Skip to main content

CES 2023: ROG’s Raikiri Pro controller’s built-in screen has Dreamcast vibes

The CES 2025 logo.
Read and watch our complete CES coverage here

Asus’ Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand revealed a new PC controller at CES 2023, dubbed the Raikiri Pro. The “tri-mode” gamepad comes loaded with customization potential and features, including a built-in OLED screen.

ROG is no stranger to creating gamepads, though the company generally specializes in ones built for mobile devices. The Raikiri Pro is a high-end PC controller, officially licensed by Xbox, that offers a lot of promise on paper.

The ROG Raikiri Pro sits on a table.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

On its surface, it’s a relatively standard Xbox controller with colored ABXY buttons, two sticks, and a standard X home button. Its biggest layout difference comes in the form of its circular D-pad, but it otherwise looks like a standard gamepad at a glance, albeit one with a unique aesthetic design complimented by some ROG logos on the front.

Recommended Videos

There’s a lot more to the Raikiri Pro than meets the eye, though. For one, it has a small, built-in OLED screen above the Xbox button which can display anything from custom images to battery or microphone status. Two small buttons on the top of the controller allow players to easily switch profiles at any time. It’s a unique feature that looks like a throwback to the Dreamcast controller’s built-in screen.

The back of the controller is where it gets more into “pro territory” as it features four programmable rear buttons and trigger locks. The back button commands can be customized via ROG’s Armoury Crate software, which can also be used to set vibration levels, joystick dead zone, and more.

The back of the ROG Raikiri Pro controller.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Raikiri Pro features “tri-mode” connectivity, allowing it to connect via Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz RF, or USB C. On the audio front, it features built-in ESS DAC. All of that should make for a feature-rich third-party controller built with PC and Xbox in mind.

At the moment, ROG has yet to reveal a price or firm release date for the Raikiri Pro. It’s set to launch sometime in 2023’s second quarter.

Giovanni Colantonio
As Digital Trends' Senior Gaming Editor, Giovanni Colantonio oversees all things video games at Digital Trends. As a veteran…
3 new PlayStation Plus games to play this weekend (July 4-6)
Lilith staring into the camera in Diablo 4. She has giant horns and red wings behind her.

We have a double-whammy of a weekend to look forward to as PlayStation Plus subscribers. Not only do we have an extra-long weekend for the Fourth of July, but this month also marks the 15-year anniversary of PlayStation Plus. As such, Sony is hitting us with a particularly strong lineup of games at the Essential tier. Now, don't get your hopes up and expect all the best PS5 games to be on offer, but the selection is still very strong and offers something different to suit your tastes. We have one of the most popular action RPGs, a strong fighting game, and an artistic indie that you might have missed when it first came out. If you're looking for something new to play this weekend, I've got you covered.

Diablo 4

Read more
3 new Game Pass games to play this weekend (July 4-6)
mono and six together.

Those of us in America have a nice, long weekend to kick off July thanks to the 4th of July holiday. While some of us may have plans for barbeques and fireworks watching in the evening, there's still loads of time to spare playing some awesome Xbox games. As luck would have it, Game Pass just added a ton of new additions to the service this week that are perfect for the extended weekend. We do have to wait until next week for the first major day one release, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4, but there are still some great options to check out before that. I've included a fun party game for anyone hosting an event, a game with a short but powerful runtime, and a classic RPG to get lost in. Let's check them all out.

Ultimate Chicken Horse

Read more
After a month with the Switch 2, I can’t fully recommend Nintendo’s new console
A Nintendo Switch 2 playing Mario Kart World appears on a table.

We're still firmly in the honeymoon period with the Switch 2 right now. Most of us are still exploring Mario Kart World's open world for secrets or wondering if Welcome Tour was worth the $10 price tag. With Donkey Kong Bananza arriving just in time to beef up the exclusive catalogue with a new 3D platformer, I found myself conflicted with my time with the console so far. I don't mean personally; I am in love with this piece of tech. What is trickier is when others ask me whether or not I think they should pick one up.

One month into the system's life, there's a lot to love already, but not without some caveats. Consoles only get more enticing as they age, so adopting one early essentially means you're investing at its least appealing time. There are plenty of people I would recommend a Switch 2 with no conditions, but I would say the majority of gamers are better off waiting.

Read more