Razer Wildcat Gamepad Review

1. Introduction2. Unboxing and First Look3. Testing4. Conclusion5. View All Pages

Since the Razer Wildcat is built to play nicely with both Xbox and PC, there is no dedicated software or Synapse functionality. Instead, all button programming changes can be made ‘on the fly' with a profile stored on the controller itself.

The Razer Wildcat is supplied with a default profile and room for two custom profiles. In order to remap one of the multi-function triggers or bumpers, you will need to first select either profile 1 or 2. From there you will need to hold down the ‘remap' button on the media control bar until the Xbox button begins to flash, then you can press or hold which button you want to configure and then press the button you want to assign its function to.

For example, if you wanted to map one of the back triggers to X, you would press the remap button, wait for the flash, hold down the back trigger and then press X. The controller will vibrate after you have successfully mapped a button. It is easy enough to do but, unfortunately, there is no way to tell which profile you are currently using so those who have two separate customized profiles will need to go through a process of trial and error to check.

For Xbox gamers, this controller is a plug and play product but depending on which version of Windows you are using on PC, you may need to grab the drivers. I am on Windows 10 myself so the Xbox controller driver automatically downloaded after plugging in the Wildcat for the first time. Those on Windows 7 may need to download the Xbox One controller driver seperately to get it working.

On the Xbox One, the standard controller requires an adapter to use a headset with the console. However, Razer has included its own headphone adapter built into the Wildcat. This allows you to control volume and mute a microphone, which is a fantastic improvement over the standard controller.

Now let's talk about the actual usage experience. As is the case with many Xbox-style controllers, the Wildcat feels great in the hand with easy access to all of the necessary buttons. The thumbsticks are a notable improvement though, with a larger and flatter top that gives your thumb more leverage for smoother, more precise movements.

I am also a fan of Razer's ‘Hyperesponse' AXYB buttons. On a normal Xbox One gamepad or even a DualShock 4 controller, these buttons will often feel mushy with no tactile feedback. However, Razer has changed the mechanism for these buttons entirely, allowing for a tactile click and shorter travel distance for the buttons. The closest thing I can liken Razer's AXYB buttons to are the clicks on a mouse.

The D-Pad is normally where most controllers tend to let me down with mushy buttons. Fortunately, Razer's implementation feels a lot better with slightly stiffer buttons and a tactile press. However, I will say that the shoulder/bumper buttons and triggers do not feel as good as they do on the standard Xbox One controller.

On the standard Xbox One controller, Microsoft has implemented ‘impulse triggers', which essentially means that there is a little rumble motor inside both triggers, this has the bonus of adding extra weight to the trigger press and makes for a slightly better experience – in my opinion.

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