Ces 2020 Razer Debuts New Dualsided Iphone Game Controller In Partnership With Gamevice Exclusive //free\\ May 2026
At CES 2020, Razer debuted the Razer Kishi , a universal, dual-sided mobile gaming controller created in partnership with
. This MFi-certified device was designed to transform iPhones and Android smartphones into a Nintendo Switch-like gaming handheld. Key Features and Design Razer wins two official Best of CES Awards
CES 2020: Razer Debuts New Dual-Sided iPhone Game Controller in Partnership with Gamevice
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020, Razer, a leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, unveiled a new iPhone game controller in partnership with Gamevice, a renowned mobile gaming controller manufacturer. The new controller, designed for iPhones, boasts a unique dual-sided design, offering gamers a more immersive and versatile gaming experience.
The Razer Gamevice iPhone Game Controller
The Razer Gamevice iPhone game controller is designed to provide a premium gaming experience for iPhone users. The controller features a sleek and ergonomic design, with a durable aluminum frame and a textured grip, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The device is specifically designed for iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, as well as iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone X.
Dual-Sided Design for Enhanced Gaming
The standout feature of the Razer Gamevice iPhone game controller is its dual-sided design. The controller can be attached to either side of the iPhone, allowing gamers to play games in either a landscape or portrait orientation. This flexibility makes it ideal for playing a wide range of games, from first-person shooters and fighting games to puzzle games and mobile titles.
The controller features a comprehensive set of gaming controls, including: At CES 2020, Razer debuted the Razer Kishi
- Dual analog sticks
- A directional pad (D-pad)
- Face buttons (A, B, X, Y)
- Shoulder buttons (L and R)
- Triggers (LT and RT)
Gamevice Technology and Partnership
The Razer Gamevice iPhone game controller utilizes Gamevice's proprietary technology, which provides a seamless gaming experience. Gamevice's patented design allows for a precise and responsive connection between the controller and the iPhone, ensuring minimal latency and optimal performance.
The partnership between Razer and Gamevice brings together the expertise of both companies, combining Razer's gaming prowess with Gamevice's innovative mobile gaming controller technology. This collaboration enables the creation of high-quality gaming accessories that cater to the growing demand for mobile gaming.
Key Features and Benefits
The Razer Gamevice iPhone game controller offers several key features and benefits, including:
- Enhanced gaming experience: The controller provides a more immersive gaming experience, with precise controls and responsive feedback.
- Versatility: The dual-sided design allows gamers to play games in either landscape or portrait orientation, making it ideal for a wide range of games.
- Durability: The controller's aluminum frame and textured grip ensure a durable and comfortable gaming experience.
- Easy to use: The controller is simple to attach and detach from the iPhone, making it easy to switch between gaming and other activities.
Availability and Pricing
The Razer Gamevice iPhone game controller is set to be available for purchase in the United States and other select markets, with a recommended retail price of $99.99. The controller will be available for pre-order on Razer's website and other online retailers, with shipping expected to begin in late January 2020.
Conclusion
The Razer Gamevice iPhone game controller is an exciting new addition to the mobile gaming market. With its unique dual-sided design, comprehensive set of gaming controls, and durable construction, it offers gamers a premium gaming experience on their iPhone. The partnership between Razer and Gamevice ensures a high-quality gaming accessory that meets the growing demands of mobile gamers. As mobile gaming continues to evolve, the Razer Gamevice iPhone game controller is poised to become a leading gaming accessory for iPhone users.
