Razer didn't build this alone. Gamevice holds a notoriously deep patent portfolio regarding "slidable, dual-sided controllers that attach directly to a mobile computing device." Rather than face litigation (which Gamevice has pursued aggressively against others in the past), Razer did something smarter: they partnered.
"This isn't just a rebrand," a Razer product manager explained to us in an exclusive behind-closed-doors briefing. "Gamevice provided the IP and the low-latency USB-C (and Lightning) pass-through architecture. Razer provided the mechanical switches, the Chroma RGB lighting, and the ergonomic grip texture. You are looking at the best of both engineering worlds."
The "Razer dual-sided iPhone controller" from CES 2020 is a phantom product. Approximately 200 engineering samples were built (serial numbers RZ06-0310-ENG). As of 2026, only three units are known to exist in private collector hands—one sold on eBay in 2023 for $4,500.
Why it matters: It represents the last major attempt to build a rigid, Vita-style iPhone controller before the industry settled on flexible bridges (Kishi, Backbone) or magnetic attachments (GameSir). It failed not because of bad design, but because of patent law, power delivery physics, and a pandemic.
Exclusive final detail: 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."
Razer Kishi Go to product viewer dialog for this item. : The Dual-Sided iPhone Game Controller Debuts at CES 2020
At CES 2020, Razer fundamentally changed the mobile gaming landscape by debuting the Razer Kishi Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
, a new dual-sided game controller for iPhone created in an exclusive partnership with Gamevice. Designed to provide a console-quality experience on the go, this universal mobile controller attaches directly to the top and bottom of an iPhone, effectively transforming it into a handheld gaming powerhouse similar in form factor to a Nintendo Switch. A Direct Connection for Pro-Grade Performance
Unlike many previous mobile gamepads that relied on Bluetooth, the Razer Kishi
utilizes a direct Lightning connection. This hardware-level integration offers two critical advantages for competitive players: Ultra-Low Latency: By bypassing wireless protocols, the
eliminates input lag, ensuring that every button press and joystick movement registers instantly.
Pass-Through Charging: A built-in Lightning port on the controller itself allows users to charge their iPhone while playing, preventing long gaming sessions from being cut short by a low battery. Console-Standard Layout and Ergonomics
was developed to meet the standards of modern console controllers. Its layout includes:
Clickable Analog Thumbsticks: Two full-size sticks for precise 3D movement. Razer didn't build this alone
Tactile Controls: A four-button A-B-X-Y face array, an 8-way directional pad, and dedicated shoulder bumpers and triggers.
Universal Compatibility: A stretchable support band and flexible design allow it to fit most modern iPhones, ranging from the iPhone 6 up to the latest iPhone 11 Pro Max. Designed for the Future of Cloud Gaming
Razer’s partnership with Gamevice and its collaboration with cloud services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW position the as a gateway to AAA PC gaming. By using the
, iPhone owners can stream full PC titles from the cloud, enjoying "hardcore" gaming experiences without needing a high-end gaming PC. The controller is also fully MFi-certified, making it compatible with Apple Arcade and its library of over 120 titles. Pricing and Availability
, Razer unveiled the Razer Kishi Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
, a new dual-sided universal mobile gaming controller developed in partnership with . Designed to provide a console-like experience for both users, the
featured a unique telescopic design that clamped onto the sides of a smartphone, effectively transforming it into a handheld console similar to the Nintendo Switch Key Features and Partnership Details The collaboration with
, a veteran in mobile gaming peripherals, allowed Razer to implement a flexible, universal fit that accommodated most modern smartphones.
At CES 2020, Razer unveiled the Kishi, a dual-sided, MFi-certified mobile game controller designed in partnership with Gamevice to provide console-quality, low-latency gaming via a direct Lightning connection. The device features analog sticks, clickable buttons, and pass-through charging, offering a "stretchable" design compatible with most iPhones and Android devices. Read more at MacRumors.
