HP and Riot Games have turned a routine OEM tie-up into one of the smarter licensed drops of the year: the OMEN 35L VALORANT Limited Edition transforms HP’s capable OMEN 35L chassis into a fully themed VALORANT desktop with custom cosmetics, a magnetic Gun Buddy accessory, and a choice of contemporary Intel and NVIDIA hardware — all built on the same upgrade-friendly platform that HP is using as the backbone for its new esports-focused Stealth Edition. This limited-edition machine is shipping as a consumer-facing collectible while HP’s OMEN 35L Stealth Edition will serve as the official tournament rig for Riot’s League of Legends and VALORANT esports programs. (hp.com)
HP’s OMEN line has quietly matured into one of the more sensible pre-built gaming lines: it balances straight-line performance, tool-less upgradeability, and a case design that doesn't scream “bling” unless you want it to. The new OMEN 35L VALORANT Limited Edition is a collaboration that goes deeper than the average skin pack — HP applied VALORANT’s art direction to both external panels and internal accents, and bundles a magnetic “Gun Buddy” collectible modeled after the game’s cosmetic accessories. HP positions this as a limited-run retail offering for VALORANT fans and collectors, while the visually restrained OMEN 35L Stealth Edition will be the OEM’s tournament platform for Riot’s pro events. (hp.com)
The headline hardware options are contemporary and broadly competitive: Intel Core i7-14700F processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX-class discrete GPUs (configurations advertised include RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5070), DDR5 memory, and PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD options. HP is shipping multiple SKUs and allowing some configurability through its shop and major retailers. Prices at launch place the VALORANT Limited Edition in the mid-to-upper pre-built segment, with commonly promoted configurations landing around $1,600–$1,900 depending on GPU, memory, and storage. These specifics vary by retailer and configuration. (hp.com)
The inclusion of an actual in-box accessory — a magnetic Gun Buddy that can be attached to any metal surface — is small but smart. It’s a physical nod to the game’s microtransaction and skin culture without being ostentatious. For buyers who want a themed desk setup rather than a one-off museum piece, this is the right tone.
This matters for long-term value: gamers who buy a limited edition for the aesthetics can still swap GPUs, add storage, and upgrade memory in five years without killing the look.
The VALORANT Limited Edition ships with themed light profiles and presets that sync the Gun Buddy and internal RGB to OMEN Hub profiles. For esports players and competitive users, the Stealth Edition’s trick is the inverse: it removes RGB distractions, offering a “black box” experience that’s meant to disappear on stage during broadcasts. The coexistence of both consumer and pro-focused editions is a shrewd product segmentation.
Two strategic wins stand out. First, HP avoided the trap of turning a licensed product into an unusable display item; the VALORANT design choices preserve and even enhance the base platform’s utility. Second, aligning a consumer-limited edition with an official Stealth Edition for pro events ties the product to Riot’s competitive ecosystem rather than leaving it as a detached marketing stunt. The result is brand synergy that benefits both OEM and gamer: fans can own a piece of the esports stage, and Riot can present consistent hardware on broadcast stages. (riotgames.com)
Caveats remain: the themed finish commands a modest price premium, SKU clarity varies across retailers, and buyers seeking maximum GPU performance will inevitably look to higher-tier builds. But for the VALORANT player who wants a tasteful, upgrade-friendly desktop that reflects their fandom, HP’s OMEN 35L VALORANT Limited Edition is one of the better licensed builds shipped to retail in recent memory.
