Gaming
ASUS ROG Phone 5 Series now official
Yes. Series. There’s more than one.
ASUS ROG just keeps upping the ante on their gaming smartphone. On its fourth iteration, the ROG Phone 5 (yes, it’s the fourth on the series despite the name), is as powerful as ever and now there’s three of them: ROG Phone 5, ROG Phone 5 Pro, and ROG Phone 5 Ultimate.
The upgrades mostly come in all the places that matter, but there’s also a new feature that takes inspiration from one of their gaming laptops. 😉
Still a specs beast
Let’s start with the things that all three members of the ROG Phone 5 series have in common — they’re all spec monsters. Here’s a quick and easy look at the kind of power and performance they’re packing:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G processor
Snapdragon Elite Gaming allows for ultra-smooth play at the highest possible HDR quality levels, with desktop-level capabilities. It also debuts Qualcomm Game Quick Touch that gives up to a 20 percent increase in touch responsiveness and lower latency.
There’s also a 35 percent increase in GPU performance and 25 percent in CPU performance. These are numbers based on ASUS ROG’s tests.
Upgraded GameCool 5 cooling system
GameCool 5 now has an optimum thermal structure featuring a centered CPU with the battery split into two parts, one located on each side of the CPU. This ensures the heat generated by the CPU is transferred to all the edges and corners of the chassis simultaneously for higher thermal efficiency.
The reshaped 3D vapor chamber and extensive graphite sheets also help to spread the heat evenly across the device to reduce heat build-up in the middle.
The completely revamped AeroActive Cooler 5 now intakes and expels more air directly onto the center of the phone — right where the CPU is –to drop CPU temperature. A little bummer though, as this will no longer come as a default accessory unlike in past models.
Armoury Crate new performance manager
The X Mode now has multiple system profiles to cater to a variety of settings and performance tuning tools. This lets users put to all of the phone’s RAM to good use. Speaking of RAM, the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate is seriously packing with its 18GB LPDDR5 RAM. Intense.
A performance display
The series has a 6.78” Samsung AMOLED display. For the refresh rate, it’s a whopping 144Hz and has a touch sampling rate of 300Hz. That’s super smooth and ultra-low touch latency.
The screen is also made with the toughest Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. It also has an always-on HDR tech that improves non-HDR visuals.
Battery king
The ROG Phone has always been a long-lasting device. That remains true with the ROG Phone 5. It has a 6,000mAh battery but now, ROG also made a few tweaks so it saves energy when it needs to.
These come in the form of software optimizations that limit the power consumption of inactive apps. ASUS says this gives up to 67 percent of power savings. There’s also charging improvements like a charging upper limit, steady charging, enhanced scheduled charging.
Speaking charging, there’s a bundled 65W HyperCharge adapter. They didn’t provide an estimate on how fast it goes from zero to 100 but 65W should be pretty fast even for a 6,000mAh battery.
New to ROG Phone 5 Pro and Ultimate — ROG Vision
Do you remember the AniMe Matrix on the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14? The ROG Phone 5 Pro and Ultimate have something like that. It’s called the ROG Vision.
It functions similarly in that it gives another layer of personalization through an extra display at the back of the phone but this one isn’t built with mini-LED lights.
The ROG Phone 5 Pro features a color ROG Vision display, while the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate has a monochrome version.
Even more gaming centric features
ROG put extra care in making sure the ROG Phone 5 gives more control to the user. The AirTrigger 5 now gives the player four distinct ways to interact with the phone. Put the AeroActive Cooler 5 on and you get two extra physical buttons for a close-to-console gaming experience.
It also supports 10 different motion controls. ASUS cites a racing game as a scenario. Gamers can swivel the phone to steer or pull it towards them to brake. It might take a while to get used to but these seem like thoughtful additions.
Pro and Ultimate
Naturally the Pro and Ultimate versions have more to offer. Both versions of the ROG Phone 5 have hidden rear touch sensors which provide L2/R2-like functions similar to most game controllers.
GameFX audio
Rounding up the gaming experience is the audio. The ROG Phone 5 series now incorporates symmetrical seven-magnet dual speakers for truly balanced stereo sound effects. There’s also a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and a hi-fi-grade ESS DAC for lossless audio processing.
The AudioWizard audio-tuning app has also been completely revamped to optimize sound for different audio styles, including Game, Cinema, and Music settings.
Themes and customization
Like previous ROG Phones, you get the option to have the gamer-centric UI or the more toned down material design look. ASUS also partnered with some of the most popular game titles for different theme packs to give you more ways to spruce up the ROG Phone 5’s looks.
Colors, Configurations, and Pricing
ROG Phone 5
- Phantom Black and Storm White
- Up to 16GB RAM/ 256GB ROM
- Starts at EUR 799
- March 2021
ROG Phone 5 Pro
- Phantom Black
- Up to 16GB RAM/ 512GB ROM
- Starts at EUR 1199
- April 2021
ROG Phone 5 Ultimate
- Storm White
- Up to 18GB RAM/ 512GB ROM
- Starts at EUR 1299
- May 2021
Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.
Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.
The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.
Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.
Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.
SEE ALSO: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is out now
Riot Games is celebrating the return of virtual K-pop group K/DA with new music, exclusive skins, and major gameplay updates in League of Legends: Wild Rift Patch 7.3.
After a six-year hiatus, K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER, the group’s newest track and the title track of an EP featuring three additional songs. The release marks a new chapter for the virtual group, which brings its latest musical era to the mobile MOBA through the new HEATBRINGER skinline.
To celebrate the comeback, Riot Games hosted FIRE IT UP: The K/DA Comeback Party in the Philippines. The event brought fans together for a listening party featuring music from across Riot Games’ virtual acts, live Wild Rift gameplay, community activities, and exclusive photo opportunities.
Attendees also experienced live AAA ARAM matches featuring gameplay disruptions and augments inspired by Riot Games’ musical universe, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.
K/DA returns with new HEATBRINGER skins
The K/DA comeback introduces the HEATBRINGER skinline, featuring new looks for the group’s four original members: Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa.
The skins give the champions a new visual identity inspired by K/DA’s latest musical era, with fiery red and white elements that bring their stage presence to the Rift.
The collection also includes Prestige K/DA HEATBRINGER Evelynn.
The new skins are exclusive to Wild Rift and are scheduled to launch on November 4, 2026.
The comeback extends beyond the cosmetics. With FIRESTARTER and its accompanying EP now available on major music streaming platforms, K/DA’s return brings together Riot Games’ music and gaming communities.
Wild Rift Patch 7.3 overhauls marksmen and item builds
Beyond the K/DA celebration, Patch 7.3 introduces significant gameplay changes that reshape champion builds, jungle strategies, and objective control.
One of the biggest changes targets marksmen, giving critical-strike builds more room to scale. Base critical-strike damage increases from 175% to 200%, while the attack-speed cap rises from 2.5 to 3 attacks per second.
Several marksmen also receive individual adjustments, including Ezreal, Kai’Sa, Twitch, Lucian, Caitlyn, Draven, Miss Fortune, Samira, Zeri, Jinx, Vayne, and Ashe.
The item system gets an overhaul to support these changes. Players can explore new or redesigned options, including Hexoptics, Yun Tal Wildarrows, Fiendhuler Bolts, Stormrazor, Rapid Firecannon, and Immortal Shieldbow.
Lifesteal also receives changes intended to support basic attacks, on-hit damage, and abilities treated as basic attacks.
Support items are part of the update, too. Echoes of Helia is positioned toward offensive supports who want to convert damage into healing, while Ardent Censer, Staff of Flowing Water, and Harmonic Echo also receive changes.
Jungle changes reward efficient farming
Patch 7.3 also changes how junglers approach the early and mid-game.
The updated jungle system rewards consistent camp clearing with bonus gold and introduces a catch-up mechanic for junglers who fall behind. This reduces the pressure to constantly gank and encourages players to balance farming with opportunities to assist their teammates.
Clearing camps also progresses Ecosystem Protection stacks, allowing Smite to scale from 600 to 1,000 and eventually 1,400 true damage.
These changes make efficient farming more important when preparing to secure major objectives such as Baron Nashor, Rift Herald, and Dragons.
Epic monsters also adjust to the pace of each match, scaling according to the average player level rather than simply growing stronger as time passes.
Turrets receive substantial changes as well. Plating now extends to outer, inner, and inhibitor turrets and remains permanently. The new Crystalline Overgrowth mechanic lets turrets accumulate crystals that champions can detonate with their first basic attack.
