Cooler Master Announces Orb X Gaming Pod

Cooler Master is throwing its hat into the “computer desk as isolation chamber” market with a new gaming pod. Dubbed the Orb X, this all-in-one, desk-and-monitor setup wraps around the user like an RGB cocoon. The company describes it as a”Fully Immersive Multi-Purpose Semi-Enclosed Station for Gamers and Professionals.” It’s the type of product that is usually announced at a show like CES, then never seen in the real world. Acer unveiled its own gaming pod several years ago, the $20,000 Predator Thronos.

The Orb X is a semi-enclosed “cockpit” according to Cooler Master. The front part can hold up to three 27-inch monitors, or a single widescreen 34-inch display. To climb inside the sucker there’s a motorized arm that raises the monitors out of the way. The extra-large desk piece also swivels, allowing access to the cockpit, and it has built-in wireless phone charging. Once you’ve settled into the leather captain’s chair, the same arm lowers the displays down to ensconce you in your gaming/work environment. Cooler Master says this enhances privacy, as if people will be holding Zoom meetings in the thing.

The Orb X has built-in surround sound with spatial audio to enhance your immersion. However, it’s only 2.1 audio instead of 5.1. It’s comprised of two 2-inch drivers, two 2-inch tweeters, and a 5-inch subwoofer. There’s some I/O nestled in a bar next to the armrest, so you can plug in your headphones or USB devices.

The chair itself features six-way adjustability, allowing you to recline. It includes built-in lumbar support and an adjustable headrest. In case it’s not obvious, there’s also ARGB illuminating the entire thing. You can tweak the RGB via eight modes via software. Available colors include black and white, with the company’s purple accents throughout.

Cooler Master says there’s a hidden compartment for your PC or console, but it’s unclear where it’s located. We’re also curious how long cables would need to be to get everything connected. We assume there are hidden tracks to run all the wires discreetly. Apparently, you plug the pod into the wall socket, then connect the PC to the pod’s power source. Cooler Master says its supports “1200W PCs” but notes power consumption is limited to 750W maximum.

Cooler Master isn’t sharing any pricing or availability info yet, but these things are not cheap. Given the $14,000 price tag of the “more affordable” Acer Predator Thronos Air, we can assume the Orb X will be somewhere around $10,000 or so. Also, shipping it would be interesting because according to our calculations it weighs 750 pounds. If you’re ready to pull the trigger, Cooler Master is already compiling a waitlist for those who want to game in a motorized, ARGB egg.

Continue reading

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition Remaster Debuts on May 14

The remastered Mass Effect series, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, drops on May 14. We've got details on what's changing and what isn't.

Blizzard’s Diablo II Remaster Will Support 20-Year-Old Save Files

Blizzard is working on a remastered version of Diablo II, and it will be very faithful to the original. How faithful? Blizzard producer Matthew Cederquist confirms save files from the original game will work with the remaster, allowing you to finish the quest you started two decades ago.

With Valve’s Apparent Permission, Fans Will Release Half-Life 2 Remaster

Half-Life fans are at it again with another remake, this time titled Half-Life 2: Remastered Collection. Few details have been released about the remake, but according to a Steam forum post, it will put the game's largest previous mod "to shame."

Remastered Quake Launches: New Expansion, 4K, Split-Screen Co-Op

Bethesda has released an updated, 4K-compatible version of Quake, with co-op couch support, dedicated servers, 4K support, and a new expansion.