Conclusion
The OMEN 35L VALORANT Limited Edition is a well-executed licensed PC: it respects both the game’s visual language and the practical needs of PC owners. It’s not the cheapest route to high FPS, nor is it HP’s most extreme performance machine, but it offers a sensible blend of style, serviceability, and verified performance options — backed by HP’s wider partnership with Riot that places OMEN systems on the same stage as the pros. For gamers who want a themed, usable, and upgradable desktop tied to the esports scene, this release is a solid pick; for buyers focused exclusively on raw power-per-dollar, a plain 35L configured with higher-tier GPUs or a custom build may be a better investment. (bestbuy.com)
Source: Windows Central HP and Riot have teamed up to make this sweet limited-edition PC, and I've gotten my hands on one
HP’s OMEN line has quietly matured into one of the more sensible pre-built gaming lines: it balances straight-line performance, tool-less upgradeability, and a case design that doesn't scream “bling” unless you want it to. The new OMEN 35L VALORANT Limited Edition is a collaboration that goes deeper than the average skin pack — HP applied VALORANT’s art direction to both external panels and internal accents, and bundles a magnetic “Gun Buddy” collectible modeled after the game’s cosmetic accessories. HP positions this as a limited-run retail offering for VALORANT fans and collectors, while the visually restrained OMEN 35L Stealth Edition will be the OEM’s tournament platform for Riot’s pro events. (hp.com)The headline hardware options are contemporary and broadly competitive: Intel Core i7-14700F processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX-class discrete GPUs (configurations advertised include RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5070), DDR5 memory, and PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD options. HP is shipping multiple SKUs and allowing some configurability through its shop and major retailers. Prices at launch place the VALORANT Limited Edition in the mid-to-upper pre-built segment, with commonly promoted configurations landing around $1,600–$1,900 depending on GPU, memory, and storage. These specifics vary by retailer and configuration. (hp.com)
Design: A VALORANT makeover that actually matters
Subtle, faithful, and more than a sticker
A lot of licensed PCs treat branding as an afterthought: slap a decal on the glass and call it done. The OMEN 35L VALORANT Limited Edition takes a different route. The chassis remains the recognizable OMEN 35L at its core — a matte-black mid-tower with user-friendly internals — but HP reworked exterior panels, added etched graphics to the side glass, and gave the front a new glass layer designed to preserve airflow while presenting a cleaner faceplate. Red accents and VALORANT iconography are integrated across the exterior and interior, down to cable shrouds and some component covers.The inclusion of an actual in-box accessory — a magnetic Gun Buddy that can be attached to any metal surface — is small but smart. It’s a physical nod to the game’s microtransaction and skin culture without being ostentatious. For buyers who want a themed desk setup rather than a one-off museum piece, this is the right tone.
Internals and customization
One of the most important design choices for pre-built buyers is can I upgrade this thing without breaking it? The OMEN 35L keeps HP’s tradition of accessible internals: tool-less access, roomy drive cages, and standard ATX mounting for power supplies and GPUs. HP’s implementation of VALORANT-themed parts — colored accents and laser etching inside the chassis — preserves that upgradeability instead of locking customers into a bespoke, non-modular build.This matters for long-term value: gamers who buy a limited edition for the aesthetics can still swap GPUs, add storage, and upgrade memory in five years without killing the look.
Hardware and performance: specs verified
Key load-bearing specs for the VALORANT Limited Edition are straightforward but important to verify:- Processor options: the lineup prominently features the Intel Core i7-14700F in multiple configurations. This is a current-generation Core i7 that provides high single-thread and strong multi-thread throughput for esports titles and everyday workloads. (hp.com)
- GPU options: HP lists configurations up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 in some OMEN 35L variants, while the more commonly promoted Best Buy SKU for the VALORANT Limited Edition uses an RTX 5060 Ti (16 GB). These SKUs indicate HP is balancing cost and performance to target competitive gamers who value frame-rate headroom in titles like VALORANT over the absolute highest-end rasterization performance. (hp.com)
- Memory and storage: HP advertises up to 64 GB (and higher on non-stealth SKUs) of DDR5 memory and up to multiple terabytes of PCIe Gen4 NVMe storage across configured options. Typical retail configurations start with 16–32 GB DDR5 and 1 TB NVMe drives. (hp.com)
- Cooling and thermals: the chassis supports mainstream AIO liquid coolers and includes well-placed intake and exhaust paths, which HP claims will preserve competitive thermals even under extended loads. OMEN’s cooling stack and firmware have been tuned on prior 35L models to deliver stable sustained clocks, and HP’s marketing materials indicate this continues on the VALORANT and Stealth editions. (hp.com)
Software and services: OMEN Gaming Hub and OMEN AI
HP’s OMEN Gaming Hub remains the control center for RGB, performance profiles, and system monitoring. For the 2025 generation, HP has pushed OMEN AI as a software layer that dynamically optimizes CPU/GPU power, thermals, and frame delivery based on the title you run. HP says OMEN AI now supports titles such as Valorant and League of Legends for game-specific tuning; this is positioned as a convenience feature for players who prefer automatic optimization over manual tweaks. (hp.com)The VALORANT Limited Edition ships with themed light profiles and presets that sync the Gun Buddy and internal RGB to OMEN Hub profiles. For esports players and competitive users, the Stealth Edition’s trick is the inverse: it removes RGB distractions, offering a “black box” experience that’s meant to disappear on stage during broadcasts. The coexistence of both consumer and pro-focused editions is a shrewd product segmentation.
