rog ally x rog ally x

Gaming

The ROG Ally X renews handheld gaming with a refined look

The preferred way to game on the go

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Handheld consoles have been around for the longest time. It offered such a unique way of gaming to younger audiences at the time. With every generation of handhelds, there was always a new way to play more demanding games either by yourself or with others. It didn’t take long before computer manufacturers looked at that and came up with this idea: the handheld PC!

rog ally x

The idea was simple: play all the hardcore games on the go. That’s complete with stunning graphics and competitive hardware for excellent performance. It harnessed the existing capability of any handheld console, but with the treatment and power of any gaming PC. With this, there were a few first movers that experimented on a gaming system like that, such as ASUS ROG.

This year, ROG unveiled the ASUS ROG Ally X, which looked to be an upgrade over the first ROG Ally. Compared to its predecessor, it’s nearly the same design-wise. However, it’s amplified in the performance department thanks to better hardware and storage options. Is it a good enough reason to purchase this one right off the bat?

Rearranged and retooled for gaming

rog ally x

At first, you would think that the ROG Ally X looks exactly like the 2023 version.  Only with a different coat of paint. From the button and joystick layout to the length of the device, it maintained the same form factor with little compromises.

rog ally x

 

If there was a major difference to note, the back trigger buttons are placed a bit closer this time and the buttons are smaller!

There are also now two USB-C ports up top instead of ASUS’ proprietary XG Mobile port.

In terms of internal hardware, the ROG Ally X completely defines how powerful it wants to be. Unlike its predecessor, it comes in only one configuration. That’s an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Instead of offering any lower internal configurations, ASUS ROG is giving the best only for those who dare to be the best.

For the most part, this device was designed primarily to be a gaming machine given all the inputs available to you. It is possible to still use this device as a PC, and a ton of the applications you use works well and responds pretty fast to your inputs. However, you will spend time configuring it on Armoury Crate unless you’re committed to bringing a mouse and keyboard everywhere.

Leveling up the game for more power

rog ally x

TEKKEN 8 running on the ROG Ally X

With the ROG Ally X only now coming in one configuration, the possibilities for gaming are near endless. Compared to its predecessor, the additional storage immediately allows you to put in more games. That’s even if the game requires additional steps to set-up. Also, with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme inside, most of the games will run with ease, and at high frame rates without sacrificing visual quality too much.

When applied to more competitive/high-end titles that benefit from a controller set-up, the ROG Ally X turns into a gaming powerhouse on the go. With the inputs set-up optimally, the experience on games like Rocket League, Forza Horizon and Motorsport were second to none. Even games with controller support like Fortnite and APEX Legends and Xbox Cloud Gaming work well for most casual playthroughs.

VALORANT on ROG Ally X

Now, it is also possible to play PC-optimized games on the ROG Ally X like VALORANT, and safe to say that it performs supremely well. Average frame rates at high graphics settings still range from 100-120 FPS, which is more than impressive. However, it does take a ton of time to set all the controls up, with the mouse controls being unreplicable. If you do plan on playing PC games here, you are better off bringing a mouse and keyboard to replicate the experience.

Gaming for longer hours

As a handheld PC, the ROG Ally X lasts pretty long depending on which performance mode you want it in. When used exclusively for gaming on Performance Mode, it can last for around 8-9 hours on a full charge — which is pretty long compared to most laptops. This is also considering that even in this mode, it maintains high frame rates on competitive titles.

When switched to Turbo Mode, battery life just gets reduced to around 5-6 hours on a full charge when gaming. It’s still quite impressive that the ROG Ally X could last this long, even as the lone exhaust chamber it has works overtime when in Turbo. As expected, gaming performance is as optimal as it could be!

Charging the device also doesn’t take too long either, with a full charge lasting about two hours to quickly get you back into the game. As a bonus, when you just let it charge without usage, the charge time feels a bit faster. 

Is this your gaming GadgetMatch?

rog ally x

Overall, the ASUS ROG Ally X outshines its predecessor across every single aspect of handheld gaming out there. The upgrades proved to have made this a much better option for you to play more, for longer. Priced at PhP 56,990, it is a bit on the more expensive side but worth considering.

Whether you’re offline or online, gaming on the go never looked as good as this. If anything, one drawback to this machine is that it doesn’t encourage local multiplayer. Again, unless you have a separate controller or a mouse/keyboard combo, this is really more for the solo gaming run.

Regardless, it’s suited for the best. It has all the best you could put inside a gaming machine through and through.

Gaming

Wild Rift Patch 7.3, celebrates K/DA comeback

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER

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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.

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Gaming

Petit Planet launches December 4

HoYoverse’s cozy life sim arrives soon

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Petit Planet

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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Gaming

FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods delayed to 2027

The game needs more development time.

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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.

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