Asus has announced the Raikiri Pro, an Xbox-licensed gamepad with an OLED panel; however, there is currently no launch date or pricing. This accessory follows on the heels of a recent invention by Microsoft for a gamepad, including an LCD screen that seems to perform the same function as the one found on the Asus gadget. Even if Microsoft doesn’t create its own commercial launch of the controller-con-display, players will still have a few choices.
For years, Microsoft’s Xbox Design Lab has been a go-to resource for anyone looking to build their own unique gaming controllers. Hyperkin’s Xbox Duke controller from 2018 is perhaps the most mainstream of these custom devices with a display, thanks to its enormous circular branding. Until recently, though, other companies haven’t really joined on the gamepad screen trend.
CES 2023 formally commenced on January 5, although firms began presenting their new goods and technology just several days prior to that. Asus presented the ROG Raikiri Pro, a gamepad housing a 1.3-inch OLED panel that has been legally certified by Xbox mostly for usage on PC. The 128 x 40-pixel display is mostly used to see the battery and mic levels, link with other devices through Bluetooth, and choose between game modes. However, the display may be customized to display individualized content, such as animations, backgrounds, or text.
The Raikiri Pro is advantageous in that it offers three different ways to connect to a network: wireless (2.4GHz RF), wireless (Bluetooth 5.0), and wired (USB-C). Despite the fact that the Asus website promotes the controller primarily as a PC accessory, it also notes that it is compatible with Xbox One and Xbox 360. The marketing copy specifies that the Raikiri Pro may be used with a wired USB-C connection on consoles, while it is unclear if this covers the Xbox One as well as Xbox Series X/S.
The Raikiri Pro Xbox device’s value has not been announced, but it’s safe to assume that not everyone will be able to buy it. It has some functions that are only found on more expensive accessories, such as the Xbox Elite Series 2 gamepad or the PlayStation DualSense Edge controller (collectively $179.99 as well as $199.99).
All four of the backside keys are rubberized to prevent accidental presses from moist fingertips. These buttons may be programmed to do specific actions in-game or to modify the controller’s joystick intensity. Each trigger may be set to full or short trigger pull, as well as the dead zones can be adjusted independently. Furthermore, Asus’ Armoury Crate software consolidates settings for customizing vibration intensity, button remapping, and illumination. Furthermore, a non-pro edition of the Raikiri will be available with fewer back buttons for individuals who aren’t really fascinated by the OLED display. There is no confirmed release date for any controller at this time.