CES 2020: Razer Debuts New Dual-Sided iPhone Game Controller in Partnership with Gamevice
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020, Razer, a leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, unveiled a new innovative product that is set to revolutionize mobile gaming. In partnership with Gamevice, a renowned mobile gaming controller manufacturer, Razer has introduced a dual-sided iPhone game controller that is both exciting and promising.
The Razer Gamevice iPhone Game Controller
The Razer Gamevice iPhone game controller is designed to provide a premium gaming experience for iPhone users. The device features a sleek and ergonomic design, with a durable aluminum frame and a comfortable grip that fits perfectly in the hands. The controller has a unique dual-sided design, with a modular structure that allows users to attach their iPhone to the center of the controller, providing an immersive gaming experience. Partnership with Gamevice The Razer Gamevice iPhone game
The Razer Gamevice iPhone game controller boasts an array of impressive features, including:
Partnership with Gamevice
The Razer Gamevice iPhone game controller is the result of a partnership between Razer and Gamevice, a renowned mobile gaming controller manufacturer. Gamevice has a proven track record of producing high-quality mobile gaming controllers, and this partnership brings together the expertise of both companies to create a truly innovative product.
Exclusive to Razer and Gamevice
The Razer Gamevice iPhone game controller is an exclusive product, available only through Razer and Gamevice channels. This partnership ensures that users get a premium product that meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
Key Features and Benefits
The Razer Gamevice iPhone game controller offers several key features and benefits, including:
Availability and Pricing
The Razer Gamevice iPhone game controller is set to be available in the market soon, with a price tag of $99.99. The product will be available exclusively through Razer and Gamevice channels, including their official websites and authorized retailers.
Conclusion
The Razer Gamevice iPhone game controller is an exciting new product that is set to revolutionize mobile gaming. With its innovative dual-sided design, ergonomic grip, and customizable buttons, this controller provides a premium gaming experience for iPhone users. The partnership between Razer and Gamevice ensures that users get a high-quality product that meets the highest standards of quality and performance. With its impressive features and benefits, the Razer Gamevice iPhone game controller is a must-have for mobile gamers.
Technical Specifications
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A major pain point for Lightning iPhone owners is charging while playing. The Razer/Gamevice unit includes a Lightning passthrough port on the bottom left grip. More impressively, it retains a 3.5mm headphone jack—a feature Apple abandoned years ago—specifically for low-latency audio monitoring.
Hardware is useless without software. Razer announced the Razer Nexus app for iOS (exclusive to this controller). It allows for:
Crucially, because Gamevice holds the patent, this app can force touch controls to be hidden in unsupported games, rendering a "black bar" interface that turns any App Store game into a controller-native experience.
Razer and Gamevice held private demo suites at CES 2020 (not a main floor keynote). Key claims:
Exclusive leaked detail from a former Razer product manager (2021 interview): The device was internally called "Project Rafale." It was designed in 10 weeks to counter the announcement of the Backbone One (which was also in stealth development at the same time).
While Razer has previously dabbled in mobile controllers—most notably with the Raiju Mobile—the Kishi represents a refinement of form factor that iPhone gamers have been craving for years. Unlike Bluetooth controllers that often introduce input lag or clip-on cradles that block the charging port, the Razer Kishi utilizes a direct, wired connection via Apple’s Lightning port.
This decision is a game-changer. By connecting directly to the iPhone, the Kishi eliminates the latency issues that have long plagued mobile competitive gaming. It also draws no power from the controller’s side, preserving the phone's battery life during marathon sessions. Better yet, the design includes a passthrough charging port, allowing users to charge their iPhone while they play—a crucial feature for power-hungry titles like Call of Duty: Mobile or Fortnite.
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.
“The Razer Kishi is the bridge between the power of the iPhone and the precision of a console,” said a Razer representative at the show floor. By wrapping the controller around the phone rather than mounting the phone on top of a controller, the center of gravity remains balanced in the user's hands, significantly reducing hand fatigue during extended play sessions. Availability and Pricing The Razer Gamevice iPhone game