Rise Up to Defeat Disease With a Gaming Mask

Many people are doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing masks when out and about. But who’s thinking of the folks who play games? Spec Computer is, thanks to their fancy new Gaming Mask [Thanks, Famitsu]

Technically called the “illumi-ON,” this Gaming Mask isn’t another mask with, say, a Mario Mustache on it. Instead, the “gaming” aura is provided by some built-in colored LED lighting. It’s in keeping with a running joke on Japanese social media about making random items more “gaming” by adding rainbow lighting (case in point: The Gaming Kitchen Knife), though this is an actual product you can buy.

The LED lighting in the gaming mask is woven into the sides, and set up diffuse the effect through the whole mask. The fabric comes in black and white, and can cycle through seven colors: red, green, blue, yellow, cyan, purple, and white. It can also display four lighting patterns, including a strobe effect and cycling. The lights are controlled through a small button on the side of the mask.

Spec Computer envisions a set of use cases for the gaming mask, like increasing the hype level of a gaming session, matching the color scheme at a concert or while watching a performance, or even increasing safety while walking around at night.

One wrinkle: Due to the electronics in the mask, the gaming mask isn’t suitable for washing. It’s also not medical-grade (Spec Computer officially classify it as a “mouth cover”), and as such it’s best to add additional filters or layers when wearing the mask.

The illumi-ON gaming mask comes with adjustable straps, a disposable PM 2.5 filter, and a micro-USB charger cable. It will be available for purchase on Amazon Japan, Yahoo Shopping, and direct from SPEC Computer starting August 21. It will cost JPY 2,970 (about $29 USD).