Gaming

ASUS ROG Phone 5 Series now official

Yes. Series. There’s more than one.

Published

March 10, 2021

Rodneil Quiteles

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

Related Topics:ASUS ASUS ROG ROG ROG Phone 5 ROG Phone 5 Pro ROG Phone 5 Ultimate

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: