Gaming

Acer Predator 17 X Review: A heavy beast

Published

July 10, 2017

Leez

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.

[irp posts=”13649″ name=”Acer Predator Triton 700 First Look”]

Gaming

FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods delayed to 2027

The game needs more development time.

Published

October 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

It’s been a while since the last time we got a FromSoftware game. Elden Ring Nightreign felt like an age ago, even if it was launched just last year. Plus, the title isn’t even a new one, technically, since it’s just building off of Elden Ring. Unfortunately, our wait for a new FromSoftware game has to go on for a little bit longer. FromSoftware has delayed the launch of The Duskbloods to 2027.

The Duskbloods is an interesting addition to the FromSoftware oeuvre. Compared to the usual fare, the Switch-exclusive title is a multiplayer extraction game with a distinctly Bloodborne-like feel. If you’re used to FromSoftware’s usual formula, The Duskbloods represents a huge change.

But it’s a welcome one, nonetheless. If the recently released Elden Ring port of the Switch 2 is any indication, FromSoftware does have a handle of what performance looks like on the console.

Sadly, the new title needs a bit more time in the oven. Citing “final adjustments to game rules and balancing,” FromSoftware is delaying the launch of the game to 2027. According to the studio, this is in response to the successful network test a while back.

The delay shouldn’t come off as a surprise. Though the studio promised a 2026 launch for the title, most of the year has passed without a definite launch date. That was already a telltale sign that a delay was coming.

At the very least, the delay comes with the benefit of launching the game farther away from Grand Theft Auto VI and the Ocarina of Time remake, which will surely dominate holiday gaming this year.

Gaming

Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 launches on Switch 2

Demon Slayer arrives on Switch 2

Published

October 30, 2026

GadgetMatch

SEGA has released Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 for the Nintendo Switch 2. The new edition delivers enhanced graphics, smoother 60 FPS gameplay, and additional playable characters through the Infinity Castle Character Pass.

Developed as the latest entry in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba action game series, The Hinokami Chronicles 2 lets players follow Tanjiro Kamado’s journey in Story Mode. Players can also take their favorite characters into online and offline battles.

The game series has sold more than six million copies worldwide across physical and digital releases, including deluxe editions.

Switch 2 version runs at 60 FPS

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition takes advantage of the newer console’s hardware to improve visual quality and performance over the original Nintendo Switch version.

The game runs at 60 FPS, with enhanced graphics that bring character expressions and special attack animations into sharper detail. SEGA also promises more responsive controls for its fast-paced battles.

The Switch 2 Edition includes 54 playable characters, with seven fighters from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Character Pass. These are Tanjiro Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, Giyu Tomioka, Shinobu Kocho, Doma, Akaza, and Kaigaku, all featuring their respective Infinity Castle-related versions where applicable.

Players can fight locally with up to two players or compete online. The game also supports battles between Nintendo Switch 2 and original Nintendo Switch players. However, cross-generation online matches run at 30 FPS.

Those who already own the Nintendo Switch version can upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for free by downloading the Upgrade Pass from the Nintendo eShop. The free upgrade does not include the Infinity Castle Character Pass, which requires a separate purchase.

Ultimate Edition also available

Alongside the Switch 2 launch, SEGA has released The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Ultimate Edition for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Steam.

The new bundle offers another option for players looking to jump into the series or expand their existing collection.

About Demon Slayer

Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is killed by demons. After his younger sister Nezuko becomes a demon herself, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps in search of a way to restore her humanity.

The manga ran for 23 volumes in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump and has sold more than 220 million copies worldwide. Its anime adaptation, produced by ufotable, premiered in April 2019 and has since expanded across multiple television arcs and theatrical releases.

The latest major installment, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, began its three-part theatrical finale in Japan on July 18, 2025.

With its expanded roster and improved performance, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition gives players another way to experience Tanjiro’s demon-slaying adventures.

Gaming

PlayStation unveils Prism Collection

Transparent PS5 accessories return

Published

October 29, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

PlayStation is bringing back the see-through aesthetic with the Prism Collection, a new lineup of transparent DualSense controllers and PlayStation 5 console covers.

Announced on October 28, the collection features three colorways: Flare Orange, Emerald Green, and Graphite Gray. Each combines translucent materials with a glossy finish, offering a glimpse of the hardware beneath the exterior.

The collection takes inspiration from the transparent electronics trend of the late 1990s, giving the PS5 and its accessories a retro-inspired look with a more contemporary design.

Three colors, one transparent design

The Prism Collection applies the transparent treatment to both the DualSense wireless controller and matching PS5 console covers.

The three color options are:

Flare Orange: A vibrant orange finish with subtle rosy tones where the transparent materials overlap.
Emerald Green: A deep green finish that gains visual depth through its translucent exterior.
Graphite Gray: A cool-toned gray design with a more understated appearance.

The DualSense controllers feature a high-gloss transparent finish across the back, revealing parts of their internal components. A metallic finish on the center cover adds contrast to the design.

The collection revisits an aesthetic popularized by consumer electronics in the late 1990s, when transparent plastic casings let users see the technology inside their devices.

According to PlayStation designer Leo Cardoso, the goal was to revive that look while keeping it consistent with the PS5’s design.

PlayStation Prism Collection price and availability

The Prism Collection will launch starting February 4, 2027, with preorders opening on November 10, 2026, at 10 AM local time in supported markets.

The DualSense controllers will be available globally, while the matching console covers will be sold directly through PlayStation in supported regions and in limited quantities through select retailers elsewhere.

Here’s how much the accessories will cost in select markets: