operation on a single charge.
The wireless Wolverine V3 Pro also features an RGB backlit logo on the front and comes with an included carrying case. The wired version of the gamepad does not have a backlight and does not come with a case.