Gaming
Acer Predator 17 X Review: A heavy beast
I got my hands on the Predator 17 X and one thing was obvious: It’s a heavy machine. Granted, I’m a little bit vertically challenged, the Predator 17 X carries all the trademarks of gaming laptops we’ve seen: big, bad, and boy-does-it-run-fast.
Specs you wish your laptop had
The Predator 17 X comes with a 7th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, backing up an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card. It’s this kind of intense graphics power that makes it one of the gaming laptops that is VR-ready.

The Predator 17 X has the power jack, two USB 3.0 ports, microphone port, earphone jack, and SD card reader on the left
And with new games like Agony by Madminds Studios, Kittypocalypse by Bolverk Games, and your classic Keep Talking And No One Explodes by Steel Crate Games joining the ranks of VR games, the Predator 17 X will make your current specs seem ancient by comparison.

A USB-C port, two other USB 3.0 ports, HDMI jack, full-sized DisplayPort, and LAN cable port are found on the right
It has 64GB of memory with a 512GB SSD and an additional 2TB HDD. If that doesn’t scream a ton of gaming power, I don’t know what does.
How does it keep itself cool?
As far as cooling this beast goes, Acer developed the Aeroblade 3D technology that scraps the old plastic fans with thin metal blades.
These blades are designed with axial fins that help the laptop cool down more efficiently than with usual metal fans. The Predator 17 X comes with three of these fans, so expect this beast to make a considerable roar.
Prepare to lift
This laptop weighs a ton. How much exactly? It weighs a whopping 4.55kg and the dimensions are 42.30 x 32.15 x 4.50cm. With my figure, it takes a few minutes of silly tottering around the office to get this from point A to point B.
The Predator 17 X’s dimensions are not surprising for a gaming laptop, though — considering its premium counterpart, the Predator 21 X, has an exclusive crate for you to bring it around. This unit is barely portable, but is a whole lot more manageable than most gaming laptops, thanks to its properly placed curves and matte finish.
Backlit keyboard that will make you puke rainbows
The Predator 17 X has a customizable, individually lit, and multi-colored keyboard. I think I’ve said this in a previous review: People often underplay the benefits of having a backlit keyboard.
With this sweet setup, you can probably imagine the incoherent squealing I had in my head. (I have a strong conscience that reminds me day by day to respect the more-or-less quiet space that is the GadgetMatch office.) Forget about rainbows shooting out of unicorns, this laptop will let you play on them.
Customizable macro keys to help you get good
With the Predator 17 X, you’ll run out of excuses for not joining the PC Master Race. It’s got everything you need from being bold at first glance, to integrating the quick customizable macro keys on the left-hand side of the keyboard.
Unfortunately, all these specs can only do so much to help someone build their skill set, so getting this laptop comes with the pressure of getting good, and fast.
Jack of all gaming trades
I played Overwatch, Street Fighter V, and Rise of the Tomb Raider on the Predator 17 X. While playing Rise of the Tomb Raider, the game stuttered too much on the notebook’s native 4K resolution and gameplay looked too gritty to enjoy. After tweaking the settings and downing the resolution to 1080p, it played out well at 70fps. On Overwatch though, it could handle gameplay at 4K, but exclusively on 60Hz at best, which is the monitor’s maximum refresh rate.
You can play a ton of other games on the Predator 17 X, and it does well for practically any game you install on it, but it does fall through the cracks when trying to max out the specs for testing 4K. Don’t mistake this as a faltering factor though, since even GTX 1080-equipped desktop PCs have a tough time handling resolutions above 1440p with smooth frame rates.
Is this your GadgetMatch?
For gamers who want a semi-portable gaming laptop, this can handle a good beating. Despite sustaining the stigma of poor portability for gaming laptops, given that carrying this thing can most likely tear through any laptop bag available, it’s still a pretty good deal.
Considering an ample amount of storage for games, an RGB backlit keyboard, customizable macro keys, and three aeroblade cooling fans — not to mention being VR-ready — this laptop is one tough beast. Starting at US$ 2,700 or PhP 220,000 in the Philippines, the Predator 17 X can stop being the laptop you wish you had to the laptop you wreck people in-game with.
SEE ALSO: Acer Predator Triton 700 First Look
[irp posts=”13649″ name=”Acer Predator Triton 700 First Look”]
The spice must flow, and this September, it flows into consoles for the very first time. Fresh off its standout feature during PlayStation’s State of Play, the highly anticipated open-world survival epic Dune: Awakening is officially launching on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on September 22.
Funcom also premiered the first PlayStation 5 gameplay footage at Sony’s event, giving players a first look at the console experience ahead of its late-third-quarter launch.
Brought to the region in collaboration with Level Infinite, this major console release promises to deliver an unforgiving, cinematic sci-fi experience directly to your living room.
