We tested the Razer Edge: the portable console to play almost anything on an incredible screen

October 20, 2023

Table of Contents

We have analyzed the Razer Edge, a portable console with Android that performs better than gaming phones and excels in streaming.

Portable consoles are a super-hungry version of what they were a few years ago. There are several types of them and each one has certain possibilities, and while some run the games only natively, there are other models, such as the Razer Edge , that are prepared to play in the cloud .

We have been able to spend a few weeks playing on this Razer console, which is already available in Spain, and which is compatible with Android games, emulators of other consoles and even with cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW. All this, boasting a performance superior to that of gaming mobiles.

It is a device composed of two very differentiable parts. The console controller is the Razer Kishi V2 Pro , which is included in the box. Its screen is also one of its best sections , and is capable of offering a very good experience when playing the latest titles with demanding graphics.

Large screen and remote

In terms of construction, one of the things that most distinguishes the Razer console is that, really, they are two different devices . On the one hand, there is the screen, which has a diagonal of 6.8 inches and is the best companion for its controller, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro. This means that it can offer more possibilities, since, for example, the console screen if it runs out of battery and put the mobile phone on the controller to play on it.

This generation is compatible with larger devices than the first, which makes it possible to fit large smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 or the Redmagic 8S Pro . However, after having compared them, the experience playing with the Razer Edge surpasses what we get playing with any mobile phone.

Returning to the screen, which is the main axis of this console. This is an Android tablet, with all that that entails, more for better than worse . It is designed to offer great performance in cloud gaming services such as GeForce NOW or GamePass Ultimate, but also on other platforms such as Steam, mirroring the screen with the PC, or even with PS Now, being able to enjoy our PS5 games on the device.

Beyond that, it is also possible to install both Android games and emulation apps, just as you can do on an Android mobile. The possibilities it has when it comes to playing are enormous, and the power accompanies it when it comes to running games natively thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x processor. We have compared it with a mobile phone with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and the latter usually takes longer to open games.

As far as the controller is concerned, it has several extras that make it one of the best on Android, without a doubt. This comes included in the console box, but can also be purchased independently. One of its best qualities is that it does not require a battery, it connects via USB Type C to the Razer Edge screen . This means that you will never have to charge it, and by using this port for the connection, there will be no need to pair it using Bluetooth either. Absolute comfort.

At the bottom of the controller we find its only two ports, although these are not for the controller itself. It is a USB Type C input and a 3.5 mm jack that can power the device to which the controller is connected, as well as connect to its audio. These ports on the controller are intermediaries to reach the device, in this case, the console, which is what will be charged if the cable is connected. Beyond this, the grip that the controller provides to both the console and a mobile phone is exceptional. It feels firm, as if it were one device, instead of two. In this sense, there is a clear evolution compared to the previous generation.

Customizable gameplay

Playing on an Android device means that there are times when we find that the games are not adapted to be able to use a controller. However, Razer has created a software solution that makes this not matter in the slightest. If a game only has touch controls, these can be adapted to the controller so that, for example, when you press “A”, the game believes that you have touched a specific part of the screen. This means that virtually any game can be played, regardless of whether it is compatible with a controller.

Its button configuration is the same as an Xbox controller, with the left joystick in an elevated position compared to the right , which often provides a better grip. It has triggers on the back, and above these, there are two customizable buttons, in addition to the normal configuration, which can be used to assign personalized functions in each game.

The movement of the joysticks is comfortable and smooth, everything that can be in a device of this size. Logically, it doesn’t offer the same experience as a conventional controller or a Razer Wolverine, but it’s not far off either . It is comfortable when playing shooters, in which precision when shooting is vital to enjoy a good experience.

On the other hand, when playing cloud games, the OLED technology on its 6.8-inch panel makes the games look extremely good. It all depends on the connection, but if it is good, the panel more than meets what is expected from a portable console . Although it is true that it could be something bigger.

The console has Razer Edge, an application – available for any mobile phone or tablet on Google Play – that allows you to make the most of both the controller and the console . This works in a similar way to the home screen of any console, showing all the available games, suggestions and even a list with custom apps. In this you can put games, emulators and any other app that may come in handy when playing, such as the wireless headphone audio manager.

The action buttons on the right side of the controller have microswitches that make you feel the click every time you click on them , unlike other controllers in which, after intense use, it is not clear if we have pressed the button or not. The triggers work well, and thanks to the Razer Hypersense haptic technology system, you can get feedback in the form of vibration. This is very appreciated in some games, although there is the option to deactivate it to the user’s liking, or to lower its intensity if you prefer them to be more subtle.

A world of games

The Razer Edge is a console that shines thanks to streaming gaming services. These allow you to get the best out of the device in terms of graphics, and make the experience practically the same as playing on the computer or console, only on a smaller screen.

Steam Link is one of the services it supports, and allows you to mirror your computer screen on your device while being on the same WiFi network as a PC running Steam. We have been able to play titles like Sifu, Deaths Stranding, Days Gone or Call of Duty without any problem. Although it requires a PC, it is a great alternative to be able to play from other parts of the house, such as the couch.