The collaboration between Razer and Pokémon is constantly evolving, and one of the two companies’ boldest creations yet is the Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition. This is a headset that I’ve begged them to release in the United States, and I’m happy to say that it’s finally here. Thanks to Razer, I’ve been able to go hands-on with the headset early and do some testing ahead of release. Gengar is the favorite Pokémon of many, and I’d go as far as to say he’s the third mascot of the series, alongside Pikachu and Eevee, so I’m glad to see this iconic Pokémon get some respect.
At $139.99, the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition is not the cheapest headset, but for a collaborative product with Pokémon, I’d say it’s a fair deal—especially for fans like me who have waited for this headset for years.
Design and Build Quality
Razer didn’t settle for a simple reskin for this collaborative headset. The Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition is unmistakable. The first thing you’re going to immediately notice is Gengar’s signature pointed ears and tufty, spiky fur on the top of the headband. The purple color scheme is the perfect choice, and to replace the Razer logos, a Gengar is engraved on the ears with Razer Chroma RGB functionality.
The build quality is premium and what you’d expect from Razer, with soft padding and reinforced joints to make sure that your long gaming sessions are comfortable. It feels solid, without being overly heavy. I appreciate that the Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition doesn’t sacrifice its comfort for style. It’s adorable and spooky, tastefully branded, and serves a dual purpose; not just as a headset, but as a collector’s piece for Pokémon fans. I am completely enamored with the design here, and I don’t think that anyone could’ve done it any better. It is clear that this headset was made by fans, for fans, and I am confident that this headset will do numbers when it releases.
Features and Functionality
The microphone is Razer’s HyperClear cardioid mic, which offers focused voice capture and little background noise. While the microphone isn’t detachable, it’s flexible enough, so you can position it as you please. In my testing, it sounds clear enough. For Discord calls and in-game communications, it’s a viable option, but I would still recommend getting an independent microphone if you’re planning on streaming or making videos. Nonetheless, it’s a solid option on a headset, and it’ll do you just fine in most cases.
The sound profile is driven by Razer’s TriForce 40mm drivers, and these are fairly impressive. I don’t think that avid music listeners will be blown away, but the EQ settings do make a huge difference. If you love bass, you can crank it up and not have to worry about distortion, even with the volume at its absolute loudest. These are multifaceted and can sound however you want them to sound, thanks to the EQ options available. This is a gaming headset from a gaming peripheral company, so the fact that they perform decently well in music is only a bonus.
The 7.1 surround sound is excellent and works well for competitive shooters, especially when you need to hear footsteps or distant gunfire. However, if you’re not using a Windows 10 or above PC, you won’t be able to enjoy the 7.1 surround sound functionality. I can understand the limitation, as the vast majority of PC gamers are on Windows 10 and 11. If you’re gaming on a console, I would avoid these headphones entirely for this reason. This headset is specifically designed for Windows users.
The Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition is also limited to using USB-A, and unlike the Kraken V4 X, they don’t come with a USB-C adapter. This wired limitation is mildly frustrating because it means I’ll have to tether myself to my room whenever I want to use these Pokémon collaborations. The convenience of wireless cannot be understated. The day I got my first pair of AirPods, I was hooked. It’s similar to subscribing to YouTube Premium and realizing you’ll be paying for it forever because you don’t want to go back to seeing ads. Why would I want to go back to being tethered to my PC and untangling the cord?
No matter how you see it, the wired design of this headset is a notable disadvantage. Whenever you need to move away from your PC, you have to pause your call or conversation with the chat. A wired headset essentially keeps you tethered to your chair. In contrast, a wireless headset allows you to grab snacks and continue chatting with both your friends and the chat simultaneously. I believe that this limitation is something that will give even the biggest Pokémon fans a bit of hesitancy when considering a purchase of this headset.
Wired peripherals have been a continuous trend in the collaboration between Razer and Pokémon, and I would like to see it come to an end. I genuinely cannot understand why this collaboration insists on wired devices when the designs are so impressive. If this headset were wireless, it would easily replace my current one. There are very few drawbacks to wireless technology, and I’m confident that Pokémon fans would be willing to pay any price to have a wireless Gengar headset, myself included.
A Headset For Streamers
This headset was clearly designed to be used with a webcam. Razer has cleverly incorporated its Kitty design with Gengar’s distinctive ears and spikes, making it incredibly adorable. Pokémon is a massive media franchise with a dedicated and passionate fanbase, and the Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition is an excellent way to express your love for both Pokémon and Gengar.
The Razer Synapse software allows the lights on the headset to react to stream alerts. If you’re a cosplayer or just a Pokémon fan, this headset will be a fantastic addition to your setup. That said, this design isn’t for everyone—it is far from low-key. If you’re a streamer who prefers to keep your accessories and peripherals low-key, I’d look at the Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition as a pop of color to your setup or an accent piece. Otherwise, I suggest looking at a more minimal option, though you’ll be missing that endearing Pokémon charm.
At $139.99, the Gengar Edition sits between Razer’s budget and premium options. It’s a bit more expensive than the Kraken V4 X but has better padding and superior audio. For Pokémon fans and streamers, I believe the extra cost is justified, as it serves both as a functional headset and a collectible. If you, for some reason, don’t like Gengar, you won’t get any value out of the price markup and are better off buying the standard Kraken Kitty V2.
Final Verdict
The Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition knows exactly who it’s for. This is a headset for Pokémon fans, streamers, and collectors. It delivers solid audio, good comfort, and a design that is difficult to ignore.
For me, this is Razer’s most innovative collaborative design yet. Whoever at Razer made the decision to incorporate Gengar’s ears and spikes into a kitty headset deserves a promotion. It’s a simple yet ingenious design, and I’d love it if Razer decided to make an entire collection of Kraken Kitty Pokémon Editions. There are so many Pokémon that deserve a spotlight, but please—make it wireless next time.
Disclaimer: Razer provided the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition for review purposes.
