ASUS Unveils Raikiri II Controller with Advanced Anti-Drift Technology at Gamescom 2025

At the prestigious Gamescom 2025 event, Asus introduced its latest innovation in gaming peripherals: the Raikiri II controller. This new device aims to redefine precision and durability in gamepads, building upon the foundations laid by its predecessor while introducing groundbreaking anti-drift joystick technology. With a focus on superior control and extended battery life, the Raikiri II is poised to become a significant contender in the competitive market of high-performance gaming controllers, offering advanced features and broad compatibility across multiple platforms. Its design refinements and technical upgrades signify Asus's commitment to enhancing the gaming experience for enthusiasts worldwide.

ASUS Unveils Next-Gen Raikiri II Controller at Gamescom 2025, Featuring Revolutionary TMR Joysticks

At the highly anticipated Gamescom 2025, Asus, a prominent force in the technology sector, officially unveiled its cutting-edge Raikiri II Xbox Wireless Controller. This announcement has generated considerable excitement, particularly given the device's innovative Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks, which Asus touts as a significant advancement over the widely adopted Hall effect technology, especially concerning the persistent issue of stick drift. The gaming community eagerly anticipates a comprehensive evaluation of these new joysticks, which are promised to deliver unparalleled precision and a notable reduction in power consumption.

The Raikiri II boasts a suite of impressive specifications designed to elevate the gaming experience. Key features include highly responsive dual-mode triggers, four programmable rear buttons for customized control, and micro-switches integrated beneath the D-pad, face buttons, and bumpers. These micro-switches ensure instantaneous actuation and deliver crisp, tactile feedback, vital for competitive gaming. Furthermore, the controller offers versatile connectivity options: a robust 1,000 Hz polling rate via its 2.4 GHz wireless dongle—a feature surpassing some current market leaders—alongside reliable Bluetooth connectivity and a traditional USB Type-C wired connection. This ensures seamless performance across various gaming setups.

Compatibility is a cornerstone of the Raikiri II's design, as it is engineered to support a wide array of gaming platforms, including PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Asus's own handheld gaming consoles, the ROG Xbox Ally and the standard Asus ROG Ally models. Adding to its appeal, the controller comes equipped with a portable travel case that conveniently doubles as a charging station, a thoughtful inclusion for gamers on the move. Asus estimates a substantial 30-hour battery life, though this figure is achieved with the RGB lighting and vibration functions disabled, aspects that many gamers consider essential for an immersive experience.

Asus's previous attempt, the Raikiri Pro, faced criticism for sticky face buttons and an unwieldy OLED screen interface. The Raikiri II, however, has addressed these concerns by completely removing the front-mounted OLED screen, suggesting a streamlined approach to user experience. The ultimate success of the Raikiri II will largely hinge on its pricing strategy. Should Asus manage to offer this feature-rich controller at a more accessible price point than its premium competitors, particularly the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, it could very well secure a dominant position in the high-end gaming controller market, despite its somewhat whimsical name.

The debut of the Asus Raikiri II marks a significant moment for the gaming hardware industry. From a reporter's perspective, the emphasis on TMR joysticks is particularly intriguing. While Hall effect technology has long been lauded for its anti-drift properties, Asus's claim of superior accuracy and efficiency with TMR technology warrants close examination. If the Raikiri II truly delivers on these promises, it could set a new benchmark for controller performance and reliability. The comprehensive feature set, combined with its multi-platform compatibility and the thoughtful inclusion of a charging travel case, positions the Raikiri II as a formidable contender. However, the true test will be its real-world performance, especially when compared to established favorites, and how effectively Asus balances its advanced technology with a competitive price. Gamers eagerly await the opportunity to put this new device through its paces and determine if it lives up to its ambitious claims.