The excitement surrounding CES 2025 is palpable as the event draws to a close. This year’s atmosphere is electrifying, not merely for the engaging show floor or the face-to-face interactions with familiar online personas, but due to an unexpected challenge: a hotel room heater that has chosen to stop functioning. Therefore, the opportunity to experience Razer’s innovative heating and cooling gaming chair, known as Project Arielle, felt almost too good to pass up.

Project Arielle, still in the conceptual phase and not yet confirmed for public release, has captivated attention. It builds on Razer’s existing Fujin Pro chair, integrating both heating and a bladeless fan into its mesh back to create a remarkable climate control system.

Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt

The functionality of the chair is intriguing. The fan intakes air from the bottom, filtering it and releasing it through vents on either side of the backrest, directing a refreshing breeze over the neck area. While the chair currently does not target the lower body for temperature control, the sensation is undeniably pleasant—especially after navigating the bustling exhibition halls.

Initially, there was some skepticism regarding whether Project Arielle would provide more relief than simply sitting in front of a standard fan. However, experiencing the cool air on the neck proved revitalizing amidst the event’s crowded environment.

Though the cooling feature stood out, the heating element showcased the advantages of mesh construction by retaining warmth without causing sweat. While it lacks the novelty of the cooling feature, heated gaming chairs are available today, yet few offer the same comprehensive coverage without uncomfortable heat retention.

Razer states that the heating function can elevate the temperature up to approximately 86 degrees Fahrenheit, while the fan can effectively lower the “perceived temperature” by about nine degrees. This distinction highlights how a breeze can create a feeling of chill that a thermometer won’t necessarily reflect.

Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt

Control is managed via a small panel on the seat, permitting toggling between heating and cooling functions along with adjusting fan speeds; however, fine-tuning the temperature is not currently available. A unique touch includes colored lighting—orange for heating and blue for cooling—which is limited to just these two indications at this time.

As the event wraps up, there is a strong anticipation for the day when this innovative piece of furniture becomes available. Reflecting on last year’s Razer concept, Project Esther, which ultimately transitioned to the Razer Freyja in the market, there’s genuine hope for Project Arielle’s future.