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CES 2020: Razer Debuts New Dual-Sided iPhone Game Controller in Partnership with Gamevice
For years, competitive mobile gaming suffered from a universal bottleneck: wireless latency. Traditional controllers relying on Bluetooth connections inherently introduce milliseconds of delay between a button press and the on-screen action. In fast-paced competitive environments, that lag is the difference between victory and defeat.
Stay tuned to our CES 2020 liveblog for hands-on video and a latency comparison against the Xbox Elite controller. CES 2020: Razer Debuts New Dual-Sided iPhone Game
A former Razer engineer told this reporter in 2024: "Project Rafale would have been the best mobile controller ever made. The rigid spine meant zero flex when you pressed the triggers. But Gamevice had us by the balls with that patent. So we killed it."
A crisp, tactile directional pad optimized for fighting games and retro titles. Stay tuned to our CES 2020 liveblog for
At CES 2020, Razer — a company long synonymous with high-performance gaming hardware — surprised and delighted mobile gamers by partnering with Gamevice to debut a dual-sided iPhone game controller. This collaboration represented more than a cosmetic tweak to mobile accessories; it signaled the increasing convergence of console-grade controls with the convenience and ubiquity of smartphones, and underscored how hardware makers are racing to elevate mobile gaming into a mainstream, competitive platform.
The timing of the Kishi’s debut is no accident. With the rise of Apple Arcade, Xbox Game Pass streaming (Project xCloud), and high-fidelity native shooters on iOS, the iPhone is no longer just a casual gaming device. However, the hardware has lagged behind the software; touch controls often obscure the screen and lack the tactile feedback required for precision aiming. But Gamevice had us by the balls with that patent
Razer confirmed the final retail price would be —significantly cheaper than buying an Xbox controller ($60) plus a separate clip ($15) and a battery pack.
There were challenges and trade-offs. Any controller that physically attaches to a phone must balance size, weight, and compatibility. A dual-sided design raises questions about heat dissipation for gaming-intensive sessions and the feasibility of simultaneous charging. Compatibility across iPhone models, cases, and varying port placements can also limit market reach or require adapters. Moreover, price positioning is crucial: to persuade console gamers to invest in a mobile accessory, manufacturers must offer a clear value proposition beyond novelty.
