Razer is making waves in the AI companion space with Project AVA, a 3D holographic AI device set to debut at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show. The product brings AI companions out of the screen and into the physical world, offering users a lifelike, desk-mounted hologram that can interact with them in real time. Standing just 5.5 inches tall, Project AVA uses advanced vision and audio sensing to detect context and respond naturally. The companion is powered by xAI’s Grok AI technology for now, though Razer plans to integrate other leading AI platforms in the future. Customers can choose from five distinct holographic forms: Ava, a glowing Razer logo; Kira, a catgirl avatar; Zane, a punk-inspired character with tattoos; Faker, a glasses-wearing, anime-style figure; and Sao, a professional-looking persona modeled after a popular Japanese influencer promoted by Razer. While the companions can assist with scheduling, mood tracking, spreadsheet analysis, and real-time translation, Razer’s CEO Min-Liang Tan has made it clear that the product is not designed to replace romantic or emotional relationships. “We're not trying to foster a relationship, but we do acknowledge that people are using their AIs in a more personal way,” he told Bloomberg. The company is targeting a broad audience, including gamers, but not specifically those seeking digital intimacy. Despite this, the market for AI companions is rapidly expanding. Replika, launched in 2019, was one of the first to popularize emotionally engaging AI chatbots. Elon Musk’s xAI followed with its own anime-style companions like Ani and Rudi, and later introduced Valentine, a male avatar with NSFW capabilities. These digital figures have formed deep bonds with users, with some even describing long-term emotional attachments. OpenAI has also seen users develop strong connections with ChatGPT and its voice models. Though the company has historically avoided adult content, CEO Sam Altman recently announced plans to launch an age-gated erotica feature, though the timeline has been delayed. In Japan, the concept of physical AI companions has already taken hold. The story of Akihiko Kondo, who married a virtual AI from the Gatebox device, highlights the emotional depth some users feel toward these digital figures. Razer’s Project AVA enters a space where physical embodiment could deepen that connection, even if the company insists it’s not about romance. Pre-orders are now open with a $20 deposit, and the device is expected to ship in the second half of 2026. As the AI companion market heats up, Razer’s move into 3D holograms marks a bold step toward making AI not just smart, but present.