The Consumer Electronic Show is in full swing, and I must say, it is a bit overwhelming. The sheer size of this show is absolutely unbelievable, especially for a trade show noob like myself. So much to see, so much to do, and so much to demo.

At the Gaming Showcase, there are all kinds of cool gadgets and peripherals to check out. One of the coolest that I've come across so far is the Gamecenter PlayPOD.

It is a gaming chair unlike any I've seen or sat in before. The design of the unit is super-futuristic, and it is deceptively comfortable. It has room in the front for your game console/PC and TV/monitor. Run a couple of wires from the front to the back, and you're set to go.

Built into the back of the chair are two speakers that provide a completely immersive surround-sound experience. A volume knob on your right hand side ensures that you can blast your games' sounds as loud or as soft as you want, without disturbing the rest of your household.

With a design that looks like a small personal jet, it is only fitting that they were showing the unit with Ace Combat 6 on the 360. When I first sat down and hit the unpause button, the volume had been left at max, so I was sort of blown out by the sound. But a quick adjustment of the volume and I was much more comfortable.

Speaking of comfort, the chair itself in the unit is remarkably plush, allowing you to sink into the seat. A manual lever under the seat allows you to move back or forward to adjust for legroom.

Gamecenter expects the PlayPOD to hit the market in the third quarter of this year. No price has been announced yet, but I expect (based on nothing but pure speculation) that it'll be in the low four figures. And it is worth every cent!

Here's the official release:

PlayPOD™ Multi-tainment center.

“What the heck is that?”  “I WANT ONE!”

First ever Gamer Theater unleashed at CES 2008.

Designed to house all your interactive entertainment needs. Gamers can now place in one piece of furniture a game console/PC, TV/monitor and all the included accessories, games and movies.

PlayPOD™ combines these elements by providing a cohesive design that integrates seating, storage and play area.

Normally these elements are seen as separate problems at home, but not so in your car, a fighter cockpit or even the space shuttle, where sustained performance is crucial.

PlayPOD™ gets the job done by immersing the user in an enclosed play area specifically created to maximize the enjoyment of inter active media.

PlayPOD™ "Where Your Games Live".