LAS VEGAS – Razer unveiled Project Madison at CES 2026, a concept gaming chair aiming to redefine immersion through built-in haptics, spatial audio, and customizable RGB lighting. The prototype, showcased alongside other innovations from the gaming giant, signals a growing trend of manufacturers looking beyond traditional peripherals to create more encompassing gaming experiences. Razer’s approach leverages existing technologies – including components from the clio and Freyja lines – suggesting a potential for modular upgrades and a scalable path to market for the aspiring project.
Razer is pushing the boundaries of immersive gaming experiences with Project Madison, a concept chair integrating haptic feedback, spatial audio, and RGB lighting. The company unveiled the prototype at CES 2026, showcasing a potential future where gaming chairs become integral components of the gaming setup. This move reflects a growing trend of peripheral manufacturers seeking to enhance immersion beyond traditional headsets and displays.
The chair features dual RGB light strips at the top, a pair of THX-certified speakers designed to function as rear channels in a 5.1 or 7.1 audio setup, and six haptic actuators embedded in the seat. Razer built Project Madison by leveraging components from previously released accessories, demonstrating a modular approach to gaming peripherals.
These include the Razer Clio headrest, which incorporates wireless THX Spatial Audio speakers, and the Freyja seat cushion, offering haptic feedback and compatible with any chair. The Freyja was initially showcased as the Project Esther concept at CES 2024, and Razer previously released a Chroma head cushion with integrated RGB lighting.
During a brief demonstration at CES, the speakers and haptic feedback proved particularly impressive. Playing a quick round of Marvel vs. Capcom, the chair delivered a surprisingly immersive experience without the need for headphones, with rumbles and vibrations corresponding to in-game actions felt throughout the back and seat.
The RGB lighting, however, was less noticeable unless actively looking for it. While the lights are designed to synchronize with the colors on the keyboard and mouse, the chair’s design partially obscures the illumination. This could be a benefit, preventing the chair from becoming a distracting light source.
Razer has not yet announced a potential price range for Project Madison. Company representatives indicated last year that a fully-featured version of a similar concept chair, incorporating heating and cooling elements, would likely come with a premium price tag. The company’s history of modular accessories suggests a potential path to market, but the viability of a chair with all these features remains uncertain.
Photography: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge
