Razer’s butt-shaking touchpad is real – and I really want it

It started as a gaming innovation, but now Force Feedback technology is essential. HD touch controls and adaptive triggers are gaming console staples, and now Razer is bringing the PC world into the action… through your ass? Yes, the Razer Freyja Gaming Haptic Pad is an original product you can buy – and after the demonstration, I’m convinced it could be the next step towards immersive gaming.

Unveiled at Razercon, the RGB-obsessed gaming brand’s annual showcase of new models and upcoming technologies, the Razer Freyja is the showcase of Sensa HD Haptics. This individual approach to force feedback works directionally, based on in-game actions: think of heavy doors slamming or swords clashing in RPGs, driving on uneven surfaces in rally games, or recreating steps on different floor surfaces in first-person shooters. As you perform each one, the vibrations will either be directed at a specific point or will travel through a series of motors, depending on the device.

Freyja places six motors on the arms, lower back and buttocks to provide a compelling experience with compatible games. Support will be built into the Unity, Unreal and GameMaker engines, so expect hundreds of titles to integrate this technology. The pair I tried – Hogwarts Legacy and Final Fantasy XVI – were impressive examples of what developers will be able to do with Sensa HD. I felt the impact of my wizard’s spells as they moved from one side of the screen to the other, and fighting the Great Horn felt much more visceral as I switched between different magical elements. I can see this becoming a must-have for sim racing enthusiasts who want to add even more realism to their setup.

Sensa HD can also respond to sound and works with all audio-enabled content – think movies and music, not just games. Top Gun: The canyon training scene in Maverick brought extra drama that I can only compare to one of those IMAX 4dx cinema screens.

It’s not just about “it’s got bass, add rumble”: the vibrations are linear, so increase the intensity according to your sound mix without going into a single continuous vibration. It’s fully customizable via the freshly updated Razer Synapse 4 software, so you can turn the intensity down or up if you want maximum effect.

The Razer Kraken Pro V4 headset, also unveiled at Razercon, is second in line for Sensa HD Haptic support. A software update in the coming weeks will also bring it to the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro controller.

Freyja evolved from Razer’s Project Esther concept presented at CES in January 2024. It’s actually a cushion that can be attached to a chair (any medium-back chair will fit, not just race car style gaming chairs – Razer or otherwise) using three adjustable straps and plugged in. The quick connector will prevent accidents. The soft-touch material is reminiscent of the material Razer uses to make its mouse pads, which means it can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

It communicates with your computer via Bluetooth or Razer Hyperspeed wireless technology, and has a slim, built-in control panel that lets you adjust intensity on the fly if you’re using it with a game console or TV. Naturally, the black cushion features an illuminated Razer RGB logo and green stitching.

The Razer Freyja is on sale now, directly from the Razer Store, for $299 in the US and €299 in selected EU territories. Bad news for the UK and Spain: fire safety regulations mean Razer can’t sell the Freyja in either country.