Features

Best Video Games of 2017 (Q1 Edition)

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2017 is shaping up to be a banner year for video games. With a bevy of new releases flooding the first quarter of the year, GadgetMatch is here to help you pick out the best.

Based on order of release:

Resident Evil 7

Miss the genuine terror of being vulnerable in the old Resident Evil games? The seventh installment in the hallowed survival horror series gets back to basics, thrusting you into a labyrinthine estate of a deranged, murderous family. You have only your wits and whatever you can find in that madhouse to survive. It also marks a franchise first, as the whole game is set in first-person, shoving every jump scare right in your face. Play the whole game on PlayStation VR if you dare!

Available on Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One (January 24)

Yakuza 0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45ghK1zX0Rk

Fans of the cult Japanese gangster sim finally get the origin stories for antiheroes Kiryu and Majima in Yakuza 0. Showing their struggle as they rise through the ranks of the Tojo clan, this prequel also works as an introduction for series newbies to the twisting intrigue and occasionally wacky world of Yakuza. It uses the economic bubble period of 1988 Tokyo and Osaka to maximum effect, casting a light on the politicking, backstabbing, and brawling of organized crime with glitz and grit.

Available on PlayStation 4 (January 24)

Nioh

Hardcore action RPG gamers who love the challenge of Dark Souls need not worry about the end of that particular franchise. Nioh is a worthy successor to the unforgiving tactical combat throne. It’s set in a fictional feudal Japan where demons are wreaking havoc across the war-torn lands, and it’s up to you, the Irish swordsman William, to put an end to this yokai menace. With responsive controls, a varied arsenal of medieval weaponry, and intense boss battles, Nioh is the “Samurai Souls” you’ve always wanted.

Available on PlayStation 4 (February 7)

For Honor

If fighting AI-controlled opponents has gotten too predictable but you still want to live out that middle ages power fantasy, then For Honor is for you. It’s a competitive online multiplayer brawler that pits knights versus vikings versus samurai. There is a single-player campaign that serves as a short tutorial to the frenetic large-scale battles and intricate duels. When you’re ready to face actual humans, jump into team fights and one-on-one affairs where you clash for control over multi-tiered maps littered with computer mobs, or just see who can slay their enemies more.

Available on Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One (February 14)

Night in the Woods

Compelling conflicts in games don’t always involve extreme competition. Sometimes, they take on the form of an existential crisis, such as finding your once ambitious college-educated self returning to your backwater hometown, realizing you’re not the hotshot you thought you were. This is Night in the Woods, a charming, introspective story-heavy adventure game where you talk to fellow anthropomorphic animals rendered in punchy 2D cartoon art, and make small but weighty decisions.

Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and PlayStation 4 (February 21)

Horizon Zero Dawn

Ever had that childhood dream of fighting and taming cool robot dinosaurs? Horizon Zero Dawn fulfills that fantasy through a gorgeous post-post-apocalyptic wilderness where long-lost technology is as mystical as magic. You play as the determined, redheaded hunter Aloy on a quest for redemption. Master a vast open world chock-full of savage mechanical beasts and majestic vistas that rival Uncharted 4‘s visuals. It’s also the best reason for getting a PS4 Pro, as the game’s graphical fidelity takes full advantage of the upgraded console’s 4K resolution and HDR lighting capabilities.

Available on PlayStation 4 (February 28)

Torment: Tides of Numenera

Old-school CRPG enthusiasts who hail the cult hit Planescape: Torment as the gold standard of the genre are raving about this crowdfunded spiritual sequel. Torment: Tides of Numenera wears its forebears’ influence proudly, with its classic isometric camera, pre-rendered backgrounds and 3D art, and pages and pages of text for dialogue and world-building. If complex characters and difficult choices are what you’re looking for, then you’ll enjoy the well-written narrative Torment weaves based on your every action.

Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One (February 28)

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

What better way to say goodbye to the Wii U and hello to the Nintendo Switch than with a boldly ambitious title from a flagship franchise? The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild isn’t revolutionary, taking on sandbox and survival game conventions such as a sprawling map, stamina and equipment management, and crafting. It’s how Nintendo refines these mechanics and melds them with familiar Zelda trappings, resulting in an immersive world of dynamism and discovery on an unprecedented scale. Play it on the Switch for the optimum experience, but the Wii U version is fine if you’re on a budget.

Available on Wii U and Nintendo Switch (March 3)

Snipperclips

In case the new Zelda isn’t enough for you to get a Switch, Snipperclips might just do the trick. Take control of Snip and Clip, two anthropomorphic shapes with meme-worthy reaction faces, and solve a variety of puzzles by cutting each of the two into the appropriate, well, shapes to interact with the environment. You can play through the game by yourself, but it truly shines when you’re sharing the joy (and the frustration) with friends and family.

