Razer made an idea gaming chair with audio system, RGB lights, and rumble

Razer is combining its varied gaming chair add-ons of audio system, RGB lighting, and pressure suggestions into one proof of idea: Project Madison. It options twin RGB gentle strips within the prime corners, a pair of THX-certified audio system with spatial audio (which may act because the rear channels in 5.1 or 7.1 audio setups), and 6 haptic motor actuators within the cushions to barrage your again and posterior with Razer’s Sensa rumble.

Razer took a few of these constructing blocks from beforehand launched chair equipment. The Razer Clio is a headrest with wi-fi THX spatial audio audio system. The Freyja is a haptics-filled seat cushion that may go on any chair, and it first debuted at CES 2024 in idea type as Project Esther. And Razer has carried out an RGB headrest earlier than, with its illuminated emblem on the Head Cushion Chroma.

I received to sit down within the Project Madison chair for a quick demo at CES, and I can vouch for 2 of its three options being no less than slightly partaking: the audio system and haptics. Playing a fast spherical of Marvel Rivals, I received a pleasant sense of immersion as I might hear round me with no need to put on headphones. And the totally different sorts of weapons and character talents made for various types of rumble and haptic sensations in my again and tush.

But you’ll be able to’t truly see the lighting whereas enjoying, except you are taking your eyes off the display and crane your neck. I needed to take my colleague at their phrase that the chair was lighting up and matching the keyboard and mouse Chroma RGB. Perhaps it’s streamer bait, however no less than your head doesn’t block the lights like with Razer’s asinine RGB cushion.

Razer isn’t disclosing a possible value vary for Project Madison, however it will probably sit towards the highest of its priciest choices if it ever truly comes out. Company reps talked about that final yr’s heated and cooled Project Arielle chair isn’t going to see a full launch, and that’s because of the lofty value Razer must cost for it. That doesn’t bode properly for Project Madison except Razer diehards are actually clamoring for a chair with all these options inbuilt — however no less than they’re options individuals even have a historical past of adopting in modular type.

Photography by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge