The new Razer Edge Android-based handheld console is being marketed as the new Nintendo Switch alternative on the block.
And we have also seen a lot of media outlets saying it will give the Steam Deck a run for its money.
Surely, for those of us who know about the many Android and Windows based gaming handhelds available today, this is a bit silly.
Including the Edge in the same conversation as the Nintendo Switch or the Steam Deck is for the common consumer who has no idea about our rapidly growing handheld scene.
But we know this is just marketing. Making comparisons to things people know. Finding connections to put the Edge in good company.
The main reason that the Razer Edge is being compared to the Nintendo Switch is because of its modular gaming concept with a main tablet-like unit and a detachable controller peripheral.
But is the Razer Edge like the Switch or the Steam Deck at all? Let’s find out.
Razer Edge Details
To be fair, it is not Razer themselves bringing up the Switch or the Steam Deck in their own marketing of the new Edge device.
They are calling the new Edge the ‘The Ultimate Android Gaming Handheld’. And we don’t see that being too misleading.
With its exclusive Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 CPU and 144Hz AMOLED display, the Razer Edge will surely be one of the most impressive Android gaming devices we’ve seen.
When you consider that the Edge is coming in an at $399usd ($599 if you want the 5g Verizon model), that puts it side by side with some of the more impressive Android handhelds like the AYN Odin or the GPD XP.
But considering the device’s main focus, the Edge is an Android tablet made for cloud/stream gaming à la the Logitech G Cloud.
So the common user with their attention on current gen games would be using the Edge for things like Steam Link, Playstation Plus, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
This puts the Razer Edge in competition with any one of the Best Cloud Gaming Handhelds, which could include the Steam Deck.
And it should absolutely be able to run our favorite Android based emulation programs as well.
Emulating early consoles like NES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, SNES, Genesis, Arcade, PS1, Dreamcast, PSP, Nintendo DS should be no sweat at all for a device of this level.
Because the internal configuration is potentially more powerful than devices like the Logitech G Cloud and the AYN Odin, we anticipate it can even do Game Cube and PS2 comfortably. You’d even get some of the lighter Wii and Switch games to emulate in that case.
But surely, the purpose of the Edge is Android based games and cloud gaming.
Razer Edge Controller
The detachable controller that comes with the Edge is the Kishi V2 Pro.
This is a controller peripheral that has been available since June of 2022 at the price of $99.
So really… the Edge is the console itself, basically a tablet. And they are just bundling it with an existing controller.
This controller comes loaded with microswitch buttons, analog triggers, programmable macros, and HyperSense haptics.
It does look like one of the most premium Android controller peripherals. But just a simple Android controller nonetheless.
Razer Edge Specifications
- CPU: Snapdragon G3x Gen 1, 3 GHz Kryo
- 6.8-inch 144Hz AMOLED FHD+ touch screen display (2400×1080)
- Ram: 8GB LPDDR5
- Storage: Internal 128GB + MicroSD (Up to 2TB)
- OS: Android
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Controller: Kishi V2 Pro with HyperSense haptic feedback
- Camera: Front-facing 5MP, 1080p @60fps
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G (optional)
- Dimensions: 260 x 85 x 11 mm
Razer Edge Price and Release Date
The Razer Edge is due to ship on January 26, 2023.
You can reserve your spot on the Razer website right now for a $5 fee.
The Razer Edge Wi-Fi is $399, which is the main Edge tablet and the Razer Kishi V2 Pro.
The Razer Edge Founders Edition is $499, which is the same as the above and also comes with the Razer Hammerhead wireless headphones (a $129.99 value).
And the Razer Edge 5G is anticipated at $599. That’s the Edge, the Kishi and 5g eSIM capabilities. No headphones tho!
Conclusion
The Razer Edge looks pretty nice.
For people like us, it’s hard to say this is too impressive.
We are spoiled with devices like the AYN Odin Pro, the AYANEO Air, the Retroid Pocket 3+, and yeah… the Steam Deck.
What’s the Razer Edge really doing for people like us? Probably nothin’.
But it’s surely an interesting option for the common audience who is not knee deep in handheld devices like we all are.
Not a bad contribution to the options, Razer. We don’t hate it.