Available on Nintendo Switch (March 3)

Nier: Automata

Plenty of sci-fi stories across all media have meditated on consciousness, sapience, and morality through the lens of artificial intelligence. There just hasn’t been a video game that does so with the perfect balance of style and substance until Nier: Automata. It blends super cool swordplay with breakneck bullet hell into a ballet of brutality, all the while philosophizing over what it means to be human. Pro-tip: keep playing after the credits roll, and get ready to have your mind blown and your heart broken.

Available on Windows and PlayStation 4 (March 7)

SEE ALSO: 8 new facts about the Nintendo Switch

[irp posts=”9530″ name=”8 new facts about the Nintendo Switch”]

Accessories

CASETiFY Match: Finding the right case for your Galaxy Z8 Series phone

Cases that match your personality

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CASETiFY cases for Galaxy Z8 series phones

A phone case can be more than protection. It can also be a way to show off your interests, personality, and the little things that make you, well, you.

For our CASETiFY Match for the Galaxy Z8 Series, we asked the team one question: Why was this CASETiFY design your Match?

From Spider-Man fandom and capybara obsession to feline-inspired art and snake motifs, here are the designs that found their way into our team’s everyday carry, plus a couple of bonus picks worth checking out.

Rodneil: A little New York energy for a certified web-head

If it wasn’t obvious enough, I’m a certified web-head. I love anything and everything Spider-Man, especially the iconic red-and-blue motif. Though, if we’re being honest, I’m more partial to the red.

I had my eyes on the Spider-Man suit design for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and the Spider-Man Mask Snappy Grip Stand. Unfortunately, those designs aren’t available for the Galaxy Z Fold8.

So, I went with a design that gives off a bit of New York energy instead. It still pairs nicely with the Spidey Snappy Grip Stand, letting me bring a little of that Spider-Man vibe to my everyday setup.

V: Keeping it cool with capybaras

I’ve been a capybara stan since 2020, long before the world finally caught up with just how cute and chill these animals are. Seeing them get the recognition they deserve has been a source of much excitement.

Finding cool and cute capybara cases and accessories for the phones I use every day, however, hasn’t always been easy.

That’s where Deville Dewil’s capybara collection comes in. It fills that gap while making my Galaxy Z Fold8 feel like an even more personal accessory.

At this point, I’d like to identify as a capy/bara.

Luigi: A cat design that’s playful without being too loud

There’s no shortage of cat-themed cases out there. If you’re a cat lover like me, chances are you’ve considered one at some point.

The tricky part is finding a design that isn’t too whimsical or loud. I love the little furballs, but I still want something sleek and clean.

CASETiFY’s cat collection speaks to that balance. In particular, this design by Catwheezie blends artistry with a touch of whimsy. It lets me show off my personality without being too flashy.

MJ: A little reputation energy

I’ve always had a soft spot for snake motifs, and CASETiFY’s Transparent Kingsnake case gives me Taylor Swift’s reputation era energy.

I love how snakes symbolize transformation. As someone who’s always evolving and never afraid to reinvent himself, that meaning feels personal.

The black-and-white design also brings a sleek, rebellious edge. Paired with my Galaxy Z Flip8, it’s giving statement accessory with a little bite.

Bonus Match: Sunglasses at Night

Sometimes, keeping it simple is the way to go. The Sunglasses at Night design is tasteful and understated, letting me show off the actual color of my phone without competing with it.

Bonus Match: Pink Weekly Planner

For the girls (and gaes) who plan their days–and life–ahead. And of course, for when they need to keep their Wednesdays pink.

Find your Match

There’s no single way to find a phone case that feels right. It might be a favorite character, an animal you’ve loved for years, a piece of art, or a symbol that means something to you.

For our team, the right CASETiFY design is the one that brings a little more personality to a device we carry every day.

So, which design would be your Match?

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Hands-On

Apple iPhone Duo Unboxing and Hands-on

Supported apps, crease, cameras, and MagSafe all tested

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Apple’s iPhone Duo is finally here!

Aside from unboxing the all-new iPhone-dable in Night Sky, we take a closer look at the display crease, check out the under-display camera quality, see which MagSafe accessories work with it.

Most of all, which apps support it (or not).

But how well does the dual-screen experience on an iPhone actually work? Watch our Apple iPhone Duo unboxing and hands-on to know more!

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Buyer's Guide

iPhone Duo Philippines: Prices, installments, and where to buy

Compare prices and payment options

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The iPhone Duo is now available for pre-order in the Philippines. Apple’s first foldable iPhone comes in four storage configurations, with promotional prices ranging from PhP 159,990 to PhP 254,990.

But which model should you buy, and where should you get it?

Several authorized retailers offer discounted launch prices, 0% credit card installments, and pre-order bundles. Eligible bank promotions can also reduce the price by thousands of pesos.

