Razer at CES — A history of wild gaming concepts with successful product launches, sample theft, and what to expect in 2025

As a tech enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the digital world, I find Razer’s innovative ideas truly captivating. Their unique blend of genius and insanity is a breath of fresh air in an industry often dominated by conformity. From the modular Christine to the multi-screen Valerie, their concepts push boundaries and challenge the status quo.

Yearly, tech industry heavyweights flock to Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where they exhibit their forthcoming hardware, software, and a plethora of accessories. Everything vies for notice amidst striking contrasts between advanced automobiles, vehicles, and minute devices, yet some truly shine with avant-garde concept gadgets intended to captivate interest and elicit reactions.

Razer frequently showcases groundbreaking conceptual devices, some more practical than others, yet it boasts a solid track record of bringing its ideas to life. Opinions differ, and not every idea ends up in production, but its concept designs are always thought-provoking and desirable, sometimes even too desirable, as one prototype was stolen from a convention center.

2025’s CES is tantalizingly near, taking place from January 7 to 10, 2025. However, some pre-show announcements might drop a few days prior to the event’s official start in Las Vegas, Nevada. Razer, known for its boldness, typically showcases the most powerful gaming hardware encased in RGB-adorned casings. Their concept devices are often the highlight of their booth. Reminiscing, let’s revisit some of their concepts and whether they eventually hit the market.

Project Switchblade (2011)

Back at CES 2011, I, as a gaming enthusiast, was captivated by Razer’s vision for portable PC gaming without compromises, embodied in their Project Switchblade concept. This gaming handheld bore a striking resemblance to the Nintendo DS, but it was uniquely equipped with animated buttons that mimicked a full-sized keyboard, much like the Elgato Stream Deck of today. The touchscreen was designed to emulate mouse input, yet its USB-A ports were a persuasive selling point, enabling the connection of a dedicated gaming mouse for smoother FPS gameplay, such as Quake Live, even back then.

PC gaming has always been impossible in a portable form factor.

Looking back, Intel’s description of its “powerful” Atom processor platform as capable of handling “rich 3D graphics, high-definition video, and lifelike animation” seems rather optimistic, considering that it was nearly a decade before Valve’s Steam Deck could leverage a custom AMD Zen 2 APU to make high-end PC gaming portable and battery-powered. In those days, Razer’s options were limited, so the less powerful Atom chip was a practical choice for their concept.

Is it still viable for Razer to enter the portable PC gaming market by 2025, given that competitors like Lenovo and ASUS are upgrading their devices and potentially encroaching on Razer’s stronghold of RGB controls? I believe so, as there seems to be an opportunity for innovation. For instance, replacing the traditional backlit buttons with a small touchscreen featuring dedicated commands could offer an alternative to the Steam Deck’s iconic touchpads, keeping the design fresh and competitive.

Project Fiona (2012)

A year has come and gone, and it’s clear now that Razer made a shift from sticking to the conventional handheld chassis design towards the thriving tablet format (Project Fiona). Reflecting on it now, Fiona was quite an odd sight with her hard-mounted joysticks that seemed like a fusion of Nintendo’s Wii remote and Sony’s PlayStation Move controllers. Yet, it held onto traditional PC components, choosing Intel’s 3rd Gen Ivy Bridge processors.

In essence, the aim was to attract PC gamers who preferred playing high-quality versions of their favorite games directly from their desktops and laptops instead of Android adaptions. It might have been daring to promote visually stunning games like Assassin’s Creed Revelations on a device like Switchblade, but eventually, such games found their way onto the Nintendo Switch as well.

Viewed realistically, the Switchblade was bulky and not very practical, going up against the top-selling tablets at that time which kept their popularity due to the functional ports of games like Grand Theft Auto for iOS and Android. However, it was a pioneering device that managed to reach the market, giving Razer valuable insights into how its unique gaming tablet was received. Whether people admired or disliked it, there’s no question about Razer’s determination and enthusiasm for revolutionary gaming hardware.

Project Christine (2014)

From first look, it can be challenging to grasp exactly what Project Christine is. Presented as a modular gaming desktop computer, it’s one of the most aesthetically impressive ideas I’ve ever seen from Razer. It almost resembles a server rack tailored for gamers, with this tower of extended modules that can be swapped and changed to enhance its main station, connecting via proprietary ports for suggested ease of use.

Experienced PC builders might raise an eyebrow at this idea because desktops are naturally modular. However, the appeal of making PC upgrades easier for a new gaming enthusiast with ample funds lies in one unique aspect. Although the sleek modules don’t provide much space for conventional fans or custom liquid cooling, Project Christine aimed to be almost entirely cooled using oil.

