First unveiled at CES 2026, Razer is previewing Project Ava, a 5.5-inch 3D hologram desk companion that’s built to sit beside your keyboard and stay involved. It’s meant to handle everyday tasks, help with work, and step into games as a training partner.
Ava’s hardware leans on sensors and a wired link, including dual far-field microphones, an HD camera with an ambient light sensor, and a USB-C port for data and power delivery. It’s designed for Windows, with a direct USB-C connection that supports “PC Vision Mode” so it can analyze what’s on your screen with minimal latency.
Razer is currently demonstrating Ava with xAI’s Grok engine, while also describing an open architecture that’s intended to support other AI platforms later. In the US, you can reserve with a $20 deposit that’s refundable and applied to the final purchase. Availability is targeted for the second half of 2026.
It wants to be your in-game edge
Ava’s boldest hook is live coaching during gameplay. The demo framing centers on tactical callouts, like when to call for air support, where to aim, and when to break line of sight and change firing style for mid-range fights.
That kind of guidance sits in a sensitive spot for competitive play. Razer says it’s built as a coach and trainer, not an automation tool, and that it’s working to keep features aligned with game terms of service. The rulebook still varies by title.
It’s also a daily assistant
Away from matches, Ava is positioned as a routine and wellness helper that can track habits and moods, then nudge you with reminders. It’s also shown managing practical stuff like your calendar, wardrobe picks, and dinner plans.
For work, Razer frames it as a brainstorming partner that can help you think through creative directions and tackle complex analysis. But an always-present camera and mic setup needs clear controls, and the details on what’s stored, what’s processed locally, and what you can fully disable aren’t spelled out here.
What matters before 2026
If you’re tempted by the reservation button, keep your checklist simple. You’ll want a confirmed list of supported games and how advice is delivered, plus a privacy breakdown that covers every sensor and every opt-out.
Also watch the avatar side. Razer is showing swappable holographic companions with eye tracking and facial expressions, and it notes that avatar selection and animations are still in development. Until the price and the privacy story are concrete, that $20 deposit is best treated as a no-risk placeholder.
If things fall into place, Razer’s outlook into the future may just include not just games but also this AI companion.
