Razer Edge review: A nifty option for gaming on the go, but do you really need it?

Is the Razer Edge something you really need? Starting at $400 for the Wi-Fi model, you get a device with performance similar to one of last year's flagship phones and an included controller add-on, which is actually a pretty good deal. But at the same time, the Edge is basically a chunky phone with an add-on that you can buy on its own for $100.

Video Transcript

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SAM RUTHERFORD: Thanks to the latest wave of handheld PCs like the Steam Deck and the AYANEO 2, taking your games on the go has never been easier. That said, those devices are far from pocketable. But with the rise of cloud gaming, there's a newer breed of mobile machines like the Razer Edge that are trying to make things even more travel friendly. Instead of relying solely on local performance, the Edge runs Android for lightweight apps, while services like GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming provide the computing power for more demanding titles.

And for those who can't live without access to their games no matter where they are, there's even a model that supports 5G connectivity. But the question is that even with a relatively low starting price of $399, is a cloud gaming handheld something you really want or need?

Unlike Logitech's rival game streaming handheld, the G Cloud, the Razer Edge is based on a two-part design. There's the Edge itself, which is a somewhat plain matte black slab that houses a 6.8-inch 144 Hertz display. And that combines with an included detachable controller. You'll notice that the Edge's gamepad looks a lot like the Kishi V2.

And that's because it's basically the same thing with a couple of tweaks. Technically, the controller that comes with the Edge is called the Kishi V2 Pro. And it features an identical arrangement of buttons, triggers, and joysticks. The two additional features are some added haptics and a 3.5 millimeter audio jack, which is important because the only port on the edge is a USB-C connector.

That said, you do get a micro SD card tray, which is a very welcome inclusion in a world where expandable storage is becoming a rarity. It's got a plastic body that's a bit bigger and thicker than a Galaxy S 23 Ultra. Combine that with a boxy frame and some rather large bezels, and you're left with a chunky slate that's not quite a tablet, but not quite smartphone sized either. You also get stereo speakers on each side of the device, along with a handful of vents in the back for the Edge's internal fans.

The other departure compared to a standard handset is that to better support people who want to livestream from the device while they're gaming, there's also a five megapixel front-facing camera mounted on the long side of the Edge. That said, I wish Razer had included some kind of fingerprint sensor. Because without support for face unlock, being forced to enter a pin, swipe, or password all the time definitely gets a bit tedious.

I mean, just look at it. If this thing had an in-screen fingerprint sensor, it would be so easy to move your finger away from the right joystick real quick to unlock it. So how about it, Razer? Something to consider for the Edge 2 maybe?

When it's finally time to sit down and game, the Edge is pretty easy to set up. The gamepad extends so you can easily fit the Edge inside. And then all you have to do is line up the USB-C port on the right before letting the controller snap back into place. Razer thoughtfully included some small cutouts so that Edge's stereo speakers don't sound muffled.

And despite not being anchored in on the left side, the whole setup feels relatively secure. Yeah, there is a little wiggle room if you press hard enough. But I was never worried about things falling apart.

One of the nice things about the Edge is that when connected to the Kishi V2 Pro, it automatically detects games that feature controller support. So in titles like "Diablo Immortal" or "Streets of Rage 4," you can just jump right into the action. But perhaps more importantly, thanks to a recent update to the Nexus app, the Kishi V2 Pro can also remap touch screen controls to the gamepad's physical buttons and joysticks. This makes playing games like "Genshin Impact" and others that don't have official controller support much more enjoyable, especially if you're like me and you prefer physical buttons over virtual ones.

Now, when you launch a game, you'll see a little semicircle icon at the top of the screen. Tap that and you get access to a handy menu that allows you to map physical buttons to their respective virtual controls. It's pretty simple and it only takes a minute or two depending on the game.

And when you exit out, it'll even save your virtual layout. So you don't have to do it again the next time. However, it's important to mention that this functionality only works when you launch a game via the Nexus Launcher, which you can access via its dedicated button on the right or by touching the app. If you tap an icon from the Android homescreen or the app tray, the feature won't activate.