Pricing, availability, and SKUs: what to expect
At launch, HP’s own site and major retailers were carrying overlapping but not identical price points:- HP’s newsroom and shop pages posted a starting price and promotional language for the VALORANT and Stealth editions, with the Stealth Edition positioned as the more premium, broadcast-oriented model. HP’s direct-shop entries also list higher-tier OMEN 35L configurations with RTX 5070 and Core Ultra processors for buyers who want more top-end performance. (hp.com)
- Best Buy lists a VALORANT Limited Edition SKU (Intel Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 Ti, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD) with a pre-order price of $1,829.99 and shows a release/build-delivery schedule pinned to a fall shipping window. Retailer listings also show release dates and pre-order mechanisms for customers who want the themed chassis but don’t need the highest-end GPU. (bestbuy.com)
- Retail SKUs differ: expect pricing to ramp with better GPUs (RTX 5070 vs RTX 5060 Ti), larger SSDs, and higher RAM counts. The VALORANT Limited Edition is not a single SKU — it’s a themed configuration range.
- Limited-run characterization: HP markets the VALORANT edition as a limited edition, but stock appears broader than “one-off” collector systems: HP’s own shop and Best Buy show multiple configurations and pre-order windows, suggesting supply is planned at scale rather than a tiny artisan batch. Still, limited editions sell fast — expect demand from fans and collectors. (hp.com)
Who this PC is for — and who should think twice
The OMEN 35L VALORANT Limited Edition targets two overlapping audiences:- VALORANT fans who want a themed, display-ready desktop that reflects their interest in the franchise without compromising upgradeability.
- Competitive players and esports viewers who want a performance-first machine with Esports-grade components in a recognizable chassis.
- Fans who prioritize aesthetics: the VALORANT skin work is tasteful rather than gaudy, and the included Gun Buddy is a neat collector’s trinket.
- Gamers who want a reliable, upgradeable pre-built: standard ATX compatibility and HP’s established 35L internals make future swaps straightforward.
- Buyers seeking the absolute highest FPS-per-dollar or ultimate GPU performance: the VALORANT Limited Edition’s upper GPU range (RTX 5070) and Core i7 choices are strong, but they are not the absolute top-tier components available in boutique or custom builds.
- Shoppers on a tight budget: the themed finish and branding add cost compared to generic, near-identical OMEN 35L SKUs. If aesthetics don’t matter, non-themed 35L configurations may deliver better value.
Strengths: what HP and Riot did right
- Thoughtful thematic integration: VALORANT design elements are integrated into the chassis and internals rather than just stickers or box art. The result is a collectible that still looks like a serious PC.
- Upgradeability preserved: retaining ATX components and tool-less access preserves the long-term lifecycle and value of the purchase.
- Official esports partnership adds credibility: Riot naming OMEN as its hardware partner and the Stealth Edition as the official broadcast rig signals HP’s commitment to supporting pro events — and gives the consumer edition additional cachet. (riotgames.com)
- Balanced performance options: HP offers reasonable mid-to-high-end component pairings that align with what esports players need: strong single-thread performance CPU and GPUs capable of high frame rates in 1080p/1440p esports titles. (hp.com)
Risks and downsides: what to watch for
- Price premium for branding: themed hardware traditionally carries a markup. The VALORANT finish and bundled accessories justify some of that, but buyers focused purely on performance should compare with standard OMEN SKUs and white-label builds to confirm value. HP’s own shop and major retail prices show the premium in practice. (hp.com)
- SKU variability and configuration confusion: multiple retailers list different GPUs and release dates. Before buying, verify the exact model number and component list in the product page to avoid surprises (for example: i7-14700F with RTX 5060 Ti is not the same as an OMEN 35L configured with RTX 5070).
