Razer Iskur V2 NewGen Gaming Chair Review: A Cooler Update to an Already Solid Design

Razer's Iskur V2 NewGen gaming chair represents a modest evolution of an already solid design, with the company focusing on addressing one of the main complaints about the original model: heat retention during extended gaming sessions.

The Cooling Upgrade That Matters

The most significant change in the Iskur V2 NewGen is the introduction of Gen-2 EPU leather with "CoolTouch" technology. Razer claims this material has higher thermal effusivity, meaning it stays cooler to the touch during long gaming sessions. The company also touts that its PU leather is 13x more durable than traditional PU leather.

Additionally, Razer has embedded "CoolTouch" fibers into the seating surfaces to help regulate temperatures. While the chair still lacks perforations in the seating surfaces, these material upgrades should theoretically provide better breathability than the previous generation.

Testing in the Wrong Season

Ironically, my testing of the Iskur V2 NewGen occurred during North Carolina's winter months, with daytime temperatures hovering in the 30s-40s. This timing made it difficult to properly evaluate the cooling improvements. During summer testing of the original Iskur V2, I experienced significant discomfort with the seat base sticking to my legs during 90-degree days.

Without those extreme conditions, back-to-back testing between the Iskur V2 and Iskur V2 NewGen revealed no noticeable difference in comfort or cooling performance. The true test will come when summer returns and ambient temperatures rise again.

Design Refinements

Beyond the cooling upgrades, Razer made subtle aesthetic changes to the Iskur V2 NewGen. The carbon-fiber-style pattern on the EPU leather now features the same grain as the rest of the seating surfaces, rather than a distinct texture in the areas between the green stitching lines. It's a minor change that doesn't affect performance but shows attention to detail.

Assembly and Initial Impressions

The chair arrives in a massive 80-pound box that requires some maneuvering to transport upstairs. Assembly took approximately five minutes for someone familiar with the process, thanks to the included multitool and straightforward design. However, a notable issue emerged: a strong chemical smell that lingered for several days after unboxing. This odor wasn't present in the original Iskur V2, suggesting it may be related to the new Gen-2 EPU materials.

Comfort and Adjustability Remain Strong

The Iskur V2 NewGen maintains all the comfort features that made its predecessor successful. The HyperFlex Lumbar Support System continues to impress, with a 360-degree swivel that keeps the lumbar support anchored to your back regardless of movement. The dual-density cold-cured foam provides excellent comfort while maintaining proper posture support.

Other features carry over unchanged: the 4D armrests offer extensive adjustability, the chair supports up to 152-degree recline, and height adjustment ranges from 17.1 to 21 inches. The chair supports users up to 299 pounds and comes with a 3-year warranty.

The Value Proposition

Priced at $649, the Iskur V2 NewGen directly replaces the Iskur V2 at the same price point. For existing Iskur V2 owners, the minor material upgrades likely don't justify another $649 investment. However, for those in the market for a new gaming chair or upgrading from an older model, the Iskur V2 NewGen remains a compelling option.

The chair is available in black, black with green stitching, light gray, or quartz (pink) color options. While the cooling improvements show promise, their real-world impact remains to be fully evaluated until warmer weather returns.

Bottom Line

The Razer Iskur V2 NewGen is a solid gaming chair that builds on a strong foundation. The cooling-focused upgrades address a legitimate concern, even if their effectiveness is difficult to assess during winter testing. For new buyers, it's worth considering, but existing Iskur V2 owners might want to wait for more dramatic improvements before upgrading.