ASUS Unveils The ROG Raikiri II Xbox Wireless Controller

Too bad .. I was hoping for something more revolutionary like haptics or force feedback triggers. More like the ps5 controller.
This is just the next 3rd party pro controller.

Was hoping it was going to be a tease of the Asus Xbox console that is rumored to be hitting in 2026 before the first party Xbox. But the controller does look nice. I guess if true they wouldn’t want to steal eyes away from the handheld. Time will tell. Nice looking controller tho.

That d-pad looks like it will be either amazing or terrible with no in-between; I'd have to get my hands on it to see. I also wish there was a wired-only version.

It's unbelievable that the three console makers still use cheap parts prone to drift, while third parties (Asus, Gamesir) are using TMR, even better than hall effect, and micro switches. I really love the official Xbox controllers, especially the Elite series, and they have the smallest input lag, but I won't buy another one until they upgrade the sticks.

Does this controller use Xbox Wireless or a dongle?

@Banjo- I mean it's easily believable. In fact I'd say it's incredibly predictable. You have to go out of your way to learn about, find, and purchase a third party controller. So they have an actual incentive to be good and appeal to gamers that look up a controller's build quality. Meanwhile the default options are the default options. They know gamers will use their controllers regardless of build quality. And it saves them money. So they're financially incentivized to offer lower quality products.

Wait! Are you starting to agree with me that the PCBox is coming next year to coincide with all the games and the 25th anniversary, @Millionski & @HonestHick. Just as my confidence in 2026 is starting to buckle too... 😂

@HonestHick I'd definitely prefer a new Xbox console from Xbox first to kick start next Gen in Fall 2026. And then they can announce OEM Xbox PCs in Spring & Summer 2027 with previews at CES. Not that I haven't seen the rumors, it's just what I far prefer. And what makes sense to me. Even Microsoft doesn't usually let OEMs kick off their big new wave of hardware first (like the Surface Pro led the copilot+ PCs). That also seems like a poor way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original Xbox console. Regardless I'd definitely be waiting for the Xbox Xbox be it in 2026 or 2027.

Seems like the same features of the Gamesir G7 Pro Wireless for $50 more. I'll stick with my Gamesir pre-order.

Wheres that FatPunk chap who absolutely insisted this was a console, not a controller.

@Millionski @Fiendish-Beaver thats the rumor that Asus might have a PC/Xbox console for 2026. MS’s 1st party console coming in 2027. So i am not sure how that will play out. But Asus seems happy to work with MS, so it likely could come. However and this is what has me thinking 2026 might be early and thats the chipset MS is using with AMD for multiple devices. Not sure that will be ready but if so, i am all for it.

@WildConcept6 i agree with you 100%. I would like to see it play out that way too. But it is looking like 2027 for the next MS Xbox. Which i think ties into the work they are doing with AMD. Either way i will wait to buy the 1st party Xbox. Then maybe 2 years later if say Razer did one that was high end. I would buy that and use it as a PC on a monitor and have the 1st party Xbox under the Tv. 😊

Note to self: don't name first wireless controller II .
Honestly Hope Xbox allows regular Bluetooth connectivity for their next piece of hardware to avoid minimum pricing of $100 for what should cost $30-50

Oh so it was just a controller? Lol. I was hoping for haptics etc... Still, that being said, that is one good looking pad.

@HonestHick Same (in terms of hopes & purchasing plans regardless)

@Titntin i think it looks good. But we won’t see the big change in the controller until MS releases the next Xbox. Then we should see some change and 3rd parties can license it out easier.

I fully expect to see a Asus Xbox at some point. But for now it’s smart to just focus on the handheld. Which is looking really nice. I just don’t use a handheld enough to get one. However i did play some Donkey Kong Bananza in bed the other night on Switch 2 and that was pretty nice. 😊

Next gen I will give the victory to which ever of the big three puts quality sticks into their next controllers, I predict all three will come in last 😒

@Titntin Yeah i know what you mean. I don’t take mine outside the house either. I buy the Switch like it’s a home console that just happens to also be portable. I think you’ll like Donkey Kong Bananza. It’s some of the most fun I’ve had in a while. Mario Odyssey was my favorite Mario game maybe ever. For sure top 2 and of course that team did Donkey Kong, so i knew i had to get it. There is so many games coming out soon that i need to finish DKB here soon. The next few months are going to be a lot of games. Which is about time, I’ve bought very little this year haha

So many cool looking Xbox controllers being released but I only need the one for now and it’s working fine so far but at least there are plenty of alternatives these days.