Redesigned Razer Junglecat Gives Smartphone Switch-Like Controller
Razer is releasing a new version of the Junglecat controller. The Junglecat consists of two separate controllers that can be connected to a supplied phone case or hub. The Junglecat can handle both Android and Windows.
The Junglecat looks a lot like the Joy-Con controllers for the Nintendo Switch. Both controllers consist of two halves that can be connected to a screen or a hub. The Junglecat also resembles the Joy-Con controllers in terms of input. The Razer device has two analog joysticks – one for each controller halves – and a total of four bumper buttons. On the left half is a d-pad, the right half gets four action buttons.
It doesn’t seem like the controllers – like the Joy-Con controllers – can be used separately. Instead, the halves must be linked to an included hub. Via that hub, the controllers can be used with Android smartphones or tablets with Android 7.0 or higher, or with Windows computers. The latter requires at least Windows 8.1.
The two halves can also be linked to an included smartphone cover. Consumers who purchase the Junglecat outside the United States will receive included cases for the Razer Phone 2, Huawei P30 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S10+. For the US market, the Huawei will be replaced by the Galaxy Note 9 from Samsung.
Connection to the smartphone, tablet or computer is via Bluetooth low energy. The controllers can be charged with USB-C, a full charge gives ‘more than’ a hundred hours of use. The Junglecat works together with the Razer Gamepad App, where the controller settings can be adjusted per game. This app requires at least Android 8.0.
With the Junglecat, Razer is aiming at the mobile gaming market. In fact, in certain smartphone games, players would have to use ‘uncomfortable techniques’ to both control the game and see what’s happening on the screen. After all, these games use touches on the screen for input. The Junglecat would help with that, by removing the inputs from the screen.
The Junglecat isn’t the first controller to sell Razer as the Junglecat. In 2014, the company released the Junglecat for the iPhone 5 and 5s. This version worked as a phone case where the controller part could be extended, similar to the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play. The renewed Junglecat is for sale from October 29 for 120 euros.