Razor’s Edge: a $400 Android Cloud Gaming Handheld
Credit: Razer
Razer has finally shown off the Edge, its portable Android gaming handheld. Looking much better since the last it was seen in December 2021.
There’s a load to talk about with this one. The Edge will launch in a Wi-Fi-only variation for $399.99 in January 2023, followed by a 5G-ready model via Verizon in early 2023. It’ll support Verizon’s ultra-wideband and sub-6GHz networks. Razer plans to follow the Steam Deck reservation model, letting people pay $5 to reserve an Edge.
The Edge is planned to be the ideal device for cloud gaming and streaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming or Nvidia GeForce Now. Razer claims that the Edge supports up to 144 frames per second via the Steam Link application when you’re streaming computer games locally.
The specs
Operating on Android 12 with Qualcomm’s G3X Gen 1 chipset, though rather than being an all-in-one handheld like the concept displayed months earlier (like Logitech’s G Cloud Gaming Handheld), it’s a 6.8-inch tablet that can eject from its controller. The controller is a Kishi V2 Pro, a more feature-packed version that features haptics and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Razer isn’t offering the gamepad independently for the time being; in the meantime, it’s just available with the Edge.
The tablet component stands apart with its specifications:
- A 6.8-inch FHD Plus (2,400 x 1,080) OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate.
- Qualcomm’s G3x Gen 1 chipset,
- 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM,
- 128GB of storage
- Bluetooth 5.2
- Wi-fi 6E connectivity
The last one makes it compatible with several of the fastest routers available, like Google’s Nest wi-fi Pro, Eero’s Pro 6E, and more.
The Edge has a front-facing camera, allowing you to stream on Twitch while you game or jump into a call. Regarding battery life, Razer shared that the Edge will have a 5,000 mAh battery, so it will likely last a while if you’re using it for cloud gaming.
Good competition
While the Edge isn’t the first of its kind, it’ll likely have no problem standing out at $399.99, just $50 more than Logitech’s G Cloud Gaming Handheld, which has lower specs. Suppose Razer’s 144Hz refresh rate display and powerful chipset offer considerable performance with cloud game streaming and natively running Android games. In that case, the Edge might be the one to beat when it is launched in early 2023.
The Edge with wi-fi will be available through Razer’s website and at its RazerStore locations, while the Edge 5G will be accessible solely through Verizon.
Originally published by: The Verge
