# ASUS ROG Raikiri II Xbox Wireless Controller - Placement: #7 - Score: 85 - Category: Gaming Controllers - Brand: ASUS ROG - Product page: /products/asus-rog-raikiri-ii-xbox-wireless/ - Updated: 2026-08-20 - Ranking: [Best gaming controllers for PC gaming in 2026](/rankings/gaming-controllers-for-pc-gaming/2026.md) ## Verdict Buy it for tactile TMR controls and fast PC play; skip it if you expect effortless profiles, soft actuation, or broad verified support beyond Xbox Series X|S. ## Short review The Raikiri II feels quick and precise on PC, with a lighter shell and rear buttons that work well once Gear Link and the initial tuning are under control. ## Full review The exact ROG Raikiri II supports PC through its receiver, Bluetooth, or USB-C. ASUS certifies this edition for Xbox Series X|S over the receiver or USB-C, but not for Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch 2, or original Switch. PC also gets the headline high report-rate mode; software and profile behavior differ between PC and Xbox use. Reviewers and owners generally like the light shell, tactile buttons, precise TMR controls, connectivity, and intuitive rear-button placement. The controller is less convincing before it is tuned: Gear Link detection, dead zones, profile handling, awkward menu buttons, and rigid clicky actuation can all add friction. Its premium value is credible for players who will use the speed and four rear controls, but weaker for anyone seeking a plug-and-play upgrade. ## Ranking context It places seventh because its raw hardware challenges the leaders, yet software handling and premium positioning make the cheaper top picks easier to recommend broadly. ## Score breakdown | Criterion | Score | |---|---:| | PC compatibility | 91 | | Input performance | 94 | | Controls and ergonomics | 91 | | Setup and software | 75 | | Reliability and owner confidence | 78 | | Qualitative value | 74 | ## Pros - Fast, precise TMR control package. - Light ergonomics and intuitive rear buttons. - Complete accessory bundle. ## Cons - Software and profile management add friction. - Premium value depends on using its advanced controls. ## Best for - Competitive PC players who want tactile controls and TMR precision. - Players willing to tune dead zones and profiles. ## Not for - Buyers who want software-independent profiles. - Players sensitive to rigid clicky actuation. ## Verified facts - The Raikiri II is Xbox-certified and supports PC through wired USB-C, low-latency receiver, and Bluetooth modes, with the highest report-rate mode available on PC. Support: `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_official`. Confidence: high. - It combines TMR sticks and triggers, micro-switch face and rear controls, four rear buttons, dual-mode triggers, a charging stand, carrying case, and swappable stick caps. Support: `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_official`. Confidence: high. - Gear Link provides mapping, response-curve, dead-zone, trigger, vibration, and profile tuning, but software and profile behavior differ between PC and Xbox contexts. Support: `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_official`, `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_techradar`, `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_ign`. Confidence: high. - Specialist tests show low-latency connection options but also single-unit centering, asymmetry, and outer-range caveats that require dead-zone tuning and must not be generalized beyond the tested samples. Support: `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_gamepadla`. Confidence: medium. ## Editorial synthesis - Three independent reviews praise the light, comfortable shell, fast micro-switch controls, precise TMR inputs, intuitive rear-button placement, and strong PC responsiveness. Support: `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_techradar`, `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_ign`, `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_gamesradar`. Confidence: medium. - Awkward menu-button placement, software-dependent profile behavior, out-of-box tuning needs, and hard clicky actuation can reduce everyday comfort and simplicity. Support: `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_techradar`, `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_ign`, `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_gamesradar`, `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_gamepadla`. Confidence: medium. ## Owner sentiment Positive with software caveats. Confidence: medium. A retailer owner corpus and an independent community thread converge on strong hardware feel while preserving software and profile-management friction as the main ownership risk. - Two exact-model owner sources favor the light ergonomics, tactile TMR controls, responsiveness, and connectivity, while software detection, profile handling, hand fit, and occasional connection friction temper the enthusiasm. Support: `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_reddit_owner`, `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_bestbuy_owner`. Confidence: medium. ## Value position Premium-priced. Its speed, TMR controls, accessories, and strong PC customization make a credible premium case, with software and profile-management friction the main remaining tradeoffs. Source confidence: medium. ## Public claims - `claim_asus_rog_raikiri_ii_xbox_wireless_pc_and_series_support`: The Raikiri II supports PC by receiver, Bluetooth, or USB-C and is certified for Xbox Series X|S by receiver or USB-C; Xbox One support is not verified for this edition. Support: `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_official`. Confidence: high. - `claim_asus_rog_raikiri_ii_xbox_wireless_tmr_control_package`: TMR sticks and triggers, micro-switch face and rear controls, four rear buttons, trigger modes, and a charging stand create a serious premium package. Support: `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_official`, `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_ign`. Confidence: high. - `claim_asus_rog_raikiri_ii_xbox_wireless_profile_friction`: PC gets the highest report-rate mode, but Gear Link detection, profile behavior, and out-of-box tuning can make ownership less straightforward. Support: `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_official`, `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_techradar`, `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_ign`, `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_bestbuy_owner`. Confidence: medium. ## Research limits - Owner feedback is qualitative and does not establish a defect rate. - Connection measurements apply to the tested sample, firmware, settings, and connection mode rather than every unit. - RankReason did not perform hands-on testing for this ranking. ## Sources - `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_official` | ASUS ROG | [ROG Raikiri II Xbox Wireless Controller](https://rog.asus.com/controllers/rog-raikiri-ii-xbox-wireless-controller/) | accessed 2026-08-20 | reliability: primary - `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_support` | ASUS ROG | [ROG Raikiri II Product Support](https://rog.asus.com/us/controllers/rog-raikiri-ii-xbox-wireless-controller/helpdesk/) | accessed 2026-08-20 | reliability: primary - `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_gamepadla` | Gamepadla | [Asus ROG Raikiri II: Latency, Stick Tests, Specs](https://gamepadla.com/rog-raikiri-ii.html) | accessed 2026-08-20 | reliability: medium - `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_techradar` | TechRadar | [Asus ROG Raikiri II review](https://www.techradar.com/gaming/gaming-accessories/asus-rog-raikiri-ii-review) | accessed 2026-08-20 | reliability: medium - `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_ign` | IGN | [Asus ROG Raikiri II Review](https://www.ign.com/articles/asus-rog-raikiri-ii-controller-review) | accessed 2026-08-20 | reliability: medium - `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_gamesradar` | GamesRadar+ | [Asus ROG Raikiri II review](https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/gaming-controllers/asus-rog-raikiri-2-review/) | accessed 2026-08-20 | reliability: medium - `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_reddit_owner` | Reddit r/Controllers | [ASUS ROG Raikiri II owner discussion](https://www.reddit.com/r/Controllers/comments/1q0n6m5/asus_rog_raikiri_ii_wireless_controller/) | accessed 2026-08-20 | reliability: medium - `ev_asus_raikiri_ii_bestbuy_owner` | Best Buy | [ASUS ROG Raikiri II Wireless Controller customer reviews](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/reviews/asus-rog-raikiri-ii-wireless-controller-for-rog-xbox-ally-pc-xbox-series-x-s-black/6642264) | accessed 2026-08-20 | reliability: medium