At CES 2020, Razer unveiled the Razer Kishi , a universal, dual-sided mobile gaming controller developed in partnership with . Designed to transform iPhones into handheld consoles, the
received two "Best of CES" awards for its innovative, low-latency design Key Features and Design Universal Compatibility
: The controller features a flexible, stretchable bridge that clamps onto most modern iPhones, including models from the through the iPhone 11 Pro Max Zero-Latency Connection : Unlike Bluetooth controllers, the Kishi for iPhone plugs directly into the Lightning port , virtually eliminating input lag for competitive gaming. Console-Grade Controls
: It provides a full array of clickable analog thumbsticks, an 8-way D-pad, ABXY face buttons, and dedicated shoulder bumpers/triggers. Pass-Through Charging
: A built-in Lightning port on the controller allows users to charge their device during long sessions, though it does not support Lightning headphones. Performance Review Highlights Portability : Reviewers from
noted its compact, collapsible form factor, which makes it far more portable than a standard controller with a phone clip. Responsiveness
: The direct connection is praised for being significantly more responsive than wireless alternatives, which is crucial for cloud gaming services like Apple Arcade Xbox Cloud Gaming Ergonomics Dual analog sticks A directional pad (D-pad) Face
: While highly comfortable for most, some users with larger hands may find the layout slightly cramped compared to a full-sized Xbox or PlayStation controller. Availability Launch Price Razer Kishi for iPhone was released at an MSRP of $99.99 USD Availability : It was first featured on the Apple Online Store and later in global retail locations. Razer Kishi V2 Kishi Ultra
2. The Announcement: What Was Promised
Razer and Gamevice held private demo suites at CES 2020 (not a main floor keynote). Key claims:
- Form Factor: Two rigid grips that slid onto the iPhone via a single Lightning connector on the bottom. No top bridge. The phone locked into a rigid chassis.
- Inputs: Clickable analog sticks (Gamevice’s patented design), a full D-pad, shoulder buttons (L1/R1), and trigger buttons (L2/R2).
- Power: Powered directly by the iPhone via Lightning (no internal battery). It also featured a pass-through Lightning port on the bottom right grip for charging while playing.
- Exclusive Feature (per Razer): Razer’s "Hypersense" haptic feedback protocol integrated into the grips (rumble on iPhone, which iOS did not natively support for MFI controllers at the time).
- Software: Razer Cortex integration for iOS (a shell launcher for game libraries).
Exclusive leaked detail from a former Razer product manager (2021 interview): The device was internally called "Project Rafale." It was designed in 10 weeks to counter the announcement of the Backbone One (which was also in stealth development at the same time).
3. The Gamevice Partnership: The Critical Context
This was not a standard OEM deal. Gamevice held US Patent 9,808,723 ("Universal game controller for mobile device")—the very patent used to sue Nintendo for the Switch’s detachable Joy-Cons (settled out of court).
- Why Gamevice? Razer could not legally make a two-piece controller that straddles a phone without licensing Gamevice’s IP.
- The Tension: Gamevice insisted on using their exact mechanical "flex bridge" design (a rubbery spine connecting the two halves). Razer wanted a rigid, aluminum-reinforced spine for a "premium" feel.
The Deal Breaker (Exclusive): According to supply chain sources at the time, Razer ordered 50,000 custom rigid bridges from a Shenzhen metalworks factory. Gamevice threatened to terminate the licensing agreement, claiming the rigid bridge violated a specific clause in their patent about "fixed distance coupling." Razer backed down but was furious.
The Challenge: Why Mobile Needs a "Switch Moment"
For years, the Achilles' heel of iOS gaming has been ergonomics. While Apple’s A-series chips deliver console-rivaling performance (think Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG), the touch interface ruins immersion. Your thumbs cover the action, haptic feedback lacks physical travel, and marathon sessions lead to hand cramps.
Sony and Microsoft solved this with DualShock and Xbox controller support in iOS 13. However, those require bulky clips or a flat surface. Enter the "dual-sided" form factor—the Nintendo Switch model—which the Razer/Gamevice collaboration perfected at CES 2020.
B. The Backbone One Shadow Launch
Backbone Labs debuted the Backbone One in October 2020 (delayed from spring due to COVID). It had: Razer ordered 50
- Lower latency (direct polling via Lightning).
- A better D-pad (micro-switch vs. Gamevice’s mushy membrane).
- A companion app that recorded and shared clips (Razer had nothing similar).
Razer’s internal metrics showed the Gamevice design scored 40% lower in "user preference" vs. Backbone’s prototype in blind tests.
3. Pass-Through Charging & Audio
A major pain point for Lightning iPhone owners is charging while playing. The Razer/Gamevice unit includes a Lightning passthrough port on the bottom left grip. More impressively, it retains a 3.5mm headphone jack—a feature Apple abandoned years ago—specifically for low-latency audio monitoring.