Key Facts
- ✓ Razer announced hardware for Project Ava at CES 2026.
- ✓ The device is a 5.5-inch holographic capsule.
- ✓ Avatars include Kira, Zane, and plans for esports star Faker.
- ✓ The product is a desk-friendly evolution of last year's AI software.
Quick Summary
Razer has officially unveiled hardware for its Project Ava AI at CES 2026. This marks a significant shift from the software-only version announced the previous year. The new device is a compact 5.5-inch holographic capsule designed to sit on a desk.
The device projects animated avatars, offering users a visual AI companion. Razer has introduced specific character designs, including an anime female named Kira and a male character named Zane. The company also plans to introduce avatars based on real people, such as esports star Faker, alongside abstract options like a glowing orb of light. This release enters a market of similar concepts seen at CES 2025, but Razer emphasizes a smaller, more desk-friendly design.
From Software to Hardware: The Evolution of Project Ava
Project Ava began as a software solution, specifically an AI game coach, introduced at the previous year's CES. For 2026, Razer has reimagined this concept as a tangible hardware product. The transition represents a strategic pivot for the company, moving from digital assistance to a physical presence on the user's desk.
The new hardware iteration takes the form of a holographic capsule. This device projects a three-dimensional image of the AI, creating a visual interface that was previously absent. The shift to hardware allows the AI to occupy physical space, offering a more interactive experience for the user.
Design and Form Factor 📦
The physical design of the Project Ava device is intended to be unobtrusive. Measuring just 5.5 inches, the capsule is small enough to fit on a standard desk without taking up significant space. Razer has positioned this product as a "desk-friendly" alternative to larger, bulkier tech accessories.
Razer's approach differs from previous iterations of similar technology seen at CES 2025. While other companies showcased "anime girls in pods," Razer claims their version is significantly smaller. The compact nature of the device suggests a focus on personal workspace integration rather than a standalone entertainment center.
Avatar Customization and Options
Users of the new Project Ava hardware will have several choices regarding the visual representation of their AI. The device launches with at least two distinct avatars:
- Kira: An anime-style female character described as a "waifu," wearing a green dress and black thigh-high socks.
- Zane: A muscular male character covered in snake tattoos.
Razer has outlined a roadmap for future avatar releases. The company plans to add avatars modeled after real individuals, specifically mentioning esports star Faker. Additionally, users who prefer a non-human aesthetic can select a glowing orb of light. The source material indicates that the avatars are designed to have "natura..." (the text cuts off here).
Market Context and Availability
The release of Project Ava hardware places Razer within a growing niche of AI-driven desktop companions. The device competes with similar concepts introduced during CES 2025, though Razer bets on a smaller form factor to differentiate its product. The focus on esports personalities like Faker also targets the gaming community, a core demographic for the brand.
While the announcement details the product's features and design, specific pricing and release dates were not explicitly detailed in the provided source content. However, the reveal at CES 2026 confirms that the product is in the advanced stages of development.
