Razer is stepping into the world of handheld gaming consoles with the Razer Edge and Razer Edge 5G, an Android tablet with a controller attachment that’s focused on streaming games over Wi-Fi and 5G.
Handhelds have been having a year thanks to the splashy launches of the Steam Deck and Playdate, but Razer’s focus on game streaming puts it more in line with the Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld, a dedicated game streaming device that can also play Android games on the side. Unlike Logitech, Razer has two twists on the formula that make a huge difference: a tablet form factor and 5G support.
A gaming tablet
The Razer Edge is a tablet, but really only because its dimensions are a little too large to comfortably be called a phone. Well that, and because you can buy it without cellular connectivity. The Edge’s 6.8-inch, 2,400 x 1,080 FHD+ resolution AMOLED display has up to a 144Hz refresh rate, which Razer notes should offer better contrast while being more energy efficient. Inside, the Edge has a Snapdragon G3X Gen 1 chipset, which means it should be pretty capable at playing demanding mobile games like Genshin Impact as well.
Razer Edge Specs
- Display: 6.8-inch FHD+ (2400x1080) 144Hz AMOLED
- Chip: Snapdragon G3X Gen 1
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR5
- Battery: 5,000 mAh
- Storage: 128GB (expandable up to 2TB)
- Camera: 5 MP front facing
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 (Sub 6 and mmWave 5G optional)
The real plus of the Edge might be the fact that it’s two distinct pieces: the tablet and a new Kishi V2 Pro controller attachment. Razer’s Kishi line of mobile phone controllers are fairly well-known, but the V2 Pro (currently exclusive to the Edge) adds improved Razer Hypersense “advanced haptic feedback” and a 3.5mm headphone jack for listening to your games in private. The idea of having a handheld gaming device that’s in some sense upgradeable, where Razer could introduce a new tablet that can slot in between the same Kishi controllers, seems like a novel idea.
Logitech’s handheld will likely never be upgraded, but the Edge could be treated like a smartphone, with trade-in programs that keep it refreshed every few years, and the flexibility of playing games that make more sense as touch-only without having to deal with a controller.
5G for when you’re on the go
The smartphone quality of the Edge extends to Verizon’s role in its creation. You can buy a 5G-enabled version of the Edge exclusively from the carrier and take game streaming on the go. That’s a possible solution to what’s been the main tension of handheld cloud streaming devices — they’re very portable, but typically Wi-Fi-only. That’s not to say 5G will necessarily be better than Wi-Fi or satisfying to use, but it does mean the Edge should be a bit more flexible.
You just have to be willing to pay for a data plan on top of the subscription you’re paying for your game streaming service of choice. But maybe that’s less of an ask than it used to be.
Pre-order details
The Razer Edge Wi-Fi is available to reserve now for $5 before it ships in January 2023 for $399.99. The Razer Edge 5G will be available in January 2023 exclusively through Verizon, but neither the carrier nor Razer have shared the final price for that version of the handheld.
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