Today, at the IFA 2019 tech show, Acer unveiled what is quite possibly the most obnoxious gaming accessory we’ve ever come across, the pretentiously titled Predator Thronos Air Gaming Chair. This plastic and steel monstrosity can be all yours for the breezy sum of $ 14, 000.
An Immersive Experience
Resembling one of the destroyer droids from the best-forgotten “Phantom Menace” Star Wars movie, or closer to the natural world, a scorpion, the Predator Thronos encloses the user on all sides in a cocoon of metallic tendrils that looks more oppressive than welcoming.
Acer is going for the serious gamer with three monitor mounts, a manual retractable keyboard and mouse tray, massage function, footrest, and the option to add in all manner of gadgets like cameras and a cup holder. According to Acer, it’s all about creating an immersinggamingexperience.
For many, $ 14, 000 represents a yearly salary, maybe even a new car or a down payment on a new home. The audacity Acer manifests by even bringing such a product to market beggars belief.
The Predator Thronos Air’s $ 30, 000 Older Brother
The lunacy doesn’t stop there, though. The Predator Thronos Air is an ostensibly affordable version of its older brother, dubbed the Predator Thronos, priced at a staggering $ 30, 000
This one has a mechanized control panel to raise and lower the screens and tray, a deep impact haptic system that vibrates along with in-game sound, and a ludicrous zero-g reclining feature that sees the whole apparatus tilt backward for extra comfort.
To give a sense of the heft of this version, Acer has the following minimum installationprerequisites:
- “The installation location must be on the ground floor of a household or similar environment.”
- “” An area approximately 8 feet wide by 8 feet deep by 8 feet high clearance is required to fully accommodate Predator Thronos. “
- “The installation location must be capable of supporting at least 715 pounds. “
In our eyes, it’s all a bit nuts and feels like we’ve stepped into aNathan Barley– esque alternate reality. The impetus behind developing and selling the Predator Thronos is somewhat baffling, as it will only be accessible to those with some serious disposable income (and floor space) and little to no concern for looking like a complete twit. It doesn’t help that it reinforces the gamer stereotype of a monosyllabic hermit eager to frag some noobs.
Technology is cool and all, but with great power comes great responsibility, and Acer isn ‘ t being at all responsible. The company hopes to start shipping the Predator Thronos Air by the end of the year.
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