Razer x Pokémon First Partners Collection Review – A Nostalgic Lineup with Practical Limits

Nostalgic, with Razer's core functionality thrown in.

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The long-running collaboration between Razer and Pokémon has finally landed in the United States. As someone who grew up with Pokémon Yellow and has used Razer gear for years, this collaboration hits a little different. This is the first time we’re seeing this collaboration drop stateside, and this new collection includes a full lineup of themed peripherals centered on the original Kanto starters. Ahead of release, Razer sent over the entire collection for us to check out, and there is a lot to unpack.

In total, four Pokémon-themed items are packed in as part of this collection:

Razer x Pokémon First Partners Collection Review

  • Razer BlackWidow V4 X – Pokémon Edition ($169.99)
  • Razer Kraken V4 X – Pokémon Edition ($99.99)
  • Razer Cobra – Pokémon Edition ($59.99)
  • Razer Gigantus V2 (Medium) – Pokémon Edition ($29.99)

Everything in this set is donned with a cute, eye-catching design featuring Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. For longtime Pokémon fans, this is a total nostalgia trip. But how do these stack up if you’re actually planning to use them daily? And is the price markup worth it for this collab?

Loud and Proud: The Visual Design

Let’s get this out of the way: the design is loud. Razer went all-in with a Kanto starter pattern on every item. For collectors and themed setups, that’s a plus. However, if your setup leans minimal or professional, it might be a bit much. This does not seamlessly blend in with your setup if it’s not already loud, is what I’m trying to get at. There are no alternate versions with more subtle Pokémon touches—something that would’ve gone a long way in making these more versatile. As it stands, they’re more showpiece than stealth.

Still, it’s hard to deny how fun it is to see the original starters celebrated this way. The characters pop, the colors are vibrant, and the design is clearly made for fans who grew up trading cards, playing the games, and watching the anime. If you’re in that camp, this is a visual love letter.

BlackWidow V4 X: Built to Perform, Styled to Stand Out

Razer x Pokémon First Partners Collection Review - BlackWidow V4 X

The keyboard is the premium piece here. If you’re new to Razer, they’re the top dog when it comes to gaming peripherals. Razer invented the first gaming mouse with the Razer Boomslang, and they’ve been going hard ever since. For this collaborative keyboard, Razer is using its Green switches, which are clicky and tactile, similar to Cherry MX Blues. If you like a keyboard that annoys your entire family, this is the one to get. The switch choice makes this keyboard an incredibly safe choice for a collaboration like this, as almost everyone can get down with clicky switches.

You’re also getting doubleshot ABS keycaps, built-in sound-dampening foam, dedicated macro keys, and full Razer Chroma RGB. It performs exactly how you’d expect from a Razer keyboard. The typing experience is great—crisp keystrokes and no noticeable lag. The macros come in handy if you’re into MMORPGs or just want quick shortcuts for streaming and editing.

The design is entirely subjective. I’d probably keep the Chroma on rainbow mode the entire time, just because the whole thing is covered in the Kanto starter pattern. If you like the appearance, that’s fantastic; if you don’t, it can be difficult to overlook. Also, for the price point, the cable isn’t even detachable. However, the keyboard remains excellent regardless of its looks. Whether you’re editing videos or teaming up for raids in Final Fantasy XIV, it’s still the familiar, reliable Blackwidow that you know and appreciate.

Razer Cobra: Light, Fast, and Familiar

Razer x Pokémon First Partners Collection Review - Razer Cobra Mouse The Cobra feels very similar to the Viper Mini. It’s small, light (58g), and has solid tracking thanks to the 8,500 DPI sensor. Six programmable buttons, RGB underglow, and a smooth glide make it a great all-purpose mouse.

Tracking is sharp, especially for popular games on Twitch like Valorant or CS2. The low weight means minimal hand fatigue over long sessions, and the Synapse software gives you full control over button mapping and lighting. However, like the rest of this collection, it’s wired. Surprisingly, I believe this is the least significant sin, considering the price point and purpose of the Cobra.

Design-wise, it’s got the same Kanto starter layout on the left and right click, with a Pikachu yellow palm. It’s fun, but again, very specific. For fans who want a reliable gaming mouse with a big personality, this fits. But those craving wireless freedom may want to look elsewhere.

