When Particula realized Harry Potter’s self-moving chess in real life back in 2023, it did not secure an official license to turn it into must-have Harry Potter merch. Fast forward to 2026, and Particula finally did it: it released an officially licensed set inspired by the giant Underground Chamber scene (the Final Challenge) from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Aptly called Harry Potter GoChess Wizard Alive, this high-tech, collectible chess set did not call upon Professor McGonagall to cast enchantments on it. Like the original product, it uses internal micro-robots to physically move the pieces automatically on the surface.
Under the hood, or in this instant, the chessboard, is a sophisticated four-micro-robot setup because it’s Harry freaking Potter. How could this franchise receive anything less than technology equivalent to proper, powerful Transfiguration and Charm spells, am I right?
The Wizard Alive model is an officially licensed Warner Bros. product created specifically for the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. It boasts custom-molded miniatures replicating the giant stone warrior statues from the film’s climax chamber, along with a thematic board and trim, including a stone/marble look replicating the movie’s underground arena.
Just like in the movie, you can call your move as Ron did, and the pieces move by themselves, and if you so desire, the board can play against you—also like in the film.
Other features include 32 levels of difficulty, real-time light coaching, and connected global play that lets you play anyone, anywhere—even if they are halfway across the world. The latter uses the GoChess app to link seamlessly with Lichess and Chess.com, transforming any online opponent into a vivid experience on the board.
Particula is releasing GoChess Wizard Alive with a limited first numbered edition of just 1,000 units. Each board comes with a certificate authenticating its unique production number. It has a retail price of US$999 with a special pre-order price of US$699. The catch is that the pre-order campaign, presumably along with this special price, closes in less than two days. Shipping is expected to be in December 2026.
Images: Particula.