Together, these changes place greater emphasis on lane pressure, defensive positioning, and coordinated pushes. Winning team fights remains important, but teams must also turn their advantages into meaningful objective damage.
Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai join the roster
Patch 7.3 expands the champion roster with three additions: Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai.
Hwei, the Visionary, brings a flexible set of abilities to the mid lane. His Subject: Disaster, Subject: Serenity, and Subject: Torment ability groups give him tools for dealing damage, supporting allies, and controlling opponents.
Sylas offers explosive damage and crowd control. His kit includes an ability that pulls enemies into a stun-to-knock-up combination, while Kingslayer restores health based on his missing health. His ultimate lets him steal an enemy champion’s ultimate ability.
Rek’Sai brings another approach to initiating team fights. Her Unburrow ability knocks up nearby champions, while her ultimate helps her track nearby enemies before striking.
These additions give players more options for adapting their team compositions and strategies.
Ranked play and game modes get updates
Competitive players also get changes to Ranked and Legendary Ranked.
The S/A and MVP scoring systems now evaluate performance according to a player’s lane and champion role instead of relying on a single universal metric. Strong performances can also yield more Ranked energy.
Legendary Ranked receives adjustments to its seasonal entry requirements for former Grand Masters, alongside a new trial format designed to help top performers advance from Legendary Commander Rank.
Players looking for something different can also try Rift Rumble, a new 3v3 mode played on a symmetrical map. Teams battle for kills and compete to capture ultimate stones that can change how their champions secure eliminations.
Meanwhile, AAA Realm continues to evolve with a music-themed season and new augment cards. These include Sonic Waves, which draws inspiration from Riot Games’ musical acts, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.
A new era for K/DA and Wild Rift
With FIRESTARTER, the HEATBRINGER skins, and a sweeping gameplay update, Patch 7.3 connects Riot Games’ music and gaming communities through a shared celebration.
K/DA’s return gives fans a new soundtrack and fresh looks for their favorite champions, while the gameplay changes introduce new ways to approach champion builds, jungle farming, and map control.
Players can follow Wild Rift Philippines’ official social media channels for updates on the latest patch, champion releases, and in-game content.
K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER.
HoYoverse will launch Petit Planet, its first cozy galactic life simulation game, on December 4, 2026. The game will be available on PC, iOS, and Android, with a Nintendo Switch 2 release planned for 2027.
The announcement was made during the Petit Planet Pre-Launch Special Program on November 1. HoYoverse also revealed more details about the game’s characters, gameplay features, and launch events.
Build a planet and meet new Neighbors
In Petit Planet, players take on the role of Planet Tenders who travel across the Starsea with Oumuamua, a Starsea Spirit said to listen to people’s wishes.
Each player starts with their own planet, where they plant a Luca Seed that grows into a Luca Arbor. This tree gradually shapes the planet’s landscape, seasons, and ecosystem.
Players will also meet various Neighbors, including Planet Coordinator Mobai and Starsea Racer Elsasani. Getting to know these characters allows players to develop friendships and discover their individual stories.
Beyond their home planets, players can explore scattered Islets across the Starsea. They can also visit the Galactic Bazaar to play games, participate in auctions, and share their creations with others.
Launch events offer free rewards
HoYoverse has prepared several events to celebrate the game’s launch.
Players can enter a pre-registration lucky draw through the official website for a chance to win prizes. Regular gameplay will also offer more than 1,000 clothing and furniture items for free.
The Besties, Made to Match! event rewards players who invite two friends to pre-register. Each participant will receive an exclusive clothing item.
Starting November 1, the Launch a Planet event will let players design their own planets through the official event website. Participants will also have a chance to win surprise grand prizes.
The first Petit Planet Seasonal Creation Event will begin alongside the game’s launch. Selected fan creations can win cash prizes, in-game rewards, and official merchandise.
Players can also visit the game’s official X account after the special program to receive a Moving Guide and join a giveaway featuring a suitcase, gift cards, and an exclusive luggage tag.
Pre-register for Petit Planet
Petit Planet is now available for pre-registration on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Epic Games Store. Players can search for the game on these platforms to pre-register and receive a notification when it launches.
The game arrives globally on December 4, 2026, for PC, iOS, and Android. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled for 2027.
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