The Razer Edge is set to launch a new handheld in January 2023. But does the model have any chances against the Steam Deck and other competitors?
Razer introduced a new device in October. The Razer Edge is a gaming handheld with a fast display unit and several other features. However, along with the Razer Edge, many other manufacturers are vying for the favor of buyers:
- Since late 2022, the Steam Deck has been permanently available and costs 419 euros in the cheapest variant. Which model of the Steam Deck is the most worthwhile can be read here on MeinMMO.
- Scheduled for 2023 is the “G Cloud” from Logitech, developed in collaboration with the Chinese tech giant Tencent. The price is 299 US dollars (preorder) and 349 US dollars in retail.
Let’s take a look at the specifications and data of the Razer Edge and explain whether the device has a chance against the competition.
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Razer Edge has similarities with Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch
What does the Razer Edge offer? The device features a Full HD Plus display with 6.8 inches (17.27 cm) and a refresh rate of 144 Hz. Inside, it has the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1. This is a new chip from the manufacturer of the same name, optimized for gaming.
Otherwise, the device builds on known strengths of Razer:
- Analog triggers
- Programmable buttons
- Razer’s HyperSense haptic feedback
The device is offered both as a pure Wi-Fi model and with an option for mobile network (5G). However, the 5G model is initially available only from the American provider Verizon.
The modular design of the Edge strongly resembles the Nintendo Switch: Here, you can also detach the grips and use the display unit separately.
| Chip | Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 Gaming Platform |
| Memory | 8 GB LPDDR5 |
| OS | Android 12 |
| Screen | 6.8 inches with 144 Hz |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1800 (FHD+) |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
| Audio | 2-way speakers with Verizon Adaptive Sound, 2 digital microphones |
| Connections | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Sub 6, (mmWave Verizon 5G) |
| Weight | 263.8 g (only display unit), 400.8 g (with Kishi V2 Pro) |
| Size | 259.7 x 84.5 x 10.83 mm |
What can I play on it? Those hoping to only play AAA titles or the latest games from PC on the device will be disappointed. The model runs on Android 12 and is therefore mainly suitable for streaming and similar services. You can stream new games, for example via Game Pass.
You can play Steam games, but only via the detour through Steam Link, where your computer calculates the game.
A streaming service closed at the end of 2022. The major success against PlayStation and Xbox simply did not materialize:
When will the device be available? Officially, the handheld will be available from January 26, 2023, for a price of 399 US dollars. In Germany, the price will be slightly higher with taxes and should be around 450 euros.
Does the device have a chance? With a price of 399 US dollars, Razer’s model is not exactly cheap. The offer from Valve sounds more attractive. For currently 419 euros, you not only get the more powerful hardware but are also much more flexible in the game selection.
On the other hand, the Razer Edge offers an advantage with a 144 Hz display that the Steam Deck cannot provide. Additionally, the battery of the Steam Deck is only mediocre. In our test with 2 MMORPGs on the Steam Deck, the battery was already depleted after about 2 hours. Here, too, the Razer Edge could be better.
Whether the device can really keep up with the Steam Deck depends entirely on what demands you have on the device:
- If you are looking for a better alternative to your phone or for streaming from GeForce Now or Game Pass, then the Razer Edge definitely sounds promising.
- If streaming is only of limited interest to you or you mainly want to play your Steam games, then the Razer Edge is not an option for you. For around 400 euros, the Steam Deck is likely the better option for many users at this time.
Or you could go directly for the Nintendo Switch, which can still offer a unique gaming experience in 2023:
With the G Cloud, another handheld is starting
What does the competition look like? In fact, Razer is not the only company that has come up with the idea of offering a handheld for gamers. Logitech wants to launch the “G Cloud” in 2023. Initially, the model will only be available in the USA, but could later also become available in Europe.
Also for the G Cloud, they rely on a device with Wi-Fi module and an option for 5G. Logitech otherwise installs a 7-inch LCD display with Full HD resolution and touch functionality, offering slightly less resolution than Razer. However, you will pay around 100 euros less for the “G Cloud”.
You can read a first experience and hands-on report from MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann here on MeinMMO:
Logitech shows with new handheld what Nintendo must absolutely improve with the Switch
