Razer, a leading brand in gaming laptops, accessories, and devices, has recently unveiled a slew of new products and collaborations at its RazerCon 2023 event. However, many of these products are so expensive that they seem to be out of reach for most gamers, especially those on a budget.
Razer’s luxury collaborations with Lamborghini and Dolce&Gabbana
One of the most eye-catching announcements at RazerCon 2023 was the Razer Blade 16 x Automobili Lamborghini Edition gaming laptop, which costs a whopping $4,999. This limited-edition laptop, of which only 150 units will be made, features a sleek design inspired by the Lamborghini Huracan Evo supercar, as well as a powerful performance with an Intel Core i9 processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, and a 16-inch QHD+ display.
Another surprising partnership was between Razer and Dolce&Gabbana, the Italian luxury fashion house. The two brands collaborated to create a series of gaming chairs and headsets that feature the signature D&G logo and gold accents. The prices for these products have not been revealed yet, but they are expected to be very high, considering that a regular Dolce&Gabbana T-shirt can cost over $500.
Razer’s new gaming keyboard, chairs, and backup app
Razer also introduced some new products that are not related to any designer brands, but still carry hefty price tags. The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro gaming keyboard is priced at $249, which is about $50 more than the previous V2 version. The keyboard boasts a wireless mechanical switch technology, an ergonomic wrist rest, and customizable RGB lighting.
The Razer Fujin and Fujin Pro are two new gaming chairs that offer comfort and support for long gaming sessions. The Fujin Pro has a built-in cooling system that regulates the temperature of the seat and backrest, as well as a massage function that can be controlled via an app. The Fujin and Fujin Pro cost $649 and $1,049 respectively, and the headrest for both is sold separately for $129.
The Razer Backup app is a new software that aims to make it easier for Windows 11 users to restore their system and settings in case of any issues. The app can backup all the customizations made by the user, such as the pins on the Start menu, the RGB lighting profiles, and the Copilot AI preferences. The app is free to download for Windows 11 users who have a Razer account.
Razer’s out-of-touch presentation
While Razer’s products are technically impressive and innovative, they also seem to be out of touch with the reality of most gamers. The presentation was full of phrases like “only $249” or “the ultimate luxury” that implied that these products were affordable and desirable for everyone. However, many gamers are struggling to afford even the basic components for their gaming rigs, let alone splurge on designer collaborations or premium accessories.
Razer has always been a luxury brand in the gaming industry, but it seems to have lost sight of its core audience with its latest round of expensive gaming hardware. Instead of catering to the needs and wants of budget gamers who make up a large portion of the market, Razer has chosen to focus on niche segments that may not even exist. Razer may need to rethink its strategy if it wants to remain relevant and competitive in the future.