Image: Nextgear
Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- PCWorld highlights NextGear’s innovative Clear Shift PC case that features tempered glass panels switching instantly between transparent and frosted modes at the push of a button.
- This switchable glass technology offers aesthetic flexibility for users, providing a clear mode to showcase RGB components or a professional stealth mode appearance.
- The case is currently available only with NextGear pre-built systems, priced from $1,070 to $1,719 USD, appealing to PC enthusiasts seeking unique customization options.
I’ve said it many times before: when I build my desktop PCs, I want them to look like little refrigerators. No glass, no RGB. But I must admit, this NextGear design is incredibly appealing. With its Clear Shift case, the tempered glass panels on the side and front can shift from transparent to frosted in about one second.
Even at its most opaque, the system lets a fair bit of light through, showing off RGB parts even if it won’t actually let you see what they are. Promotional material (machine translated) refers to the two glass settings as “clear mode” and “stealth mode.” The idea appears to be that you can get a slightly more professional look when necessary—for, I don’t know, a video meeting or something. This feature doesn’t need a justification if you ask me, though. It’s just cool.
Nextgear
The Mouse-jp.co.jp store (spotted by VideoCardz.com) is selling various configurations of the NextGear pre-built. They start at 164,800 yen (about $1,070 USD) for a Ryzen 5 4500 and RTX 3050, all the way up to a Ryzen 7 7700 and Radeon RX 9060XT for 264,800 yen (about $1,719 USD). That seems a little understated in terms of power for such a fancy case, which, unfortunately, isn’t available as a separate purchase. Maybe we’ll see it pop up at some point.
Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer, PCWorld
Michael is a 10-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE. On PCWorld he’s the resident keyboard nut, always using a new one for a review and building a new mechanical board or expanding his desktop “battlestation” in his off hours. Michael’s previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he’s covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he’s always looking forward to his next kayaking trip.
