Handheld gaming PCs have changed the way people play, bringing the flexibility of a full PC gaming experience into a portable format. Devices like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally give players the power to take their entire game libraries on the go, bridging the gap between traditional consoles and gaming laptops. While they offer impressive performance in a small package, these handhelds don’t typically include a docking station, unlike the Nintendo Switch. Enter the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma.
A docking station isn’t essential for handheld gaming PCs, but it can greatly enhance their versatility. Being able to connect to a larger display, plug in peripherals, or charge while playing makes for a more seamless experience. With a growing market for third-party docks, Razer has introduced its own take with the Handheld Dock Chroma, a premium option designed for compatibility with multiple devices.
Razer’s Handheld Dock Chroma offers a sleek and compact solution with high-quality construction, multiple connectivity options, and a touch of RGB lighting for added style. It aims to provide convenience for players looking to extend their gaming beyond a handheld screen. With a well-thought-out design and solid functionality, it stands as a compelling option in the expanding docking station market.
Design and Functionality
The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma arrives in a minimalistic package, with the dock itself being the main focus. Compact yet sturdy, it has a premium build crafted from aluminium, giving it a durable and high-quality feel. The addition of rubberised grips on the base and the wedge where a handheld device rests ensures stability and protection during use.
A standout feature of the dock is its foldable back panel, which allows it to be adjusted between 45 and 75 degrees for optimal viewing angles. When not in use, the panel can be folded flat, making it easier to store or transport. This thoughtful design makes it a practical accessory for both home setups and travel.
True to Razer’s signature aesthetic, the dock features an RGB lighting strip at its base, creating a subtle underglow effect. A side button lets users cycle through different lighting modes, allowing for some personalisation. The branding remains understated, with an etched Razer logo on the back panel and a printed name on the front.
Connecting a handheld device is simple, thanks to the built-in short USB-C cable positioned at the back of the dock. The three-inch length is well-suited to reaching the top ports of both the Steam Deck and ROG Ally without creating excess clutter. However, the dock requires an external USB-C power source, which is not included in the package.
Despite the absence of a power adapter, the dock supports up to 100-watt passthrough charging with an 85-watt delivery. This ensures that compatible handheld devices can run demanding games while maintaining a charge. While not every handheld will charge at full speed due to power draw, the available wattage provides sufficient headroom for most use cases.
Beyond charging, the dock includes an HDMI 2.0 port for connecting to external displays, making it easy to switch from handheld mode to a larger screen. Additionally, a gigabit ethernet port offers stable wired connections for faster downloads and lower latency in multiplayer gaming. Three USB-A 3.0 ports round out the connectivity options, allowing users to attach peripherals such as keyboards, mice, or controllers.
Key Features
The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is designed for versatility, offering a range of features that enhance the functionality of handheld gaming PCs. With its compact size and premium aluminium construction, it provides a durable and stylish docking solution. The foldable design ensures easy storage and portability while maintaining stability during use.
One of its key selling points is the adjustable back panel, which allows users to set their device at different angles for a comfortable viewing experience. This flexibility makes it well-suited for gaming, streaming, or general use when connected to a larger screen. The ability to collapse the dock when not in use also adds to its practicality.
Razer’s signature RGB lighting brings a touch of customisation to the dock, offering an underglow effect that enhances its aesthetic appeal. A built-in button provides quick access to different lighting effects, allowing users to personalise their setup. While the lighting is subtle, it complements the overall design without being overly distracting.
The dock’s built-in USB-C cable simplifies the connection process, eliminating the need for extra wires. With a short three-inch length, it seamlessly reaches the ports of popular handhelds like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. This ensures a secure connection while keeping the setup neat and clutter-free.
Power delivery is another highlight, with the dock supporting up to 100-watt passthrough charging and delivering up to 85 watts to the connected device. This makes it capable of sustaining high-performance gaming modes while keeping the battery topped up. However, as the dock itself consumes some power, charge speeds may vary depending on the adapter used.
The inclusion of an HDMI 2.0 port makes it easy to connect to external displays, offering a smooth transition from handheld gaming to a TV or monitor setup. This is particularly useful for players who want a console-like experience without sacrificing the portability of their device. The HDMI output ensures reliable performance for gaming, streaming, or general media use.