Here’s what you need to know before ordering.

iPhone Duo Philippines price list

Storage Regular SRP Promotional price
256GB PhP 170,990 PhP 159,990
512GB PhP 187,990 PhP 175,990
1TB PhP 221,990 PhP 207,990
2TB PhP 271,990 PhP 254,990

The promotional prices are based on Power Mac Center’s published exclusive launch offer. Other retailers may have different payment requirements or participating bank promotions.

Prices reflect Power Mac Center’s published exclusive launch offer and may differ across retailers. We’ll update this guide as we verify each store’s latest offers.

Pre-orders run from October 16 to 29, 2026, ahead of the October 30 launch.

Which storage should you buy? Get the 512GB

Our recommendation is simple: skip the 256GB and get the 512GB iPhone Duo.

At PhP 159,990, the 256GB version is already an expensive purchase. While it offers enough storage for everyday tasks, it could become restrictive as your photo library, videos, games, and downloaded files grow.

The 512GB model costs PhP 16,000 more under the promotional pricing. That buys twice the storage capacity without the significantly larger price jump to 1TB.

Spread across 24 months, the difference is approximately PhP 667 per month.

For a phone this expensive, we’d rather pay that difference than constantly manage storage or rely on cloud subscriptions.

The 1TB and 2TB configurations remain options for people who regularly shoot large amounts of video or need substantial offline storage. However, most buyers won’t need to spend that much.

The 512GB iPhone Duo offers the best balance of storage and price.

Where to buy the iPhone Duo in the Philippines

Power Mac Center

Power Mac Center offers the iPhone Duo 512GB at an exclusive launch price of PhP 175,990.

Its published installment options include:

Term Monthly payment
24 months at 0% PhP 7,332.92
36 months at 0% PhP 4,888.61

The 24-month option is available with credit cards and Home Credit under the published offer. The 36-month option is subject to eligible bank cards and promotional periods.

Installment amounts are based on Power Mac Center’s published promotional pricing and applicable 0% installment terms. Actual payments depend on the eligible card and transaction. We’ll update this section as we verify the latest terms.

Power Mac Center also operates UpTrade, which lets customers trade in eligible devices toward a new purchase.

Beyond the Box

Beyond the Box offers iPhone Duo pre-orders with installment options of 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months at participating physical stores. Online payment options differ.

Using the PhP 175,990 promotional price as a comparison, a 0% installment would cost:

Term Monthly payment
12 months PhP 14,665.83
24 months PhP 7,332.92
36 months PhP 4,888.61
Monthly payments are illustrative calculations based on the PhP 175,990 promotional price, assuming 0% interest and no additional fees. Confirm the final price and available installment terms with Beyond the Box before purchasing. We’ll update this section once the retailer confirms its current offers.

Beyond the Box also advertises a pre-order accessory bundle worth over PhP 22,000 at listed retail prices. It includes a Speck case, Urbanista speaker, Function101 charger, Momax speaker flask, Bellroy tech kit, and other accessories.

The retailer says qualifying pre-orders receive the gift bundle, subject to availability. Buyers can also explore its BoxTrade program.

Digital Walker

Digital Walker participates in iPhone Duo pre-orders and selected bank promotions.

Using the PhP 175,990 promotional price as a comparison, the illustrative monthly payments would be:

Term Monthly payment
12 months at 0% PhP 14,665.83
24 months at 0% PhP 7,332.92
These are calculated examples, not confirmed Digital Walker quotations. Actual pricing depends on the final transaction, participating bank, and installment terms. We’ll update this section when the retailer confirms its current offers.

Digital Walker also participates in the Live Beyond Grand Raffle, which gives qualifying iPhone Duo purchases a chance to win an exclusive dinner for two at Toyo Eatery. The raffle is a chance to win, not a guaranteed purchase benefit.

Digimap

Digimap offers the iPhone Duo through its retail channels, with participating bank promotions and its DigiTrade program.

Metrobank lists Digimap among its participating retailers offering special iPhone Duo cash pricing.

For the 512GB model, the reference promotional price is PhP 175,990. At 0% interest, that would equal PhP 14,665.83 monthly over 12 months or PhP 7,332.92 over 24 months.

These amounts are illustrative calculations, not verified Digimap installment quotations. Digimap’s exact installment amounts and applicable terms have not yet been independently verified. We’ll update this section once the retailer confirms its current offers.

Buyers should compare the final cash price against available credit card installment offers. Trade-in credits may also reduce the amount payable, depending on the assessed value of the device.

The Loop

The Loop participates in several iPhone Duo bank promotions, including an offer from Security Bank.

