As you may know, Razer recently released an update for the Nexus app that allows you to remap touchscreen inputs to buttons on your Kishi V2. It’s a huge update as it effectively means you can play any mobile game with a controller. So if you’ve ever found yourself thinking a game could be improved with controller support, it now can.
It’s not particularly difficult to set up, and most people will likely figure it out simply by tinkering with the app. However, if you are struggling, we’re here to help. In this guide, we will explain how to use Virtual Controller Mode, including a few layout examples to give an idea of what it looks like. If you’re wondering what games benefit from Virtual Controller Mode, check out our recent article that details five excellent titles that work well with it.
Steps
- Download the Razer Nexus app from Google Play.
- Attach your Razer Kishi V2 to your phone and tap “OK” to allow Nexus access to the controller.
- Open the app. To enable Virtual Controller mode, you must use the Nexus app as a launcher.
- Using the Kishi, navigate to the square labelled “Installed Apps”.
- Next, use the controller to find the game you want to play with Virtual Controller Mode
- Once found, tap Y before launching the game to enable Virtual Controller Mode. Then tap A to play it.
- The game will now load with an overlay that includes an image of a d-pad, a tick and a cog.
- Tap the d-pad to bring up a menu that will allow you to map the game’s controls to your Razer Kishi V2.
- For the Left Joystick, Right Joystick, and D-Pad, simply tap and drag the newly created overlay to your preferred position on the screen.
- The process is the same for the face buttons and triggers, with a slight addition. After moving the button to your preferred position, press the button on your controller you want to map with that in-game action. If you need to edit them, simply tap the on-screen button and press the new button on your Kishi to change it.
- Once you’re happy, tap the tick button to save the layout. Your phone will then use this setup whenever you next play that particular game.
A few things to remember
Extra options
By tapping the cog in the main overlay menu, you can enable a few additional options to further customise your setup. There’s a button that toggles the presence of the overlay if you want to get rid of it entirely. Alternatively, below that option is a slider that allows you to adjust the button opacity if you want it to be more or less distinct. Finally, you can delete the overlay created for the current game by hitting the reset button.
Right analogue stick in first-person games
When playing a first-person game, tap the cog icon that appears when placing the right analogue stick to open a new menu. From here, toggle on “Camera Pan Mode (Repeat). This tells the software to treat using the analogue stick as multiple finger swipes, allowing the camera to function correctly. In this menu, you can also adjust the camera sensitivity in the same menu.
Layout examples
Below are a few layout examples you could use when binding touchscreen controls to your Razer Kishi V2. It’s worth remembering that, in most cases, you will still need to navigate menus using touch. Although, that allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds since it’s far quicker than scrolling through menus with a controller. Additionally, these are layouts that work for me. Virtual Controller Mode is extremely flexible, so do tinker with the suggested layouts to suit your preferences.
Call of Duty Mobile
Many of us grew up playing the likes of Modern Warfare 2 and Black Ops on Xbox Live with our friends. So, even though the touchscreen controls for Call of Duty Mobile are surprisingly great, it remains a game that feels at home on a controller. The layout is also the most open for debate on this list due to the game’s fast-paced nature. While the setup above works well for me, it might not suit you, so feel free to try out different buttons to find what does. This method does ignore some of the on-screen buttons but I’ve not found it affects my gameplay at all.
Ninja Must Die
Ninja Must Die’s touch controls work very well. But it does mean your fingers will obscure the action at times. And, with a game that looks as great as this one, you don’t want that. Using this layout, you won’t have to worry about obscuring any of the action, allowing you to enjoy the visual treat Ninja Must Die provides more easily.
Mech Arena: Robot Showdown
Part of the reason you might consider using a controller for some mobile games is to get a competitive advantage in the online realm. With Mech Arena: Robot Showdown, though, it allows you to even the battlefield. Plarium’s shooter supports Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and DualShock 4 pads, but that’s it, leaving you at a disadvantage if you’re using touch controls. With this layout, you can compete with other controller users once again.
