Riotoro Shocks CES by Expanding Into Gaming Monitor and Earbuds Market

Riotoro is one of those brands you’ll either know a lot about, or nothing about. Predominantly specializing in budget/value keyboards, mice, power supplies, cases and some cooling on the side, it’s kind of where Corsair was at, about 15-20 years ago. That’s not to say they have bad products, just that it’s a fledgling brand just starting out (2014 to be exact), most predominantly in the world of peripherals, or at least we thought.

At CES 2020 however, the company has just announced some rather unusual additions to its product stack. In fact arguably the largest unveiling we’ve seen from any company. We’re talking monitors, headsets, gaming desks and chairs, and new components, and even more gaming peripherals. That’s one serious commitment, and a big gamble entering so many areas that already have very well established brands inhabiting them.

Stingray Gaming Monitors

(Image credit: Riotoro)

First up we have Riotoro’s first ever gaming displays. According to the press release, these 16:9 27" curved 1440p screens deliver an impressively sharp 1ms response on a VA panel and come complete with a 144 Hz refresh rate and FreeSync as standard (so likely G-Sync as well). As for ports, you get one HDMI 2.0, one DisplayPort 1.4 and one USB Type-C inputs.

We’re not too sure who’s manufacturing the panel itself, however those are specs that seem very similar to some of the models that MSI has had for the last year or so. If that's true and the panels are top notch, If Riotoro can bring the price down whilst retaining the same level of quality in a similar manner to what HyperX did with its original Cloud headsets, this could be a brand to watch.

No word on just when exactly we’re expecting to see these screens other than some time in 2020, but more competition in this market space means cheaper products for us and that’s definitely something to be happy about.

rPods Earbuds

(Image credit: Riotoro)

Next up, and rather confusingly for us, the company has also announced its own line of wireless earbuds. Including 6.0mm drivers, producing “high-fidelity sound”, and with onboard controls, a charging pod that extends the battery life up to 16 hours, these Bluetooth 5.0 compatible headphones are well, not really something we’d associate with a gaming brand such as Riotoro, but still if they're good, who cares what the brand is? We'll just have to wait and see.

  • PBme
    "SHOCKS!" Sum total of nobody was "Shocked". A PC parts company that few people have even heard of adds their brand to some 3rd party earbuds and monitors. Get making click-bait headlines but let's not get absurd.
    Reply
  • louis99us
    It is a real shocker... usually gaming brands stick to the usual (cases, keyboards, mice) the basics... don’t be a hater.... it’s a young upcoming brand, let them grow and continue to disrupt all the market segments that need a heads up! RIOTOTO team keep it up! Great job on your quality products, don’t listen to haters and internet trolls...
    Reply
  • Ke+
    Way to go Riotoro!!! I have the CR500 and its a true beauty, very cool clean case I just love to product! The fact that a new brand is coming all out like this is pretty exacting! If their new products maintain the quality of what they already have out without a doubt in a few years. We will have more people that know alot about Riotoro instead of those that don´t.

    Once again thumbs up for the brand! and keep the new products coming!
    Reply
  • YingYang2000
    it's a great step by RIOTORO. They are really creating great products and better yet of great quality. I love it !!!

    Not sure who that PBme person is is but perhaps linked to Corsair?
    So far the only one speaking bad about this great RIOTORO company are these guys and then even when you realise that the guys started RIOTORO used to work for them.

    Recently I heard from a friend in The Netherlands that Corsair pushed one of their distributors ( i believe Micromedia ) to stop with RIOTORO. If they would not they will loose all corsair support and partnership. Mmm...
    Honestly in todays world there is room enough for any brand in my view so why is Corsair so scared off RIOTORO ???

    But anyway who cares about Corsair when it is RIOTORO that brings new technology to the market. Not only their Morpheus but now also on their NEW i/o setup. Young company Yes but a company that indeed SHOCKS by bringing great new products. Their AVIATOR headset is great !!! Amazing sound and for a price that is just perfect.

    Keep it going guys and girls you have me as loyal FAN !
    Reply
  • NightHawkRMX
    Riotoro makes some good PSUs, basing designs of of industry leaders like SeaSonic and Corsair.

    My friends Enigma 850w 80+ Gold seems to be working well powering a 2080 super and 9900k, even though this PSU was only $85 which is way cheaper than a comparable model from another brand.

    Riotoro has some ok looking cases aswell.

    Glad to see they are in another market.
    Reply
  • Bettat
    Way to go Riotoro. Can’t wait for the rPods!! And I want to see those chairs soon.
    I have Morpheus and I love how practical it is.

    Congrats to the Riotoro team!
    Reply