ROG Strix G 16 ROG Strix G 16

Gaming

ROG Strix G16: Straight out of a dream

This is the machine that’ll let you play to your heart’s content!

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Playing video games transports us to a realm where we lose track of time, completely unfazed by an immersive world unfolding before us.

When I’m burnt out from training for my competitive races and living an athlete’s life, I take solace in playing video games. I let my mind, body, and soul recover from the emotional weight that every training brings.

Having the ROG Strix G16 for two months allowed me to live my inner teenager’s dreams — playing on a monster gaming machine in my free time and escaping to a different world when the going gets tough.

When you like a huge package

When the Strix G16 was handed to me, I was completely astounded by its package. The box was insanely heavy and humongous, but let’s cut ASUS some slack. Despite the monstrous size, the box came with everything you’ll need to live off that gamer’s dream.

There’s the laptop bundled with the ROG Impact Gaming Mouse. Then, ASUS included two (2) types of 100W power brick — a 100W compact USB-C charger, and a bulky 330W power adapter that’s best to keep on your gaming station.

It also came with a supersized ROG backpack, enough to house the Strix G16 and a couple of essentials.

Totally a gamer’s machine

Taking it out of the box, you’ll find a machine designed for heavy gaming. The Strix G16 is intricately crafted with gamers in mind, it’ll make you feel like a competitive gamer. At least, that’s how I felt.

The devil’s in the details when you peruse the Strix G 16. From the dot matrix design across the lid to the cross-hatched vents underneath, distinct elements can be seen in every detail. Even with the way lighting is integrated!

The RGB keyboard is also soft, pleasing to look at, and actually responsive — thanks to the exclusive ROG Overstroke technology. There are also dedicated gaming hotkeys for quick access to volume and mic controls, and even Armoury Crate. They’re customizable and you can program to your liking.

ROG Strix G 16

For its touchpad, it comes with a glass coating and is noticeably 10% larger. While it’s already responsive and comfortable to use, the touchpad isn’t as smooth as most flagship Windows laptops. My workaround has been using the gaming mouse for navigating since it syncs well with the display’s 165Hz refresh rate.

Plenty of I/O ports can be seen on both sides of the Strix G16. On its right, you can find two (2) USB-A ports which I use for the gaming mouse and an additional port for whatever I’ll need like when I need to transfer files via an Android smartphone or my ancient external hard drive.

Meanwhile, the left side houses more ports that every kind of gamer can fully utilize. You can find the power input, a LAN RJ-45 jack, an HDMI 2.1 port that supports up to 4K 120Hz and 8K 60Hz content, and an audio jack.

Moreover, there are two (2) USB-C ports. One supports DisplayPort and Power Delivery, while the other supports Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.

Tough inside and out

The Strix G16 has the capabilities to keep up with you as you dive into another story different from your own.

It’s powered by a 13th-Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 GPU, a PCIe Gen4x4 1TB SSD storage, and an 8GB DDR5 RAM that can be expanded up to 32GB.

ROG Strix G 16

It’s insanely powerful; you can play AAA titles, stream like a pro, and even create content like a madman. The horsepower it contains is like an unlimited magic potential waiting to burst. Intense multitasking sessions are just a breeze, and it doesn’t heat up easily.

While most gaming laptops have a dual-fan cooling system, the G16 pushed a third fan to keep the GPU and VRAM cool. With seven heat pipes and a Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal inside, the G16 — coupled with the ROG Intelligent cooling and redesigned vents — promises an exceptional experience that’ll keep you playing. And it certainly delivers.

ROG Strix G 16

Furthermore, it has enough battery to let you play even when outside, as I found myself doing so on most days I want to take a break from sitting around in front of my desk. Sometimes, I’d sit in my favorite Starbucks branch and continue One Piece Odyssey.

When it runs out of juice, I have the USB-C charger to quickly plug into the socket so I can keep on playing.

Just play in the dark

There’s not much you can say when it comes to the Strix G 16’s performance. A premium gaming machine like this can handle any beastly titles of your liking.

Sometimes, I even multitask with plenty of background apps opened while having the device connected to my Huawei MateView. It’s smooth, powerful, and everything you’d expect it to be just like any other monster gaming laptop.

But while the performance of the Strix G 16 gives off a solid experience for all kinds of gamers, there’s one thing that I wish ROG could’ve put more into.

ROG Strix G 16

The display is lackluster, especially for a gaming machine that costs a premium. I find myself playing in a dark room or in a dim corner at a cafe to actually see what’s on the screen without squinting my eyes.

