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Razer Formally Unveils New Android-Based Micro Console
Razer has formally announced its new micro console, the Android-based Razer Forge TV. The device, which was teased back in June 2014, will allow players to play Google Play games on their TVs at its Q1 launch, with support for PC streaming coming in the second quarter.
The company envisions Razer Forge TV as an entertainment hub, with support from several other devices and services. In addition to the $99.99 base unit, a bundle will be sold that packages the system with the new Serval controller. The Serval is a Bluetooth controller with two analog sticks and a D-pad, four face buttons, and trigger and bumper buttons. It’s compatible with the Forge TV and other Android tablets and devices. That bundle will sell for $149.99.
Razer will also be updating its game-launching software Razer Cortex to enable Forge TV users to stream PC games. Razer Cortex: Stream will be entering beta this spring. Razer promises low-latency gaming and up to full-HD resolutions via either Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections.
Not all games support console-style controllers, which is where Razer’s lapboard and mouse combo come in. The Razer Turret features a keyboard with an anti-ghosting design, and a 3,500 dpi mouse.
Here are the specs for Forge TV, straight from Razer:
Product features:
- Android TV gaming and entertainment
- Supports up to four controllers
- Quad-Core gaming performance
- Google Cast Ready
- Massive selection of content and apps
- Voice search via Remote App
- Sleek and silent design
Product specs:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 805
- Quad-Core Krait 450 CPU - 2.5 GHz per core
- Adreno 420 GPU
- 2 GB RAM
- 16 GB storage
- Bluetooth 4.1 + HS
- Wireless 802.11ac 2X2
- Gigabit Ethernet
- USB 3.0
- HDMI 1.4 output
- DC Power
- 4.1 in. (105 mm) Width x 4.1 in. (105 mm) Depth x 0.7 in. (17 mm) Height
Our Take
Playing PC games on a TV can be pretty great, but not everyone has a setup that can accommodate it easily. If you can’t string cables around, this could be a good solution – when it comes out. In the meantime, I don’t know how jazzed I am about playing Android games on a big screen. I use an Android phone and am fully invested in its weird little ecosystem, but the games I like on it are just fine on my handset.
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