Construct an extraordinary device using a genuinely modular setup, requiring minimal specialized technical expertise.

It’s true that the modular design of this system had a greater number of diverse components due to its age. Components such as physical Blu-Ray disc drives, dual graphics cards operating in SLI (Scalable Link Interface) for enhanced GPU performance, and larger hardware were necessary given their size. In contrast, today’s PCs are incredibly compact and can be upgraded more easily than before due to fewer cables required, with M.2 solid-state drives functioning more like plug-and-play modules rather than traditional wired storage devices.

Was it grandiose and perhaps extravagant? Yes, but I’m eager for its reappearance, although with standard interfaces instead of exclusive terminations. It’s simpler for a beginner to understand the idea of fitting a component within a single unit before assembling it, rather than dealing with cable organization in a custom PC chassis, so why not?

Project Ariana (2017)

In a somewhat realistic experiment, Project Ariana represented Razer’s endeavor to make ‘gaming projectors’ stand out by pushing the limits of your conventional screen. Similar in concept to Govee’s AI gaming sync box G1, the objective was to let your game transcend the borders of your monitor or TV and instead, project it within your room. Unlike traditional methods that use RGB colors, this solution projects real gameplay footage onto your walls, taking into account objects and shifting shapes as they appear.

2017 was the year we got a glimpse of something extraordinary at CES, an experience that leaves many current team members green with envy as Project Ariana never moved beyond the concept stage. The gaming projector niche is already a challenging one, with devices frequently unable to match the rapid refresh rates of monitors or even some televisions. This makes it easy to understand how synchronization issues could have diminished the allure of Ariana, and possibly its maximum latency limit as well. Nonetheless, chroma hardware continues to exist, and Razer Gamer Room offers at least a partial fulfillment of our gaming immersion needs.

Project Valerie (2017)

Originally, Razer’s Project Valerie, a promising demonstration of triple 17-inch 4K monitors on gaming laptops, was unfortunately stolen from the CES 2017 exhibition floor. A $25,000 reward was offered for any credible tips leading to the recovery of the thief (or thieves). Regrettably, we didn’t get a chance to examine this unique setup ourselves before it vanished.

I’ve just been informed that two of our prototypes were stolen from our booth at CES today.

Featuring a unique auto-expanding design that unveiled two additional screens behind its main panel, gamers could enjoy a total resolution of 11520 x 2160 and additional chroma RGB lighting shining up from beneath the expanded chassis. Unlike an add-on display, Project Valerie was in fact a full-fledged gaming laptop with pop-out monitors integrated, catering to enthusiasts seeking ultra-wide gaming experiences and enhanced productivity in creative applications.

Although it may seem unconventional at first sight, there exists, and continues to be, demand for this type of technology. A simple online search for ‘laptop screen extenders’ reveals numerous affordable imports that attach to existing devices and link via HDMI or USB-C. It seems as though these accessories brought back memories of my Game Boy in 1998, when I added a magnifying glass, plug-in lamp, extended controller rests, and various other modifications. Razer aimed to make it a seamless addition with a clever concealed storage solution, but unfortunately, it never made it past prototype stages.

Project Linda (2018)

Speaking of unrealized innovations that were deeply regretted, Project Linda was one such dream concept from Microsoft, albeit never reaching the production stage. Essentially, it was a gaming laptop shell with an unusual phone-shaped hollow where the touchpad typically sits, designed to accommodate a Razer Phone perfectly. The Android smartphone would assume processing duties and manage audio through its integrated speakers, allowing access to its fingerprint sensor as well.

Picture a future where the prowess of the Razer Phone integrates effortlessly with the adaptability of a highly mobile computer, much like a lightweight laptop.

As a researcher examining Project Linda, I can’t help but reflect on its potential if it had been designed around a different smartphone. The Razer Phone seemed to be the cornerstone of its existence, as any significant change in its lifespan would have impacted Project Linda similarly.

Ultimate Racing Simulator (2020)

This is where Razer pushes the boundaries of what gamers might wish for. As a fan of driving simulators, including Euro Truck Simulator, I’ve fantasized about having something as elaborate as Razer’s eRacing Simulator in my garage or attic. However, the “Ultimate Racing Simulator concept” would have remained just a prototype unless Razer decided to venture into the arcade market. This massive setup was jam-packed with everything you could need for an immersive racing simulator experience.

