Asus Unleashes the ROG Raikiri II: A Fresh Contender in the Gaming Controller Arena

Asus has officially launched the ROG Raikiri II, a new premium wireless gaming controller that’s now available to order in many regions. Positioned as a high-end option for players who want tighter control and extra customization, the Raikiri II is built for PC and Xbox gaming and also supports the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, where it can take advantage of two additional buttons.

Priced at $189, the Asus ROG Raikiri II aims to stand out from typical gamepads by focusing on speed, precision, and input flexibility. In addition to the standard button layout, it includes four extra customizable rear buttons designed for quicker actions without taking your thumbs off the sticks—useful for competitive shooters, fast action games, and any title where reaction time matters.

One of the biggest highlights is Asus’ choice to use microswitches instead of relying solely on membrane buttons. Microswitches are intended to deliver more consistent, clearly defined feedback, which can make repeated inputs feel sharper and more reliable over long sessions. Asus also integrates microswitches into the triggers, and the trigger actuation travel can be shortened. That kind of adjustable response is especially appealing for players who prefer rapid firing and faster trigger activation in action-heavy games.

Accuracy is another core theme of the Raikiri II. The controller uses TMR technology to support near-analog input detection in the triggers, and the same TMR approach is applied to the two analog sticks. Asus frames this as a way to improve precision while helping to reduce the risk of stick drift over time—one of the most common concerns for modern controllers.

Out of the box, the Raikiri II comes with a carrying case and a charging station, and the case supports charging while the controller is stored. Asus also includes two alternative joystick caps, giving players an easy way to adjust grip and feel without buying separate accessories.

For connectivity, the controller supports USB, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth, giving players flexibility depending on their setup and whether low latency or convenience is the priority. Asus lists a polling rate of up to 1,000Hz on PC and 250Hz on Xbox, targeting responsive input performance across platforms.

Battery life is rated at up to 50 hours on a full charge, although that estimate applies when features like RGB lighting, vibration, and other optional effects are turned off. With those extras enabled, real-world endurance will likely be lower, but the quoted figure suggests Asus is aiming for long sessions between charges when running in a more streamlined mode.

With premium pricing, microswitch-based inputs, TMR-equipped sticks and triggers, multiple connection options, and an included charging-and-carry setup, the Asus ROG Raikiri II is clearly built for players who want a more customizable, competition-ready controller experience on PC and Xbox.