ROG Raikiri II Pro PC Controller

The personal computer controller market has seen the arrival of a peripheral designed solely for those who play on the Windows platform and demand maximum precision (completely ignoring the world of home consoles).

With its ROG Raikiri II Pro, ASUS pushes the accelerator of customization and superior engineering (confirming the Republic of Gamers division's commitment to uncompromising devices). This isn't just any pad (often limited by conservative choices), but a precision instrument aimed squarely at the hands of the most demanding gamers on the scene. And be careful not to confuse it with with the Xbox version!

Under the body

The Raikiri II Pro PC's spec sheet makes the Taiwanese brand's ambitions clear right from the start, with extremely versatile tri-mode connectivity that includes a USB Type-C cable, Bluetooth 5, and 2.4GHz via a dedicated USB dongle (essential for zero latency and reaching a staggering 8000Hz refresh rate in both wired and wireless modes).

The beating heart of the aiming system relies on analog sticks equipped with Hall effect technology (a permanent magnet solution that definitively prevents the infamous stick drift) accompanied by two hot-swappable sticks included in the package. The control system is completed by triggers equipped with adjustable mechanical stops for varying travel, four mappable rear buttons, a built-in rechargeable battery (capable of guaranteeing up to 79 hours of battery life according to the LEDs), and a 1.3-inch intelligent OLED display positioned on the top back. The physical dimensions are 105 x 65 x 155 millimeters, with a total weight of 345 grams including the cable.

Design

The aesthetic perfectly matches the brand's DNA, with aggressive lines yet finished with stellar craftsmanship (thanks to top-notch plastics and optimal weight balance that won't strain your wrists). Management of all this is entrusted to Gear Link, Asus' website for configuring various gaming peripherals. This is always a great feature, although if you want to use every feature, you'll still need to install a couple of "companions" to pass system information, such as CPU and GPU load and temperatures, to the controller.

The interface is quite complex at first (a veritable labyrinth of menus and submenus that requires patience and dedication to master), but once you get the hang of it, you'll discover that you can do just about anything (from fine-tuning dead zones and response curves to programming the most complex macros). The screen allows you to select up to five profiles, remap buttons on the fly, record macros, and even select turbo. The built-in OLED display even lets you monitor hardware information in real time, view system notifications, or upload images and animated GIFs to customize the pad's appearance.

In play

Field-tested with a plethora of different titles (from competitive shooters to more technical racing games), the pad delivers disarming responsiveness and impeccable control precision. The haptic feedback from the vibration motors delivers realistic impacts (and can be finely adjusted down to the smallest details), while the smoothness of the triggers offers pinpoint control over acceleration.

The overall ergonomics allow for extended gaming sessions without any discomfort (confirming the quality of the shape and grip). It's just a shame it doesn't work on consoles at the same time (a hardware limitation that will make those with a home console swear), but for the PC world, it's a phenomenal companion that enhances every single command you give. Sure, it'll set you back around 240 CHF to get it home, but if you're a PC gamer longing for a controller, it's hard to find a more complete package!

Bottom line

The ASUS ROG Raikiri II Pro is firmly positioned in the premium range of computer controllers (justifying every penny of its price with flawless build quality). Extremely complete from every technical and functional standpoint, it only requires a small initial hurdle to digest the complexity of the configuration software. If you game exclusively on PC and are looking for a definitive tool that doesn't compromise on precision and components, you've found the device for you (as long as you expect a somewhat steep learning curve).