A dual-actuator motion system paired with a specialized gaming controller is designed for an advanced racing simulation setup. This equipment simulates real-world conditions such as road surfaces, gravitational forces, and audio cues to create an incredibly realistic training environment.

As a researcher exploring the gaming wheel market, I’ve had the opportunity to test some top-tier racing wheels. While Razer didn’t make significant inroads into the racing wheel scene, my experience has shown that premium-quality options can quickly escalate in price, even before considering additional accessories like pedals, seats, or immersive visual enhancements such as a wraparound screen and projector.

Project Brooklyn (2021)

As a dedicated enthusiast, let me express how truly captivated I am by this remarkable transformation. Brooklyn, much like an artist going back to the canvas, has meticulously peeled away superfluous elements and refined what works brilliantly into something even more exceptional. At its heart, Project Brooklyn is a gaming chair reimagined with futuristic technology integrated seamlessly into its structure, upholstery, and cushioning, yet it transcends the boundaries of a chair designed solely for sim racing. Its allure extends far beyond that, especially considering its incorporation of HyperSense technology for tactile feedback and the same cable management system utilized on the Razer Raptor 27 gaming monitor from the same year. However, what truly sets it apart is the stunning display it boasts.

From the spine of the chair rises a 60-inch, fully surround OLED display that can be activated with just a button press, offering breathtaking visual clarity.

In simpler terms, the idea of a fold-out OLED screen that extends to 60 inches sounds like it would put a serious strain on my budget. However, it aligns with many key production requirements as Razer continues to focus on gaming chairs and accessories, areas they excel in. Although some elements of this design have appeared in other Razer products, the foldable screen has yet to be realized. Other brands are innovating in roll-up and foldable screens, making me eager for Project Brooklyn’s reappearance.

Project Hazel (2021)

2021 saw the CES event go fully digital due to obvious circumstances. With many of us either confined at home or working under stringent guidelines and limitations, masking up became a daily necessity, not just for safe travel on public transport. Project Hazel, later unveiled as a smart N95 medical-grade mask, was Razer’s humanitarian response to the pandemic, representing a long-term solution designed for our ever-evolving world.

Later on, Hazel was officially unveiled as the Razer Zephyr intelligent mask, maturing into a product available for sale. However, the company encountered a legal disagreement regarding their assertions about N95 certification.

In a different phrasing: We contest the FTC’s claims and have not acknowledged any wrongdoing during the settlement process. Our aim has never been to deceive anyone, and we opted for this settlement to bypass the potential diversion and chaos of court proceedings, allowing us to concentrate on developing superior gaming products uninterruptedly.

Following the settlement, all references to Project Hazel and the Razer Zephyr have been erased from the company’s main site, essentially placing them on par with their unreleased prototype counterparts once more. The story surrounding these projects at CES is quite unusual and has seldom been discussed since then in related talks. It seems improbable that the Zephyr will resurface again – consider this an educational experience for Razer.

Project Sophia (2022)

Is this piece of furniture a computer or a table? To clarify, it serves as both. Project Sophia was designed as a gaming desk for the future, incorporating an Intel processor and NVIDIA graphics card, along with interchangeable modules to add additional features. Although it may seem unusual to find a desk with technical specifications, it offered an appealing solution for space-saving gamers who sought to avoid stacking a tower PC on top of flimsy flat-pack furniture.

The modular structure would enable customizable shortcut keys, a touchscreen system for monitoring modules, chat interfaces for live streaming, and even an eGPU like the Razer Core that can be seamlessly integrated into the desk itself. Initially, Razer marketed 13 modules for Project Sophia, but its potential expanded to anyone involved in its ecosystem, as Kiyo webcams and Seiren microphones could theoretically be attached to its OLED screen without the need for cumbersome table clamps. Although it may sound unconventional, given that I’ve seen similar concepts attempted by DIY YouTubers, it’s not entirely implausible that such a product could have been created.

Enki Pro HyperSense (2022)

Recently, Razer has been dedicating more attention to developing gaming chairs, which significantly boosts the likelihood of these ideas becoming a tangible reality. The enhanced version of the Razer Enki Pro we reviewed would incorporate haptic feedback motors with vibration into the premium Enki Pro HyperSense model, extending from its cushions to the headrest. Notably, this updated design will showcase RGB lighting in its stitching.

For their next Dolce&Gabbana collaboration, they’ve refreshed the Enki Pro chair design by infusing RGB lighting throughout the backrest, setting it apart from typical vibrating chairs often used by home workers. Unlike traditional models that offer soothing massages for posture and vascular health, this version provides a more dynamic experience, enhancing the intensity of explosions and gunshots in games through visceral feedback rather than relaxation.

