PHANTOM Chessboard Review: The Smart self-moving Chess Set

Do you recall Phantom crowdfunding campaign back in 2021, that dropped a mysterious video? Dim lighting. Polished wood. And then, chess pieces gliding silently across the board like real magic. That was PHANTOM. A robotic, AI-powered chessboard launched on Kickstarter & Indiegogo. Wrapped in handcrafted elegance. It promised something bold : No screens, no gimmicks just real chess pieces moving by themselves, it aimed to merge the tactile beauty of traditional chess with the perks of online play. Now in mid-2025. Units must have shipped. And the big question: Did PHANTOM Chessboard deliver on it’s crowdfunding promises or is it another overhyped campaign that crumbles in the endgame? The proof is in the reviews.

Overview of the Project:

Phantom crowdfunding campaign raised $1,912,092 pledged of $6,000 funding goal from 3,390 humble backers on Kickstarter. This is an impressive momentum, a remarkable enthusiasm. This shows the project resonates with a large audience. But the big question still remains Did PHANTOM Chessboard deliver on it’s crowdfunding promises?

First Impressions: Luxury or Letdown?

Unboxing the Phantom Chessboard would feel less like opening a gadget, and more like joining an exclusive club of design enthusiasts and chess lovers.

The board looks hefty, polished, and visually stunning.
Real wood, with no cheap plasticky shortcuts.
The pieces appear weighted & well-crafted, more like “collector’s item” than “kickstarter gadget.”
Buyers can choose between Minimal Scandi-chic or Classical Staunton classic design.

This is clearly not a toy, but a premium display piece with hidden robotic powers.

Gameplay Experience: Chess Wizardry or crowdfunding Hype?

This is where PHANTOM Chessboard either prooves itself or collapses like other failed crowdfunding campaigns. The Phantom campaign is said to have:

Autonomous movements which are smooth and silent, mesmerizing to watch.
Online play integration letting you battle any opponents worldwide.
Built in AI opponents, providing a challenging gameplay.

The reviews would reveal whether Phantom Crowdfunding campaign delivered on these promises, if it’s not just hype like other kickstarter and indiegogo campaigns products that looks better in videos than in real life.

Final Verdict: A Win for the Chessboard Hall of Fame?

Many campaigns on kickstarter and indiegogo overpromised and underdelivered. Some even collapsed before shipping a unit. PHANTOM however, proves that with the right mix of AI technology, robotics and premium craftmanship, a crowdfunded product can exceed expectations. The Phantom chessboard pitched itself as not just a product but an experience. From it’s premium build to it’s futuristic yet elegant gameplay. It looks poised to enter the hall of fame of crowdfunded innovations.

PHANTOM Backers: Share your reviews

If you received your Phantom chessboard, we want to hear from you.

How was setup experience for you?
Did you encounter bugs or was it all brilliance?
Are you playing more than you expected or has it turned into a crowdfunding dust magnet?

Drop your reviews, setup stories, game clips in the comments. The more we insight shared, the sharper this magical crowdfunded chessboard becomes.

Visit the Campaign: PHANTOM. The Robotic Chessboard Made of Real Wood