A full single-player adventure
While Dune: Awakening is set in a massive shared world, solo players won’t be left out in the heat. Players can experience the entire game flawlessly as a deep, single-player journey.
You can choose to survive the brutal desert, build your legacy, and experience the dramatic grand finale of Book One entirely on your own terms.
Step into the cinematic universe
Created in close collaboration with Legendary Entertainment, the game is directly inspired by Denis Villeneuve’s blockbuster films.
Players can expect movie tie-in content right out of the gate, seamlessly blending the film’s distinct aesthetic and massive scale with deep survival gameplay.
The journey continues on the Polar Cap
The journey doesn’t end when the credits roll at launch. Funcom has already promised ongoing massive updates to keep the experience fresh.
A brand-new survival region called The Polar Cap will arrive later this year as a completely free content update, bringing a shifting, icy pole full of hidden secrets to Arrakis.
Additions, improvements
New players on both PC and console will also get to enjoy a refined experience with a massive wave of additions and improvements.
Funcom has fundamentally shifted how the game plays based on community feedback, starting with the introduction of optional PvP.
In multiplayer, the entire game can now be played in full PvE, which extends even to the vast, open Deep Desert and participation in faction-versus-faction conflicts.
The endgame has also received a massive overhaul. The late-game loop has been rebuilt from the ground up to provide a much more balanced, immersive, and content-rich experience.
Moreover, players no longer have to worry about losing their hard work during extended breaks. Thanks to the newly implemented vehicle backup tool and base reconstruction tool, your progress remains safe.
Lastly, rounding out the updates are self-hosted servers for PC players. These allow anyone to host and fully customize their own server without rental fees.
Countless quality-of-life improvements have also been integrated, including character re-customization and the total removal of in-game taxes, making life on Arrakis just a little more manageable.
Square Enix has officially unveiled Final Fantasy VII Revelation, the third and final entry in the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy. The game launches in Spring 2027 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox PC.
Revealed at Summer Game Fest Live
The announcement debuted during Summer Game Fest Live. Director Naoki Hamaguchi and Vincent Valentine voice actor Matt Mercer also showcased the game’s first trailer and an extended gameplay presentation.
Revelation picks up as Cloud Strife and his allies race to stop Meteor and prevent the destruction of the planet. Sephiroth stands closer than ever to godhood, while the party takes flight aboard the iconic Highwind airship for the trilogy’s final adventure.
For the first time in the Remake series, players can freely explore the entire world using the Highwind. They can parachute into locations, tackle objectives in different orders, and make decisions that affect parts of their companions’ stories. The hybrid combat system also returns with new playable characters and expanded abilities.
Major locations revealed
The gameplay showcase revealed several major locations, including Wutai, Mideel, and the Northern Continent. Vincent Valentine and Cid Highwind will also join the playable roster. A new FITS system lets players equip outfits that unlock different abilities inspired by classic Final Fantasy jobs such as Black Mage and Warrior.
Producer Yoshinori Kitase described Revelation as the culmination of 30 years of Final Fantasy VII storytelling. Director Naoki Hamaguchi added that the game’s central theme is “resolve” as Cloud and his companions move toward the battle that will decide the planet’s fate.
Remake and Rebirth available in multiple platforms
Players can prepare for the finale by playing Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, both of which are already available across current platforms. Save data from those games will also unlock bonus summon materia in Final Fantasy VII Revelation.
Final Fantasy VII Revelation launches in Spring 2027.
The FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH physical edition for Nintendo Switch 2 is now available in Southeast Asia.
As previously announced, the award-winning, critically acclaimed RPG made its way to the Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC (complete with Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Cloud Gaming support).
The new physical release brings the massive adventure to retail shelves across the region.
And with FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE already available on the platform, the physical and digital arrival of REBIRTH means the first two entries in the remake trilogy are now available across all modern platforms.
No matter where they play, fans can catch up and prepare for the third installment — which is currently in production.
To make diving into the massive sequel easier, Square Enix has highlighted the optional “Streamlined Progression” feature. Originally introduced in REMAKE INTERGRADE, this option allows players to focus entirely on the narrative without worrying about the grind.
When toggled, it grants players unlimited HP (hit points), MP (magic points), limit breaks, and a constantly maxed-out ATB gauge during combat.
It also boosts attack power to a flat 9,999 damage and simplifies weapon ability acquisition. For those who want a smoother ride, the feature is also available on the PlayStation 5 and Steam versions via a free update.
Free demo
For players still on the fence, a free playable demo is available on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox. This demo covers Chapters 1 and 2 of the main game.
Players can control a younger Cloud Strife alongside the legendary war hero Sephiroth during the infamous Nibelheim incident in Chapter 1.
Afterwards, Chapter 2 opens up into the expansive Grasslands region, offering several hours of open-world exploration, hidden treasures, side quests, and early matches of the popular Queen’s Blood card mini-game.
Best of all, all progress made in the demo seamlessly carries over to the full game.
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