For those who prefer a wired internet connection, the dock features a gigabit ethernet port to provide stable and fast network access. This can be beneficial for downloading large game files or reducing latency in competitive multiplayer sessions. While Wi-Fi is often sufficient, having a wired option enhances connectivity for demanding online games.
Rounding out the connectivity options are three USB-A 3.0 ports, which expand the range of compatible accessories. These allow users to connect keyboards, mice, controllers, or external storage devices, making the dock a practical addition for those looking to use their handheld as a desktop-style PC.
Experience Using the Product and Performance
The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma delivers a seamless experience, working exactly as intended with minimal setup required. Connecting a handheld device is straightforward, with the built-in USB-C cable making it quick to dock and begin gaming. During testing with the ROG Ally, the connection remained stable, with no noticeable interruptions or performance drops.
Playing on a larger screen using the HDMI 2.0 output was smooth, offering a console-like experience with minimal latency. Cyberpunk 2077 served as a solid test case, running at 1080p on low to medium settings while maintaining a steady frame rate. While performance is ultimately limited by the handheld device, the dock facilitates an easy transition from portable to TV gaming.
Less demanding games benefit even more from the docked experience, making it a great option for indie titles or retro gaming. Games like Arco and Blade Chimera displayed beautifully on a 4K TV, with their pixel art styles scaling well to the larger screen. The dock’s stability ensured that the handheld remained securely positioned throughout long play sessions.
For those using a Windows-based handheld, additional peripherals may be needed for navigation, and the extra USB ports prove invaluable. A wireless keyboard and mouse made managing Windows 11 on the ROG Ally far more convenient. The dock’s multiple USB-A ports also allowed seamless use of a wireless controller and headset via 2.4GHz dongles.
SteamOS-based devices like the Steam Deck integrate even more smoothly, as they are optimised for controller-based navigation. Switching between handheld and docked modes felt natural, making it easy to jump back into a game with minimal adjustment. The overall experience felt similar to using a traditional console, with added PC flexibility.
Charging performance was reliable, though the power draw of high-performance modes meant that charging speeds varied. The 100-watt passthrough with 85-watt delivery was enough to keep devices powered while running demanding games. However, using a more powerful adapter could provide better results for users who want the fastest charging possible.
The inclusion of a gigabit ethernet port provided a noticeable improvement in network stability and download speeds. While Wi-Fi is often sufficient, a wired connection proved useful when downloading large game updates or playing latency-sensitive online games. The ability to switch between wired and wireless options added to the dock’s versatility.
Throughout extended gaming sessions, the dock remained cool to the touch, showing no signs of overheating. The aluminium build helped with heat dissipation, preventing the dock from becoming excessively warm even under heavy use. This ensured consistent performance without the need for additional cooling solutions.
The RGB lighting, while mostly aesthetic, added a subtle touch to the overall setup. The ability to cycle through different effects using the side button provided a bit of customisation without requiring software. Though not essential, it contributed to the premium feel of the product and aligned with Razer’s design language.
The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma provided a polished and user-friendly experience. It worked well across different devices, offering a reliable way to expand the functionality of handheld gaming PCs. While it isn’t a necessity for every user, it serves as a high-quality option for those looking to enhance their gaming setup.
Conclusion
The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma is a well-designed accessory that enhances the functionality of handheld gaming PCs. Its compact and premium aluminium build ensures durability, while the adjustable back panel provides flexibility for different viewing angles. Whether used for gaming on a larger screen or as a desktop-style setup, it offers a seamless experience.
Connectivity is a strong point, with HDMI 2.0, gigabit ethernet, and multiple USB-A ports expanding the possibilities for how a handheld device can be used. The built-in USB-C cable makes docking simple, while the passthrough charging ensures enough power for demanding gaming sessions. Though a power adapter isn’t included, it works well with existing chargers from compatible devices.
Performance remains stable across different use cases, making it a reliable solution for those wanting a console-like experience with their handheld PC. Whether playing visually demanding titles or smaller indie games, the dock facilitates an easy transition between handheld and docked modes. The inclusion of RGB lighting adds a subtle yet stylish touch that aligns with Razer’s aesthetic.
While there are more affordable docking options available, the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma stands out for its build quality and refined design. It may come at a premium, but it delivers a polished and versatile experience that makes it a worthwhile choice for those looking to maximise their handheld gaming setup.