The Razer Enki Pro HyperSense doesn’t currently have an official project name and hasn’t been fully launched as of now. Similarly, I find the RGB feature in chairs to be as exciting as the RGB integration in Razer Hammerhead earbuds – it’s trendy at first, but the appeal eventually fades. On a positive note, the haptic feedback feature, which was initially introduced and then withdrawn, will make a comeback after a couple of years.

Project Carol (2023)

In the sequel of Project Carol, the concept of HyperSense in gaming chairs is further developed, with the entire haptic feedback technology being centered on this customizable headrest. Unlike its predecessors, this design is engineered to be universally compatible with most gaming chairs, not just those produced by Razer. This model also boasts wireless connectivity, functioning seamlessly with a compatible PC or laptop via 2.4GHz signals, and it operates on a battery that can last up to 8 hours after a single charge.

Among the more practical ideas displayed at CES, Razer’s project didn’t make it to the market. However, the concept of haptic technology for headphones has been applied to their headsets instead, such as the Razer Kraken V4 Pro which uses Sensa HD technology instead of HyperSense. Since I wear my headphones daily during work and gaming sessions, I’m intrigued by the idea of a superior quality speaker set that doesn’t need to be excessively loud, thus avoiding disturbing my neighbors. Could it be possible that Project Carol could potentially replace the Leviathan V2 Pro soundbar in the future?

Project Esther (2024)

Finally, and another example of the most recent successful move from concept to reality is Project Esther, revealed alongside the Iskur V2 gaming chair at CES in 2024. It separated the HyperSense-turned-Sensa HD haptics from Razer’s chairs and moved it into a dedicated cushion, which would later become the Razer Freyja after 9 months.

The Razer Freyja isn’t like a typical vest, and there’s no need to wear a VR headset to operate it; instead, it brings haptic feedback technology to everyone’s reach.

In our Razer Freyja review, we referred to it as a “distinctively engaging upgrade for your PC gaming collection.” It preserved the universal fit approach of Project Carol and advanced an upgraded version of the Enki Pro HyperSense with a slightly lower price point. Despite launching at a $300 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, which isn’t insignificant, it left a strong enough impact on Managing Editor Richard Devine to warrant its cost and secure a place in our CES 2024 awards.

What might Razer be planning for CES 2025?

In my mind, there are two conflicting thoughts: One is rational and based on facts, while the other is more of a wishful thinking, fueled by optimism and crossed fingers. The first prediction leans towards the likelihood that Razer will unveil a new Razer Blade laptop at CES 2025, boasting about the upcoming NVIDIA 50-Series graphics cards, which we’re not supposed to know about yet. I must admit, the Razer Blade 18 (2024) is undeniably the finest gaming laptop I’ve ever encountered, thanks to its exceptional high-end hardware configuration.

Instead of just guessing, it seems plausible that the advanced Nvidia GeForce RTX GPUs could revive Razer’s Project Valerie. However, this revival might come with enhanced security measures such as bodyguards or bulletproof casings. It would be exciting to see a radical laptop prototype resurface this year instead of more gaming chair modifications. Alternatively, Razer may choose desktop GPUs and re-explore the modular aspects of Project Christine; the future remains uncertain.

Nevertheless, my second, elevated expectation involves Razer potentially unveiling a new PC gaming handheld device. This could be achieved using as-of-yet undisclosed components, which necessitates keeping it a concept until a later period in the year. Given that several gaming brands have attempted this, with varying degrees of success, and considering the category’s projected exponential growth once SteamOS is opened to external devices, it seems plausible.

If MSI gets another chance with the ‘Claw’ model and Lenovo broadens its Legion Go lineup, it’s hard not to wonder why Razer’s design team isn’t stepping up their game to keep pace with their competitors. It’s especially puzzling when I’m playing games on my ASUS ROG Ally and the vibrant RGB controls illuminate, leaving me to ponder, “shouldn’t this be Razer leading the pack?

It seems puzzling to me why Razer’s engineers might choose not to act, allowing other brands to seize the opportunity and outshine them in sales.

Indeed, it seems likely that Razer might be planning to revive its long-standing Project Switchblade concept using the insights gained from their Blade laptops, aiming for cutting-edge supremacy. CES 2025 isn’t far off now, so we’ll either find our suspicions validated or dispelled within a few weeks. In the meantime, I can’t help but reminisce about Razer’s intriguing fusion of genius and audacity embodied in these groundbreaking ideas from their past.

2024-12-25 17:10