Razer has been doing well with its gaming chair lineup. Last year’s Iskur V2 was a solid offering that addressed many previous issues. Even as good as that chair was, Razer has found a way to improve on it with the Iskur V2 NewGen, a chair that builds on the V2’s foundation and uses a more breathable knit fabric. It is an update that may not sound significant, but after about a month of use, it has quickly become my go-to gaming chair at CGM HQ.
Looking at last year’s Razer Iskur V2 and the Iskur V2 NewGen, it is easy to assume the chairs are very similar. Unboxing and setup were nearly identical and took about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Razer kept the key aspects Dayna liked in her review, with some notable improvements that make the chair more comfortable, especially during hours-long sessions. One of the main changes is the new Razer Gen-2 EPU Leather with Cooltouch tech.
That is the biggest draw with the Razer Iskur V2 NewGen: the new woven performance textile that replaces the leatherette on the standard Iskur V2. I was surprised by how much of an improvement it makes. Anyone who has peeled off a faux-leather gaming chair in the middle of summer will appreciate this change, and it is something I would like to see more brands adopt. The fabric breathes well, stays cool during long sessions and has a softer hand-feel, which makes the overall sitting experience more pleasant. It also does a good job resisting dust and pet hair, a small win that adds up over time.
Under the new Gen-2 EPU Leather, Razer has also updated the seat cushion, replacing it with a new Dual Density Cold-Cured foam that is designed to keep you cool while staying comfortable for long periods. After testing both chairs in shorter bursts while reviewing this model, I can say it feels like an improvement. It is not worth replacing a perfectly good Razer Iskur V2 just to upgrade, but for anyone deciding between models, it is worth paying more for the added comfort. If you plan to sit for hours at a time, the extra cushioning and cooling can make a noticeable difference.
While the new material does make a difference, beneath it all, the Razer Iskur V2 NewGen is still the rock-solid base we reviewed back in 2025, and somehow it manages to still be one of the best chairs on the market right now. This new model keeps the same steel-reinforced frame and dense foam padding that made its predecessor sturdy and supportive, just gave it a welcome update that helps the chair feel comfortable for longer. The chair holds up to about 300 pounds, and the base feels incredibly premium, whether you are leaning back or sitting upright. Build quality has always been a strong suit for this line, and nothing about the NewGen version changes that.
What makes the Iskur range worth considering is the adaptive lumbar support system, and it remains a key feature in the Iskur V2 NewGen. A dial on the side of the chair lets you push the lumbar curve in or out to match the shape of your lower back. It is a deceptively simple concept, but that level of fine-tuned control makes a real difference over a full day of work or gaming.
It can also be difficult to switch to a chair that does not offer it. Most chairs in this price range rely on a pillow or basic lumbar support and leave it at that. Razer’s approach feels more thoughtful and, more importantly, it works. The support stays consistent and does not flatten or shift over time.
The four-dimensional armrests are still here and still excellent. You can adjust them up, down, forward, back and side to side, which gives you plenty of room to find a comfortable typing or controller-holding position. They are padded well enough that your elbows do not ache after a few hours, although the padding is on the firmer side.
The Iskur V2 NewGen offers a solid level of recline, up to about 152 degrees. That is enough to lean back for a quick break without feeling as if you will tip over. The tilt-lock mechanism holds firm at the angle you set, and the chair moves smoothly when you rock back and forth. I rarely use this much recline outside of testing, but it is good to see Razer make the Iskur V2 NewGen as adjustable as expected at this price and quality level.
Even with how much I like the overall package, it is disappointing that Razer still secures the neck pillow with straps on the Iskur V2 NewGen. I do not use the neck pillow often, but the magnetic attachment used by Secretlab and Blaklyte feels like a better solution. On the Iskur range, the strap system stands out as an oversight. Most of the chair feels premium and well considered, but the pillow can feel like an afterthought by comparison. It is not a deal-breaker, but it is a blemish on an otherwise solid design.
As with any premium gaming chair, the Iskur V2 NewGen is a pricey offering. At $649.99, it is priced similarly to many other gaming chairs on the market. If you already own the leatherette version and you do not run hot, the upgrade may be a tough sell. There is not enough here to justify the expense. For anyone buying new, however, or shopping specifically for a chair that will not feel swampy after a long gaming session, the NewGen earns its keep. It is comfortable, well-built, and the lumbar system remains one of the best in the category.
We recommend the Iskur V2, and the NewGen keeps the best parts of last year’s model while making changes that make it a strong choice for long sessions. It does not revolutionize the lineup, and it is not worth replacing a perfectly good chair if you bought it last year. Still, the improvements are meaningful, and if you are ready to upgrade, this is a solid option.
- RAZER GEN-2 EPU LEATHER WITH COOLTOUCH TECHNOLOGY — Stay cool and comfortable with CoolTouch technology that offers high thermal effusivity and 13x more durability than standard PU leather for a premium, long-lasting finish
- BUILT-IN LUMBAR SUPPORT — Designed with an integrated lumbar arch that gently supports the lower back and encourages a neutral sitting position, minimizing back fatigue over long periods
