Razer is combining its varied gaming chair add-ons of audio system, RGB lighting, and power 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 might 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 completed an RGB headrest earlier than, with its illuminated brand on the Head Cushion Chroma.
I received to take a seat within the Venture Madison chair for a quick demo at CES, and I can vouch for 2 of its three options being no less than a little bit partaking: the audio system and haptics. Taking part in a fast spherical of Marvel Rivals, I received a pleasant sense of immersion as I might hear round me without having to put on headphones. And the totally different sorts of weapons and character talents made for various kinds of rumble and haptic sensations in my again and tush.
However you’ll be able to’t really see the lighting whereas enjoying, until you are taking your eyes off the display screen 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. Maybe 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 Venture Madison, however it will seemingly sit towards the highest of its priciest choices if it ever really comes out. Firm 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 effectively for Venture Madison until Razer diehards are actually clamoring for a chair with all these options inbuilt — however no less than they’re options folks even have a historical past of adopting in modular type.
Pictures by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge
