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ASUS is expanding its gaming chair lineup with the new ROG Destrier announced at CES this week, a gaming chair that is less like the traditional racing style design and more like the ergonomic workhorses that won’t let your back down. The Destrier, from a design standpoint, is equal parts sleek and menacing with its ergonomic influences and that futuristic, cyberpunk aesthetic that applies to so many ROG products.
While in many ways this is just another ergonomic gaming chair, ASUS is adding its own unique touch. There are a couple of cool features that set this chair apart from the competition and, make the Destrier worth noticing. On the surface, gamers will appreciate details that have become synonymous with similar options. Like the high-tension mesh material for the back and an adjustable headrest.
Unlike those other options, ASUS took into account some components that, while unconventional, it feels are key to the overall experience of this chair. We’re not quite sure we agree yet, but they’re definitely intriguing.
The ASUS ROG Destrier features a detachable acoustic panel
That large, all-encompassing piece of plastic and fabric sitting behind the headrest isn’t just for show. It actually serves a purpose. It’s a detachable acoustic panel that’s meant to enhance the sound of your audio while gaming to make it more immersive. ASUS claims it “shields you from distracting sounds from behind you.”
This is something that needs to be experienced first-hand to really see how well it works. But in theory it seems like it could be a pretty neat feature if you really enjoy the audio from your games. Though, it really won’t matter if you almost always wear a headset. Still, it could be nifty for times when you don’t.
In addition to the detachable acoustic panel, the Destrier also has a special mode for the armrests. If you’re gaming on a mobile device like say, the ROG Phone 6 Pro, you can raise the armrests up higher (up to 14cm) to a more comfortable position when holding a phone. ASUS also applied some extra padding at the back of the armrest to keep your elbows comfortable.
Aside from these two features, there’s your more common ergonomic detailing present. Like an adjustable lumbar support. On the Destrier it can be raised up to 7cm vertically and 2cm in depth. This should help to account for your unique spine curvature. You can also adjust the seat depth and height, the headrest angle and height, and the 3D armrests rotate 360-degrees. And of course, the back can recline and lock in place for that more laid-back gaming session.
ASUS hasn’t yet announced pricing or availability for the ROG Destrier. But this is sure to be a chair many gamers are going to consider.