Razer’s Wolverine V2 Chroma is an elegant, customizable wired controller

A year after the launch of Razer’s $100 Wolverine V2 Xbox controller, today the company has announced a $150 version with more features called the Wolverine V2 Chroma. The new name is a giveaway to one of the additions: a strip of Chroma RGB lighting near each of the two grips that can be programmed to your liking via its accessory companion app on an Xbox or PC.

This controller is actually replacing the Wolverine Ultimate that was released in late 2017. Like the older controller, the Wolverine V2 Chroma has swappable thumb sticks like those included with the Xbox Elite controllers and Scuf’s Instinct, trigger stops to shorten the throw of triggers, and six remappable macro buttons (including four paddles on the back) that can be customized.

There are a few improvements over its predecessor. For example, the Wolverine V2 Chroma’s LED implementation definitely looks better, and I prefer its shape and overall design over the older model. It also gets points for using USB-C instead of the Ultimate’s Micro USB port and for having the same offering of buttons as Microsoft’s latest Xbox controller.

But the newer controller isn’t superior in every way. The older Wolverine Ultimate offers a little more customization for a lower price (currently $129.99). Namely, its D-pad can be swapped. Also, the Ultimate doesn’t require software to remap its button, instead letting you do it right from the controller. It’s not a deal-breaker, but you might prefer that solution as opposed to downloading software.

Image: Razer

All said, this is a fairly minor upgrade over the Wolverine V2, though there’s enough that’s new and worthwhile here that you might be interested. On the other hand, you might find yourself content with either buying or hanging onto the older Wolverine Ultimate.