In 2024, gaming handhelds really grabbed the spotlight, especially during the bustling Black Friday period. While devices like the hefty and feature-loaded ASUS ROG Ally have been hogging the headlines, they also come with a hefty price tag. There’s, however, a cheaper contender that might not have crossed many people’s minds: the Razer Edge.
The Razer Edge, a robust Android gaming handheld, flaunts a sharp AMOLED display, detachable controllers, and a vast collection of games to dive into. Despite having been around for over a year, you can snag one today at nearly half its original cost. Yes, you read that correctly; at Amazon, the Razer Edge is priced at an unusual, yet attractive, $212.48—a curious figure for a device that’s equally intriguing.
The Hottest Black Friday Deals
More Great Black Friday Deals
- Best Buy: Score big on video games, accessories, and more.
- Walmart: Bag early savings on almost anything.
- Target: Live deals on a wide range of products.
- Dell: Catch top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more.
- HP: Save significantly on laptops, desktops, and accessories.
- Lenovo: Experience doorbuster deals on all Lenovo PCs, monitors, and accessories.
- Newegg: Knock off prices on PC gaming accessories, components, and more.
- Razer: Avail limited-time free shipping.
- Samsung: Enjoy holiday deals on laptops, TVs, phones, and more.
- Amazon: Non-stop, rotating sales on a wide variety.
A Handheld That Deserves More Attention
We at Windows Central pride ourselves on honesty, and I have to confess: trading my ASUS ROG Ally X for the Razer Edge just isn’t on my list. The ROG Ally X ranks as the top gaming handheld I’ve ever experienced with its high power and capability. But, it commands over three times the price even with its Black Friday markdowns, so that’s understandable.
During my review of the Razer Edge, I had nothing but praise for its performance, vibrant AMOLED display, and the endless versatility offered by its Android software. This was when it had a $400 price tag, but now, you’re looking at nearly half that. The big question remains: why should you consider it?
Well, unlike most contenders in the gaming handheld landscape, the Razer Edge stands out. While the ASUS ROG Ally serves as a full Windows PC with its larger build and heftier price, the Razer Edge offers a smartphone-like, compact experience crafted specifically for gaming.
The secret sauce is Android. It opens up a massive universe of gaming opportunities, from Google Play Store’s expanding roster of games often featuring console-level quality and controller support to thriving emulation communities and cloud-based services like Xbox Cloud Gaming for streaming PC games.
Razer has equipped the Edge with Qualcomm’s formidable gaming-focused chipset, a smooth 144Hz OLED screen, and a Razer Kishi V2 Pro controller, all included. You’ll enjoy superior performance plus standout perks like virtual control emulation, letting you use physical controls in touch-only games, and the audio-to-haptics feature that turns game sound into real-time feedback.
I do wish it resembled the traditional handheld consoles a bit more and Razer could step up with the software—something akin to the Logitech G Cloud handhelds. Still, for those seeking a budget-friendly, portable gaming solution, the Razer Edge fits the bill. At the current price of $212.48 on Amazon, it’s an excellent option. Plus, if you already own a tablet or a powerful smartphone, the Razer Kishi Ultra mobile controller, priced at $129.99 on Amazon, can transform your device into an impressive gaming tool.
When is Black Friday?
Traditionally falling on November 29, 2024, Black Friday’s sales frenzy often kicks off much sooner. Retailers are starting discounts earlier each year to capture customer interest before the big day, sometimes as early as October. Given the potential for stock shortages and the chaos of the day itself, hunting for early sales might be a smart move.
When is Cyber Monday?
This year, Cyber Monday lands on December 2, 2024. Initially the online partner to Black Friday, the lines have blurred considerably with most retailers going digital. Missed Black Friday deals might appear again on Cyber Monday, so keeping an eye out is wise, although it’s even better to finish your holiday shopping well ahead of time.
