TL;DR

Razer unveiled Project Madison, a proof-of-concept gaming chair that combines onboard THX-certified speakers, RGB light strips, and seat haptics. A brief demo at CES highlighted the audio and rumble features, while the lighting proved less visible during active play.

What happened

At CES, Razer presented Project Madison, a concept gaming chair that merges several of the company's previous chair accessories into a single unit. The design incorporates dual RGB light strips mounted in the upper corners, a pair of THX-certified speakers offering spatial audio that can serve as rear channels in 5.1 or 7.1 setups, and six haptic motor actuators embedded in the seat and back to deliver Razer’s Sensa rumble. Razer drew on earlier products for the build: the Clio headrest (wireless THX spatial audio), the Freyja haptic seat cushion (first shown in concept form as Project Esther at CES 2024), and the Head Cushion Chroma RGB headrest. A Verge reviewer who tried Project Madison during a short demo said the speakers and haptics added tactile and auditory immersion while playing Marvel Rivals, though the RGB lighting wasn’t readily visible without looking away from the screen. Razer describes Madison as a proof of concept.

Why it matters

  • Integrates multiple accessory functions—audio, lighting, and haptics—into a single chair concept.
  • Onboard spatial speakers could provide immersive audio without requiring headphones.
  • Seat haptics add tactile feedback tied to in-game events, potentially increasing immersion.
  • RGB elements may be more decorative than functional during active play, per the CES demo.

Key facts

  • Project Madison is presented by Razer as a proof of concept rather than a finished retail product.
  • The chair includes dual RGB light strips positioned in the top corners of the backrest.
  • It uses a pair of THX-certified speakers with spatial audio that can act as rear channels in 5.1 or 7.1 audio setups.
  • Six haptic motor actuators are built into the seat and back to provide Razer’s Sensa rumble.
  • Components draw from earlier Razer accessories: Clio headrest (wireless THX audio), Freyja seat cushion (haptics, originally Project Esther), and Head Cushion Chroma (RGB).
  • A brief hands-on demo at CES involved playing Marvel Rivals and found the speakers and haptics engaging.
  • The RGB lighting was not easily visible during gameplay unless the user looked away from the screen.
  • Pricing, release date, and wider availability have not been provided by Razer in the source.

What to watch next

  • Whether Razer will take Project Madison from concept to a commercial product — not confirmed in the source.
  • Pricing, regional availability, and launch timing for any retail version — not confirmed in the source.
  • Details on software, platform compatibility, and how the chair integrates with PC and console audio settings — not confirmed in the source.

Quick glossary

  • THX-certified: An audio certification indicating that speakers or systems meet specified standards for sound quality and performance.
  • Spatial audio: Audio processing that simulates three-dimensional sound placement to create a sense of directionality and space.
  • Haptics: Tactile feedback technology using vibrations or actuators to convey physical sensations to the user.
  • Proof of concept: An early demonstration intended to show the feasibility of an idea or technology rather than serve as a finished product.

Reader FAQ

Is Project Madison a finished product I can buy?
No — Razer presented Madison as a proof of concept; retail availability is not confirmed in the source.

Do the speakers provide surround sound?
The chair uses THX-certified speakers with spatial audio and can act as the rear channels in 5.1 or 7.1 setups.

Are the haptics noticeable during gameplay?
In a short CES demo, the reviewer reported the speakers and haptics as engaging and providing varied rumble sensations.

Is the RGB lighting visible while gaming?
The source reports the lighting isn’t easily seen during play unless the user looks away from the screen.

TECH GAMING NEWS Razer made a concept gaming chair with speakers, RGB lights, and rumble It’s a combination of previous Razer ideas, all in one chair. by Antonio G. Di…

Sources

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