Smartphones & Tablets | October 23, 2023
Portable consoles are a supercharged version of what they were a few years ago. There are several types of them, each with its possibilities, and while some run games natively, there are models like the Razer Edge that are ready for cloud gaming.
we’ve spent a few weeks playing on this Razer console, which is now available and is compatible with Android games, emulators of other consoles, and even cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW. All this, while boasting better performance than gaming mobile phones.
It is a device consisting of two very distinct parts. The console’s controller is the Razer Kishi V2 Pro, which is included in the box. Its screen is also one of its best features, providing a great gaming experience for the latest titles with demanding graphics.
In terms of build, one of the things that distinguishes the Razer console is that it is really two different devices. On the one hand, there is the screen, which has a diagonal of 6.8 inches and is the perfect companion for its controller, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro. This allows for more possibilities, as, for example, you can detach the screen from the console if it runs out of battery and put your phone on the controller to continue playing.
This generation is compatible with larger devices than the previous one, allowing for larger smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 or the Redmagic 8S Pro. However, after comparing them, the gaming experience with the Razer Edge surpasses what you get with any mobile phone.
Returning to the screen, which is the core of this console. It’s an Android tablet, with all that entails, for better or worse. It is designed to provide high performance in cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW or GamePass Ultimate, but also on other platforms like Steam, where you can mirror the PC’s display, or even with PS Now, allowing you to enjoy your PS5 games on the device.
Beyond that, it is also possible to install both Android games and emulation apps, just as you would on an Android mobile phone. The gaming possibilities are enormous, and the power is there to run native games thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x processor. We compared it with a mobile phone with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and the latter usually takes longer to open games.
As for the controller, it comes with several extras that make it one of the best for Android, without a doubt. It comes included in the console’s box, but it can also be purchased separately. One of its best qualities is that it doesn’t require a battery; it connects via USB Type-C to the Razer Edge’s screen. This means you will never have to charge it, and by using this port for the connection, you don’t need to pair it using Bluetooth. Absolute convenience.
On the bottom of the controller, there are its only two ports, although these are not for the controller itself. They consist of a USB Type-C port and a 3.5mm jack that can power the device connected to the controller, as well as provide audio. These ports are intermediaries to reach the device, in this case, the console, which is what gets charged when the cable is connected. Furthermore, the controller’s grip on both the console and a mobile phone is exceptional. It feels firm, as if it were a single device rather than two. In this regard, there is a clear improvement compared to the previous generation.
Playing on an Android device means there are times when games are not adapted for controller use. However, Razer has created a software solution that makes this a non-issue. If a game only has touch controls, you can adapt them to the controller, so, for example, when you press “A,” the game thinks you’ve tapped a specific part of the screen. This means you can play almost any game, regardless of whether it’s controller-compatible.
The button layout is the same as an Xbox controller, with the left joystick positioned slightly higher than the right one, providing a better grip on many occasions. It has rear triggers, and above these, there are two customizable buttons, in addition to the regular configuration, which can be used to assign custom functions in each game.
The movement of the joysticks is comfortable and smooth, as much as it can be on a device of this size. Obviously, it does not offer the same experience as a conventional controller or a Razer Wolverine, but it’s not far off. It is comfortable for playing shooters, where precision in shooting is vital for a good experience.
When it comes to playing cloud games, the OLED technology of its 6.8-inch display makes games look extremely good. Everything depends on the connection, but with a good connection, playing is a real delight.
The Razer Edge console has an app, Razer Edge, available for any mobile phone or tablet on Google Play, which allows you to get the most out of both the controller and the console. It works similarly to the home screen of any console, displaying all available games, suggestions, and even a list of custom apps. You can include games, emulators, and any other app that can be useful for gaming, such as the audio manager for wireless headphones.
The action buttons on the right side of the controller have microswitches that provide a tactile click every time you press them, unlike other controllers where, after extensive use, it’s unclear whether you’ve pressed the button or not. The triggers work well, and thanks to Razer Hypersense haptic feedback technology, you can get vibration feedback. This is much appreciated in some games, although there is an option to deactivate it to your preference or reduce its intensity for a more subtle experience.
The Razer Edge stands out thanks to streaming gaming services. These services allow you to get the most out of the device in terms of graphics, making the experience almost the same as playing on a computer or a console, just on a smaller screen.
It is compatible with services such as Steam Link, which allows you to mirror your computer’s screen to the device while you are on the same Wi-Fi network as a PC running Steam. We’ve been able to play titles like Sifu, Death Stranding, Days Gone, or Call of Duty without any issues. Although it requires a PC, it’s a great way to play from other parts of the house, like the sofa.
On the other hand, services like GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass in its Ultimate version, or PS Plus, allow you to play games you have purchased previously while they are running in the cloud, and they perform very well. In this regard, the image quality will depend on the internet speed, but with a good connection, playing is a delight.
With a bit of tinkering, you can get even more out of the Razer Edge, as its hardware allows it to run games with high graphic demands locally. Any Google Play game will perform perfectly, and you can also emulate games from fairly powerful consoles. Plus, because you can add any external game to Steam, you can enjoy even more PC titles on this console.
Being an Android tablet, the console offers many possibilities beyond playing with the Razer Kishi V2 Pro connected. For example, using an HDMI to USB Type-C cable, you can output the console’s image to a TV so that it can be seen on the TV. To play this way, you need to connect a compatible Bluetooth controller, which can be from Xbox, PlayStation, or an Android controller.
Its game menu, Razer Nexus, is pre-installed on the console and has a dedicated button for quick access. Games launched from it can enjoy the haptic vibrations of the controller and the ability to map virtual buttons in Android.
After trying it out for a few weeks, there is no doubt that the Razer Edge is one of the best portable consoles on the market. However, considering that to get the most out of it in terms of graphics and playing PC games, an internet connection is required, you also need to consider when and which games the user prefers.
In an airplane or any other place with a poor connection, you can still play local Android games or games that offer emulation apps recommended by the console itself. This is not a bad thing, as you can get a lot out of these types of games, but keep in mind that without coverage, you can’t access any computer games.
The fact that it runs on Android adds a lot of versatility since it also allows you to install any kind of application, such as Google, Drive, or Google Photos to quickly access your photos and files. In terms of gameplay, it’s a real winner. The Razer Kishi V2 Pro controller has buttons with brand microswitches, offering a great experience. Since the controls are positioned at the ends of the screen, it’s preferable that the device isn’t too large, as that would lead to fatigue. With this design, it’s possible to play for several hours without getting tired easily.
In summary, I would not hesitate to recommend this console to anyone looking for a great gaming experience with access to a wide variety of games. Always keep in mind that you can only access computer games when there is an internet connection and streaming gaming services can be used. Android is an addition that can greatly expand the possibilities of streaming service catalogs.