The retailer’s reference promotional price for the 512GB model is PhP 175,990. At 0% interest, the illustrative payments would be:

Term Monthly payment
12 months PhP 14,665.83
24 months PhP 7,332.92
These are calculated examples based on the reference promotional price, not confirmed quotations from The Loop. Actual payments depend on eligible bank cards and transaction terms. We’ll update this section as we verify the latest offers.

The Loop also participates in bank-specific discounts. Buyers should check whether their card qualifies and whether the discount can be combined with other retailer offers.

Bank discounts can make a difference

Security Bank currently advertises a PhP 5,000 discount on qualifying iPhone Duo purchases at participating retailers, including Power Mac Center, Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, and The Loop.

For the 512GB model, that brings the promotional reference price from PhP 175,990 to PhP 170,990.

Installment term Monthly payment
12 months at 0% PhP 14,249.17
24 months at 0% PhP 7,124.58
36 months at 0% PhP 4,749.72
Monthly payments are calculated from the PhP 170,990 discounted price, assuming an eligible 0% installment transaction with no additional fees. The discount is subject to the bank’s promotional terms and participating merchant conditions. We’ll update this section if the offer changes.

EastWest also advertises savings of up to PhP 17,000 on qualifying iPhone Duo purchases at Power Mac Center and The Loop. Its promotion includes 0% installment options for 12 or 24 months, with the final discount depending on the applicable terms.

Metrobank separately lists iPhone Duo offers at Power Mac Center, The Loop, Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, and Digimap. Benefits differ by merchant and transaction.

Before choosing a payment method, check the final amount payable. Some bank offers cannot be combined with other promotions.

iPhone Duo

Postpaid options: Smart and Globe

Smart Communications

Smart offers the iPhone Duo through Postpaid Plans+ 1999, with advertised monthly payments starting at PhP 6,304.

The offer includes an open-line device, a choice of Unli App bundle, 12 months of UNLI 5G, and high-priority network access.

Customers who qualify for the pre-order promotion can also receive 18GB of additional Open Access Data valid for three months, a PhP 5,000 voucher for select Smart accessories, and 18% off select Digimap accessories.

Online pre-orders also qualify for a complimentary AirTag, subject to the offer’s conditions.

Smart supports zero-interest credit card installments over 24 months with select banks. Renewing subscribers may qualify for 36-month device payments charged to their postpaid bill.

Advertised monthly payments and promotional benefits are subject to Smart’s eligibility requirements and offer conditions. The total cost depends on the selected device configuration and plan. We’ll update this section as we verify the complete cost breakdown.

Globe Telecom

Globe also offers Apple devices through its postpaid channels.

However, we have not independently verified a complete iPhone Duo price and installment breakdown for its current GPlan offers.

Buyers considering Globe should compare the device cashout, monthly plan fee, contract duration, and total payable amount against the outright retail price.

Globe’s current iPhone Duo device pricing and installment terms have not yet been independently verified. We’ll update this section when the relevant details are available.

Should you trade in your old phone?

Trading in an existing device can reduce the cost of upgrading.

Power Mac Center, Beyond the Box, and Digimap operate trade-in programs. However, final valuations depend on the device’s condition, storage, and assessment results.

Before committing, compare the assessed trade-in value against potential private-sale prices. Also check whether a trade-in bonus can be combined with the promotional price and bank discounts.

What should you check before buying?

Before placing an order, keep these points in mind:

  • Final price: Confirm the amount you’ll actually pay after eligible discounts.
  • Installments: Compare total cost, monthly payments, and any additional fees.
  • Freebies: Check which gifts are guaranteed and whether they’re subject to availability.
  • Stock: Confirm the availability of your preferred storage configuration and color.
  • Trade-ins: Ask for the final assessed value and any promotional bonus.
  • Warranty: Understand the standard warranty and any optional protection plan.
  • Network compatibility: Confirm eSIM support if you’re keeping your existing number.
  • Delivery: Ask when your order is expected to arrive, particularly if the model is on back order.

Is the iPhone Duo worth buying?

The iPhone Duo starts at PhP 159,990, putting it firmly in premium flagship territory. Its foldable design offers a larger screen for viewing content, gaming, and multitasking while retaining a compact outer display when closed.

For most buyers, we’d recommend the 512GB model at PhP 175,990. It offers twice the base storage for PhP 16,000 more, without the much larger price jump to 1TB.

Power Mac Center currently provides one of the clearest published installment schedules, while Beyond the Box offers a substantial pre-order accessory bundle.

Security Bank cardholders should pay particular attention to the PhP 5,000 discount available at participating retailers. Smart is another option for buyers who already want a postpaid subscription, although its total contract cost deserves closer examination.

Ultimately, compare the final amount payable, not just the advertised monthly payment. The right offer should give you the storage you need without unnecessary charges or restrictions.

Last updated: October 17, 2026. We are verifying retailer-specific prices, installment terms, trade-in offers, and freebies. This guide will be updated as additional details are confirmed.
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