- Support and warranty nuances: limited editions can sometimes carry different return windows or warranty handling for bespoke panels and accessories; check HP’s standard warranty documentation and the retailer’s return policy before purchase.
- Future-proofing limits: while upgradeability is good, the chosen GPU tiers (RTX 5060 Ti / 5070) are optimized for current esports titles. For creators or players who want sustained high-resolution ray-traced performance in AAA games, higher-tier GPUs will be needed — increasing cost further. (hp.com)
How the VALORANT Limited Edition compares to the Stealth Edition and competitors
- OMEN 35L VALORANT Limited Edition — consumer-facing, themed, multiple retail SKUs with RTX 5060 Ti / 5070 options, decorative internals and a Gun Buddy collectible. It’s a priced-limited offering positioned for fans. (bestbuy.com)
- OMEN 35L Stealth Edition — matte-black, RGB-free, the official broadcast/competitive PC for League of Legends Esports and the VALORANT Champions Tour. Built to blend into the background on stage and prioritized by Riot for competitive events. The Stealth Edition is positioned as the pro-facing choice with similar internals but a different aesthetic and distribution channel. (hp.com)
- Competitor pre-builts — boutique builders and other OEMs offer similar mid-to-high configurations with different price points. The meaningful differentiator for HP is the Riot partnership and the value of an officially authorized consumer variant that mirrors tournament hardware.
Buying advice and the checklist before purchase
Before committing to a VALORANT Limited Edition purchase, follow this brief checklist:- Confirm the exact SKU and component list on the retailer product page (CPU model, GPU model, RAM, SSD size).
- Evaluate price versus a non-themed OMEN 35L with the same parts to measure the branding premium.
- Check the return policy and warranty for special edition parts and external accessories.
- Consider whether you need the included aesthetic extras or if you’d prefer to allocate budget to a higher-tier GPU or more RAM.
- If you’re buying for an esports setup or streaming, weigh the Stealth Edition (if available) against the Limited Edition for broadcast appropriateness. (hp.com)
Final analysis: why this limited edition matters
HP and Riot’s collaboration is notable for its balance of style, practicality, and reach. The OMEN 35L VALORANT Limited Edition is not a vanity-only collector’s piece nor a stripped-down pro rig — it sits in the sweet spot between the two: desirable aesthetics for fans, sensible internals for gamers, and enough configurability to be useful long after the euphoria of an unboxing fades.Two strategic wins stand out. First, HP avoided the trap of turning a licensed product into an unusable display item; the VALORANT design choices preserve and even enhance the base platform’s utility. Second, aligning a consumer-limited edition with an official Stealth Edition for pro events ties the product to Riot’s competitive ecosystem rather than leaving it as a detached marketing stunt. The result is brand synergy that benefits both OEM and gamer: fans can own a piece of the esports stage, and Riot can present consistent hardware on broadcast stages. (riotgames.com)
Caveats remain: the themed finish commands a modest price premium, SKU clarity varies across retailers, and buyers seeking maximum GPU performance will inevitably look to higher-tier builds. But for the VALORANT player who wants a tasteful, upgrade-friendly desktop that reflects their fandom, HP’s OMEN 35L VALORANT Limited Edition is one of the better licensed builds shipped to retail in recent memory.
Conclusion
The OMEN 35L VALORANT Limited Edition is a well-executed licensed PC: it respects both the game’s visual language and the practical needs of PC owners. It’s not the cheapest route to high FPS, nor is it HP’s most extreme performance machine, but it offers a sensible blend of style, serviceability, and verified performance options — backed by HP’s wider partnership with Riot that places OMEN systems on the same stage as the pros. For gamers who want a themed, usable, and upgradable desktop tied to the esports scene, this release is a solid pick; for buyers focused exclusively on raw power-per-dollar, a plain 35L configured with higher-tier GPUs or a custom build may be a better investment. (bestbuy.com)
Source: Windows Central HP and Riot have teamed up to make this sweet limited-edition PC, and I've gotten my hands on one