The panels cause some glare (yes, even with an anti-glare feature) and even with increasing the brightness to a maximum, it’ll still feel like a challenge to take a look at what’s happening in your gameplay.

ROG Strix G 16

I even squinted my eyes and looked closely at the screen, putting myself in an awkward position in terms of posture. Besides, it’s not a good thing to be too up close to a screen. which happens when you badly want to take a look at what’s happening when navigating parts of a game that has a dark scene.

Bring it anywhere

Nevertheless, the ROG Strix G 16 can be easily brought wherever you go. It easily fits inside a supersized ROG-designed backpack, especially in the dedicated sleeve.

ROG Strix G 16

There’s enough room to carry the charger, mouse, a few accessories, and personal essentials. It even has a slot for my umbrella and HydroFlask. I can stay protected from the elements and be hydrated wherever I go.

Carrying it can be quite a pain on your back if you’re not accustomed to lifting weights. It’s heavy, I promise. It’ll put a strain on your back if you treat it like a schoolboy’s laptop.

The backpack sure can handle its heft, weighing 2.5kg. However, you might need to train your body if you want to lug this around wherever you go. Otherwise, it’s best to keep it at a gaming station so you can play any titles you want.

But for me, both the Strix G16 and the ROG backpack are quite a treat for an athlete wanting to break away from an emotionally taxing life.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

The ROG Strix G16 looks straight out of a dream; it’s what every gamers dream of when it comes to a machine that’ll let them play to their heart’s content.

ROG Strix G 16

Think of it as a fantasy turning out to be a reality. The only thing you’ll find annoying in this machine is how lackluster the display is. Otherwise, it’s a solid laptop that will make you want to play all day long.

It’s certainly a GadgetMatch for those who want to be competitive in the eSports arena. As long as you can handle the compromises. If you don’t think this one’s for you, there’s the ROG Zephyrus M16 that you might want to check out.

The ROG Strix G16 starts at PhP 109,995. More information here.

Gaming

The Switch 2 is getting its first Joy-Con color variant

It’s not as showy as the first Switch’s Joy-Cons.

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When the Nintendo Switch 2 and its almost-all-black Joy-Cons launched, you might have wondered about how the dual controllers will rock other colors. After all, the original Switch’s ecosystem constantly tempted users with quirky color options. Because the Switch 2 uses a black shell, will future Joy-Cons look just as tempting? Now, we have our answer.

Today, Nintendo has announced its first color variant for the Switch 2 Joy-Con. We should have seen this coming, but the new variant will not have a completely redesigned shell. Instead, the controller will change the colors of the inner rails and the rings around the joysticks. This pair will rock light purple for the left Joy-Con and light green for the right one.

It’s a tad bit disappointing, especially when you’re comparing it to the previous model. It’s practically impossible to rep the new colors out in public because the inner rails are hidden by the Switch 2. It also doesn’t help that the console itself will still have its red and blue colors, clashing with the new variant.

That said, the Joy-Cons still look pretty cool when separated from the console. But it all depends on when the console gets more games that use only a single Joy-Con.

Thankfully, that’s coming soon. The color variant will launch alongside the upcoming Mario Tennis Fever, the perfect game for single Joy-Cons. Both will come out on February 12.

The new colors will sell for an eye-watering US$ 99.99.

SEE ALSO: Yes, someone made a fries holder for your Nintendo Switch 2

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CES 2026

Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable Concept was possible thanks to TCL

Also responsible behind the foldable display of the new motorola razr fold

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TCL CSOT x Lenovo
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

At this year’s CES 2026 in Las Vegas, TCL CSOT (China Star Optoelectronics Technology) and Lenovo have further proved their long-term partnership. The newest Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable Concept and the motorola razr fold are equipped with displays by TCL CSOT.

Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable Concept

The continuous collaboration of the two mighty Chinese companies bring out something that has been envisioned in laptops for quite a while now.

Ever imagined of a conventional laptop with standard 16:9 display that can instantly stretch into a 21:9 widescreen monitor? Well, the Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable Concept proves it’s more than possible.

Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable Concept

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Pioneering this partnership starts with TCL CSOT’s rollable display. Dubbed as the Lenovo PureSight OLED Gaming display. From a regular 16-inch 16:9 display, it completely transforms into an ultra-wide screen — stretching between 21.5 all the way to 24 inches.

For gamers and even e-sports athletes who seek visual flexibility (literally and figuratively), the display adapts to three (3) different training phases.