Kraken V4 X: Budget Headset, Solid Audio

Razer x Pokémon First Partners Collection Review - Kraken V4 X

Razer’s Kraken V4 X is pretty straightforward. It features 40mm TriForce drivers that deliver powerful audio, 7.1 surround sound for games that require more immersive sound, a retractable cardioid mic, and a convertible USB Type-C to Type-A cable for compatibility with pretty much anything.

The microphone is fine for Discord and streaming, although it might not match the quality of some higher-end headsets. The padding is mediocre compared to Razer’s higher-end headsets. All of this, however, is understandable given its lower price point.

Just like the other gear, it’s wired-only. It’ll work for your desk setup, but if you’re looking to go wireless or use it across the room, this isn’t the one. Visually? The same bold Gen 1 starter patterns on the headband and Pikachu yellow earcups. It’s not subtle. Overall, it’s a well-established and affordable headset that I recommend, especially since I’ve owned a pair of these in the past.

Gigantus V2: Easiest Purchase in the Lineup

Razer x Pokémon First Partners Collection Review - Gigantus V2

The mousepad is probably the most approachable item here. Medium size, 3mm thick, micro-weave cloth surface, and a rubber base to keep it from sliding around. Mouse tracking feels consistent across the pad. It’s not too slick, not too resistant—just a good balance. Whether you’re gaming or editing, it holds up well. It’s soft, comfortable, and the perfect size for any desk.

There is a huge Pikachu smack-dab in the center of this thing, just to show you who’s the boss of the mascots. If you want a bit of Pokémon flair on your desk without going all in, this is the piece to grab. It’s affordable, functional, and actually fits most setups without taking over the whole aesthetic. Think of it as the entry-level pick for fans who still want to keep things balanced.

Great Gear, Subjective Design

This whole lineup is clearly made for Pokémon fans. It performs well—no surprise there. It’s Razer, but it’s also very targeted. If you’re into Pokémon, especially if you grew up with the first gen, you’re going to love what this collection brings to the table.

However, this collaboration is not for everyone. The wired-only setup across the board feels a little dated now. Wireless isn’t just a luxury anymore—it’s kind of expected. And the visuals? They’re a full-on commitment. If you’re not building a themed desk or don’t want your peripherals screaming “Pokémon,” you might want to pass. That said, it’s cool to see this kind of crossover finally available in the United States. And for Pokémon fans who grew up with the older generations? This is peak nostalgia.

If Razer ever does a follow-up with wireless options or more toned-down aesthetics like the ones they have overseas, they’ll have something that appeals way beyond the fandom. For now, this is a fun, loud, and unapologetic celebration of where a lot of our Pokémon gaming journeys started, with Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. And honestly? That’s pretty hard not to appreciate. For the price, the build quality across all four items is what you’d expect from Razer: solid, reliable, and well-tested. Nothing feels cheaply made. This is all familiar territory for longtime users of the brand. You’re not just getting a themed reskin; you’re getting core Razer functionality dressed up in a nostalgic skin.

This collection brings me back to a simpler time, a time when my parents would surprise me with Pokémon merchandise. I have vivid memories of the coloring books, the excitement of catching the legendaries, and the countless hours spent immersed in the anime series. Now that we’ve grown up, there’s a special joy in indulging in the things we longed for as kids. This collaboration brings together two of my favorite hobbies: Pokémon and PC gaming. As an adult, I can now treat myself to Razer x Pokémon peripherals, and it feels amazing.

If you’re okay with some cables and loud visuals, then this collection is for you. If not, there’s still a lot to admire here from a design and branding perspective. Also, for a collaboration of this magnitude, I would have liked to have seen Pokémon-branded stickers come with any of the items. Even Razer Chroma profiles or Razer Axon wallpapers would’ve been cool. Considering these items are all more expensive than their non-branded counterparts, this could’ve been a small addition to take this collaboration even further. Either way, it’s exciting to think about where future Razer collabs could go, and hopefully, we see more of these collaborations in the United States.

Disclaimer: Razer provided the Razer x Pokémon Collection to Final Weapon for review purposes.

Noah Roman
Noah Roman
Noah Roman (pen name Rain Hikari) co-founded Final Weapon and serves as the Creative Director, overseeing brand direction and vision. His favorite series include Kingdom Hearts, The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Like a Dragon, and of course, Mega Man.

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