Hot on the heels of the pricey Logitech G Cloud, Razer may have already rendered Logitech’s recent efforts obsolete. First tease at Mobile World Congress in September (opens in a new tab)Verizon has a detailed collaboration with Razer, called Razer Edge 5G, built from the ground up to native Android gaming with game streaming via Xbox Cloud, NVIDIA GeForce Now, or Steam Link as an additional option.
Here’s everything you need to know about this intriguing handheld.
Razer Edge: What is it?
Razer essentially made fun of this project already when Snapdragon announced its new gaming chipset. This is the first dedicated Android handheld to sport the Snapdragon G3X Gen 1 gaming platform, which is an offshoot of Qualcomm’s mobile processor optimized for gaming. Verizon is also throwing its “Ultra Wideband” 5G heft behind the handheld, but luckily there are choices between a Wi-Fi version and a more expensive, Verizon-exclusive 5G version where you can pop in a SIM card for a true wireless mobility.
Whether you’re playing games like League of Legends Wild Rift, Genshin Impact, or Call of Duty Mobile, the Razer Edge 5G could end up being the ultimate portable Android gaming experience, backed up by services like xbox game pass for scenarios where cloud gaming is viable.
ad follows Logitech G Cloud announcement, which is designed entirely for cloud gaming. While G Cloud should be able to power some Android games locally, the chipset probably isn’t powerful enough to deliver what Razer does with the Snapdragon G3X. The real comparison ultimately comes down to price. Logitech G Cloud has already stirred controversy from the start with its device, which is geared entirely toward niche cloud gaming scenarios, despite being comparable in price to devices like the Xbox Series S, Steam Deck, or Nintendo Switch, all of which can run games. natively
The Razer Edge promises to be the first choice for native Android gaming, with prices starting at $399.99. In a world where the quality of mobile gaming is on the rise, it could be the right device at the right time. Razer announced the product in full at RazerCon on October 15 and now we have a full rundown of its capabilities and features.
Razer Edge: technical specifications
Razer has unveiled its latest handheld as a full-fledged mobile gaming companion, delivering specs that run all the latest titles while taking advantage of the growing list of cloud gaming experiences. It’s all built on the Snapdragon G3X Gen 1 gaming platform, designed explicitly with mobile gaming in mind, uniquely positioning the device as a premier Android gaming handheld.
The Razer Edge adopts a two-piece design, with a separate tablet, which separates from the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con style controllers. Every Razer Edge ships with a Razer Kishi V2 Pro, a revised version of its mobile gamepad designed to function as the device’s native controller. The Kishi V2 Pro builds on the existing Kishi with Razer HyperSense haptics, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack.
While companies like Logitech have announced cloud-equipped Android gaming handhelds, the Razer Edge comes closest to the Steam Deck, with hardware to run all games locally. However, that added 5G capability provides flexibility for streaming games or taking multiplayer experiences on the go. Here is the full list of technical specifications provided by Razer.
| Razer Edge | |
|---|---|
| operating system | android 12 |
| CPU | Snapdragon G3X Gen1 Gaming Platform |
| Qualcomm Kryo 8-core 3.0 GHz processor | |
| GPU | Qualcomm Adreno GPU |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 128GB |
| display | 6.8 inches, touch, 2400×1080, AMOLED, 144 Hz |
| Audio | 2-way speakers with Verizon Adaptive Sound, 2 digital microphones |
| wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Sub 6, Verizon 5G millimeter wave |
| Drums | 5000mAh |
| Dimensions | 259.7×84.5×10.83mm |
| Weight | 263.8g, 400.8g with controller |
| color | Black |
Razer Edge: price and availability
Razer has stated that it plans to launch the Razer Edge in January 2023, with a separate 5G and Wi-Fi model planned at this time. Both Razer Edge Wi-Fi and 5G will be exclusive to the US, with its partnership with Verizon tying the 5G model exclusively to the carrier. The Razer Edge Wi-Fi starts at $399.99, while the price of the Razer Edge 5G is yet to be confirmed.
While the Razer Edge 5G models will be available through Verizon, its Wi-Fi model will be offered through the Razer website and select Razer stores. The company has also open reserves, (opens in a new tab) providing an opportunity for interested buyers to lock a shipment with a $5 refundable deposit, with more information on orders below.
Razer has stated that it plans to show more of the Edge at CES 2023, scheduled for next January, where we hope to learn more about a firm release date and what to expect from the launch.