  • Focus Mode (16 inches) for honing reflexes
  • Tactical Mode (21.5 inches) for enhanced situational awareness
  • Arena Mode (24 inches) for full-scale competitive simulation

Behind that rollable display tech by TCL CSOT lies a dual-motor, tension-based system. This not only means that the rollable display can unroll smoothly, the expansion is not just controlled, its contraction also delivers minimal vibration and noise.

There’s also a dedicated tensioning mechanism that ensures consistent tautness across the OLED panel. Low-friction materials then secures durability throughout the rolling cycle.

motorola razr fold

Finally, after a long wait, motorola finally unveils their first ever book-style foldable.

The motorola razr fold headlines TCL CSOT’s 8.1-inch 2K LTPO flexible inner display. And unlike most foldable offerings in the market today, it supports a stylus!

motorola razr fold

When closed, its 6.6-inch external display delivers the familiarity of a candy-bar smartphone. Furthermore, its sleek, striking, and slim silhouette will feel comfortable in one’s hands.

Not much has been shared but more details will soon be unfolded by motorola.

The Co-Innovation Legacy

The steady legacy of TCL CSOT and Lenovo has already delivered consumer-ready products past the convention center show floor showcase.

Those include the Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i with a flexible 4K OLED display unveiled at CES 2025. Even the motorola razr 60 series flip-style foldables launched last July 2025 was not missed.

And, with the introduction of the Legion Pro Rollable Concept and the motorola razr fold, both companies continue to turn advanced display research into practical, user-focused products — setting new standards for performance, comfort, and sustainability.

motorola razr fold

With past display innovations, these newer advancements offer a more immersive viewing experience, better eye comfort, and flexiblility across various user applications.

This continuous collaboration highlights the companies shared commitment to advancing display technology and elevating the visual experience for users worldwide.

TCL CSOT’s constant strive for innovation is mainly driven by their APEX values:

  • A-mazing Display Experience
  • P-rotective of Eye Health
  • E-co-Friendly to build and use; and
  • X-Unlimited Imaginative Potential

Jun Zhao, the Senior Vice President of TCL Technology and CEO of TCL CSOT, states that the company is dedicated in providing Lenovo high-quality displays and custom diplay solutions that turn advanced technology into something  “We are dedicated to providing Lenovo with high-quality, custom display solutions that turn advanced technology into everyday excellence, and

He also says “they look forward to exploring new frontiers together.”

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CES 2026

This Razer AI companion can tell you how much of a noob you are

The brand also unveiled an AI headset and an immersive gaming chair.

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Whenever you’re playing a single-player game, do you miss the toxic banter of teammates telling you how bad you are? Sometimes, it feels impossible to play without another voice in your ear. For those moments, Razer reintroduced Project AVA, an AI desk companion designed to keep you company while gaming and for more.

Project AVA

Technically, Razer already introduced the AI companion during last year’s CES 2025. This year, however, the brand has added more functionalities to the upcoming product, turning the device from a mere esports coach into an actual companion.

Previously, the assistant can use your camera, eye-tracking, audio input, and the screen to tell you how to get better in your chosen game. Now, Razer has added the ability to help you with everyday tasks like organizing schedules and suggesting fits.

Additionally, users can choose between a variety of 5-inch animated holograms as avatars, such as Kira, Zane, and even Japan’s favorite salary woman SAO. Users can also pick personalities for them from sassy to friendly.

Since it’s still a concept, there’s no word on when Project AVA will be available as a finished product.

Project Motoko

Last month, we reviewed the BlackShark V3 Pro, one of the most comfortable gaming headsets we’ve tried. Not content with prioritizing comfort, Razer has now added AI to a headset.

Project Motoko showcases a headset that uses AI technology to anticipate your needs. Besides a flurry of microphones, the headset uses two cameras positioned at eye level to analyze your surroundings. Razer says it can even track how many reps you’ve done at the gym and summarize a document you’re looking at.

Because the software is specifically designed to detect your surroundings, it can reportedly heighten your senses and find things you might have missed from your peripheral vision. Additionally, it can heighten your hearing and amplify conversations and sounds you might find important.

Project Madison

To cap it all off, Razer also unveiled an immersive gaming chair. Project Madison is a chair that uses lighting, audio, and haptic feedback to deliver an immersive gaming experience.

First of all, the chair uses Razer’s iconic Chroma RGB to simulate your surroundings while playing a game. With 16.8 million colors, it makes you feel visually immersed in your game.

Secondly, the chair has THX Spatial Audio. On its own, the chair’s speakers can provide audio immersion. Further, if you pair it with front speakers, you can upgrade this to a 7.1 surround sound system.

Thirdly, Project Madison features Razer Sensa HD Haptics to deliver a tactile sensation that makes you feel every impact and explosion.

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