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Razer, Qualcomm and Verizon want to sensationalize the gaming handheld realm with the Razer Edge 5G.
This Android-powered portable device appears set to compete with Valve’s Steam Deck, allowing gamers to download games locally or stream them via cloud-based services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Not much is known about the Razer Edge 5G at the moment. However, Verizon has confirmed that the handheld will be powered by his Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G3X Gen 1 gaming platform. The same chipset was teased by Qualcomm last year and appears to support resolutions up to 4K at 60fps. However, at the time, it was used as a developer-only platform and was not commercially available.
It’s a promising spec, but we don’t yet know if it translates to the Razer Edge 5G. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait too long for more details. Verizon’s George Koroneos has confirmed that more details will be revealed at his RazerCon on Saturday, October 15th.
In fact, Logitech’s device seems to achieve similar goals as the Razer Edge 5G. It also supports the Xbox Game Pass ecosystem, but lacks 5G capabilities and local storage.
We’re cautiously optimistic about the Razer Edge 5G. But it really has to impress as it enters a space dominated by both Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch.And there are gaming handhelds like the Logitech G Cloud on the horizon.
One thing that may set Razer’s devices apart from their competitors is that they may feature adaptive triggers. The teaser video briefly highlights the handheld’s trigger button, which activates flashy graphics when pressed. It may be quite an animation, but it suggests that the Razer Edge 5G’s triggers may be functionally similar to his DualSense wireless controller for PS5.
As for the Razer Edge 5G, the full RazerCon will be revealed in the coming weeks. We hope the device falls within a reasonable price range. Steam decks certainly dominate the handheld topic right now. So it might be wise for Razer and Verizon to offer their devices at slightly lower prices.