Project AVA, Razer’s most recent tease, feels more like a leap of faith disguised as a $20 commitment than a product drop. The tech company that specializes in gaming accessories unveiled a holographic AI assistant at CES 2026. It was housed in a transparent cylindrical shell that combined sci-fi realism and anime charm. The worst part? No price tag is present. Just a deposit that is refundable. as well as an expanding waitlist.
For a product that is still in the early stages of development, the initial enthusiasm surrounding AVA has been especially strong. Even without a final software build, a locked avatar list, or a set retail price, the device was able to attract attention due to its promises rather than just its features.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Razer Project AVA |
| Device Type | 5.5” 3D Holographic AI Desk Companion |
| Avatar Options | Ava, Kira, Zane, Faker, Sao (subject to updates) |
| Reservation Cost | $20 refundable deposit (U.S. only, pre-orders open) |
| Shipping Timeline | Estimated for second half of 2026 |
| Final Price | Not disclosed yet |
| AI Engine (Current) | Based on xAI’s Grok |
| Future Compatibility | Planned to support multiple AI cores |
| Core Features | Real-time interaction, habit tracking, task scheduling, translation |
| Development Status | Ongoing (avatars, responses, animation still in flux) |
| Product Page | razer.com/project-ava/reservation |
Currently, AVA’s skills include everything from interactive coaching and language translation to daily scheduling and weather-based outfit recommendations. In one CES demo, an avatar gently reminded a user to drink water before discreetly changing the room’s lighting. Although the effect wasn’t particularly dramatic, it was remarkably similar to having a considerate friend right at your side.
Razer has created anticipation by highlighting potential rather than overselling specs. AVA is positioned as a combination of presence and hardware—a holographic personality that observes, adjusts, and takes part in everyday activities in addition to answering questions.
Notably, the company deliberately chose not to disclose a final price. AVA has been transformed into a personal investment—a symbolic buy-in to a concept rather than just a box—instead of being positioned as a consumer good with an MSRP. It’s also effective. Reddit and Discord communities are ablaze with conjecture. Some people think it will cost less than $200. More than $400 is being wagered by others. For its part, Razer doesn’t say anything.
AVA distinguishes itself from conventional voice assistants by utilizing conversational design and visual presence. Even when it’s pixelated, eye contact has a certain humanizing quality. Static voice responses are significantly worse than seeing a digital character change posture or raise an eyebrow to show understanding.
AVA’s distinct ethical boundary distinguishes it from platforms such as Replika or other emotionally charged AI systems. In interviews, Min-Liang Tan, the CEO of Razer, made it very apparent that this is not an intimacy gadget. It’s an assistant for lifestyle. Nevertheless, attachment is a real possibility. Even if the machine’s empathy is artificial, it’s incredibly powerful if it can recognize when you’re upset and respond with soothing words.
A teenage girl asked AVA about her post-lunch schedule while I stood close to a display unit. After giving a positive summary, the avatar gave some advice on how to concentrate when studying. The girl smiled. That brief, unplanned moment told me everything. Productivity isn’t the only consideration here. It has to do with presence.
AVA feels incredibly well-designed. Inside its dome, the holographic display floats clearly. Voice commands are naturally picked up by dual microphones. In order to intuit tasks or initiate actions, a camera scans the desktop. It is designed to be small and desk-friendly. Depending on the time of day or mood, its ambient lighting changes.
Digital assistants have transformed from robotic monotones to branded personalities over the last ten years. However, up until now, none have provided visual embodiment in a popular package. AVA gives function a face. It gives the abstract a concrete feel.
Razer is working toward a gadget that is extremely versatile and highly efficient through strategic engineering. When several AI models are eventually integrated, users may be able to customize the assistant’s voice, memory, and features—basically, building a virtual coworker that develops alongside you.
The economics are still up in the air. AVA runs the risk of becoming a niche novelty if its price is set too high. It might not support the cloud infrastructure needed for its intelligence if the price is too low. Finding that balance is essential. However, Razer is significantly influencing perception by delaying the price announcement, allowing curiosity to accumulate emotional capital before reason can intervene.
AI companions like AVA might end up on desks as frequently as monitors and mugs in the years to come. These gadgets may develop into behavioral nudges—technological tools that quietly encourage us to be better versions of ourselves—whether they are used to help you refocus or to break the ice with a kind joke.
By presenting Project AVA as a presence rather than merely a tool, Razer is allowing users to engage with technology in a more meaningful way. The fact that thousands have already signed up—without knowing the price—says more about the desire for connection, even digital, than it does about pricing strategy.
Razer may have just quietly introduced the most revolutionary product of the year if that connection turns out to be long-lasting.
