When we think of gaming peripherals, the first things that come to mind are keyboards, mice, controllers, and headsets. But there is a whole world beyond those boundaries. The Singaporean company Razer knows this, and has made its wide range of products its flagship. Today, on the occasion of RazerCon 2024, they have unveiled their new ambition: to bring us into the game, and they will do so with a combo of headphones and an adaptable cushion with haptic vibration. We have already tested the Razer Freyja and the Kraken V4 Pro.
Razer Freyja, an immersion bet
Every year, Razer holds its RazerCon to showcase all its novelties, and this 2024 is no exception. In addition to the new version of Synapse, the software for controlling and customizing their peripherals, we have also had other surprises. Specifically, one of the innovations we saw during CES 2024 is back. The so-called Project Esther is now Razer Freyja, an adaptable cushion with six zones of haptic vibration that, thanks to Razer Sensa HD Haptics technology, identifies what is happening in the digital world to vibrate accordingly.
Along with a library of natively compatible video games —such as, for example, Final Fantasy XVI, which was the demo I was able to try—, the Freyja seeks to blur the boundary between the video game and real life. For example, one of Clive’s attacks in the demo was an ice wave that expanded from its origin to the enemy, and that same trajectory was followed by the vibration zones of the Freyja when used. Moreover, in addition to being natively compatible with titles that seek it, it also uses a generic controller to add these functions to other video games.
Regarding compatibility, Freyja is not only compatible with Razer brand chairs, but the Singaporeans have stated that it can be universally installed on any gaming or office chair. With straps and a magnetic connection cable (which will prevent accidents with tugs), it is a bet for a market that goes beyond the boundaries of the most enthusiastic of the brand.
Also compatible with movies or music
On the other hand, Razer has confirmed that it is compatible not only in gaming spaces, but also works with other types of entertainment, such as movies or music, on a computer or Android devices through the Razer Nexus application. This, on the other hand, does not come alone, as the haptic project of the company has two parts, and the other one is the Razer Kraken V4 Pro headphones, the first gaming headphones with support for haptic vibration.
Razer Kraken V4 Pro, high-end audio and haptic complement
With two additional motors (one in each earmuff), this combo raises the number of haptic motors used by Razer Sensa HD Haptics to 8, turning this into a vibration ecosystem that no longer reaches just the neck, but also encompasses the head. Everything, as expected, works in unison.
These headphones also boast sound quality thanks to THX Spatial Audio, have connectivity with PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and mobile devices, and feature an OLED Control Hub, a control center to customize them to your liking. In terms of communication, they also have a retractable microphone whose audio quality Razer claims is crystal clear.
Generates similar sensations to virtual reality
Now, how does this festival of vibrations and interconnections between devices, the real world, and the digital world feel? It is a sensation that is difficult to describe, as we are traditionally accustomed to a very clear separation between our video games and our sensations as players. Despite the differences in gameplay, it generates similar sensations to virtual reality for me. Still, my experience with the Razer Freyja and Kraken V4 Pro combo left me wanting more. It is effective in what it sets out to do, and poses very interesting possibilities, especially in certain genres, such as racing or space battles, or even first-person shooters.
Price and availability of Razer Freyja and Kraken V4 Pro
Both peripherals are available right now. The Razer Freyja, for now, can only be purchased through the Razer website and RazerStores and has a price of 299.99 euros. We know it will eventually reach selected stores, but we do not yet have specific data on this.
On the other hand, the Razer Kraken V4 Pro headphones have a price of 449.99 euros and are available not only on the Razer website, but also in the usual stores that the brand works with.
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