I haven’t used a Windows laptop for an extended period in close to a decade now. And in recent years, I’ve done most of my gaming on a PS4. This is why getting the chance to use the ROG Strix Scar III was a welcome experience.
I’m reluctant to call this an actual review because of my inexperience in using gaming laptops. But I’ll try anyway. Let’s begin by taking a quick look at the design.
Sleeker but still very much ROG
First thing that jumped out at me is how much sleeker the Strix Scar III looked compared to the previous ROG gaming laptops I’ve seen. Instead of screaming GAMING at you, it feels more subdued but definitely still has a lot of that gaming vibe.
Behind it you’ll find these ports: ethernet, HDMI, power adaptor
The rest of the ports are on the right: All USB 2.0
It’s worth noting that this comes with a wired mouse. Very useful
And it’s hard to see here but the carbon-patterned interior is sexy AF
The trackpad doubles as the numpad but I didn’t really use it much
And there’s this nice subtle branding just right underneath the bottom left of the display
In terms of how it looks, it’s not as loud as previous ROG laptops, but it is still unmistakably ROG. One time, I whipped it out during a meeting and got WOAH reactions.
However, that’s probably because the people I met with were also into gaming. For its size — 36(W) x 27.5(D) x 2.6 (H) cm | 14.19(W) x 10.83(D) x 1.02(H) inch — it’s probably not the laptop you would want to be carrying around for meetings.
I also think the way it’s built lends itself nicely to cooling. It has what ASUS ROG calls an enhanced air intake from a wide, ventilated 3D Flow Zone. All that matters to me, is that works the way it’s supposed to.
Adjusting to a Windows laptop
I work a lot. On any given weekday, if I’m not sleeping or daydreaming about TWICE’s Momo, I’m usually in front of a laptop writing, copy editing, or video editing.
In terms of writing and copy editing, I didn’t have much of a problem. In fact, I would dare say I enjoyed the Backlit Chiclet keyboard of the ROG Strix Scar III more than I ever did my near five-year old MacBook Pro.
It’s an absolute joy typing on this thing. And those keys that had plenty of travel translated to whatever task I was doing, even on gaming. We’ll get to more of that later on.
Quick note, I also blasted music on this while writing. My holding-on-to-dear-life MacBook Pro has a busted right speaker so it was such a pleasure having a laptop with speakers that actually work.
The bigger adjustments came when dealing with photos, videos, and just Windows overall.
Working with images and videos
I take a lot of screenshots. On Mac, it feels easy and natural. I can’t say the same for Windows. It feels like I have to go through more steps than necessary just to get a screenshot.
Video editing was another thing, too. I’ve been editing on Final Cut Pro ever since I started video editing professionally. I wanted to try Davinci Resolve but some of the work I had to do required the edits to be done quickly — something I could only do on FCP.
But that speaks more to my comfort level on the software more than anything else. I did try editing something and the laptop had no trouble whatsoever with it. Same thing with the light photo editing I usually do. It’s like child’s play for the ROG Strix Scar III.
Other than that, Windows 10 has been a pleasant surprise. I can’t even remember the last iteration of Windows I used, but this was clean and functional. However, 11 out of 10 times I would still choose macOS. 🤷🏻♂️
The gaming part blew my mind
One of my biggest regrets is that I worked on the ROG Strix Scar III more than I gamed on it. I only got to play one game — Devil May Cry 5 — and it was more than enough to convince me that this laptop delivers where it should.
It wasn’t something I was totally expecting since I thought, while working, that the display on my MacBook Pro looked… crispier. But when I fired up Devil May Cry 5, boy oh boy it was such a visual spectacle.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 was really doing its job. I was hooked at how good it looked I played well into the wee hours of the morning despite knowing I needed to wake up early the following day.
While I’m used to holding a controller while playing, I did play my fair share of Counter-Strike and NBA Live waaaaay back in the day. So the mouse and keyboard setup wasn’t too much of an adjustment.
The keyboard was just truly a dream. I’ll go as far as saying this is probably the best keyboard I’ve ever used on any laptop.
And then you have that display. With an 81.5 percent screen-to-body ratio, it’s hard not to feel like you’re so much closer to the game than you actually are.
Is the ROG Strix Scar III your GadgetMatch?
From a Mac user, my gaming and working habits are pretty far off from who this gaming laptop might target. Despite that, I had a grand time with the ROG Strix Scar III. If you asked me to completely switch to this I wouldn’t be totally opposed to the idea.
It has more tricks that I wasn’t able to dig deep into. There’s plenty of customization to make your gaming experience more tailored to your preferences. I’m inclined to say that if you’re out on the market for a gaming laptop that has all the oomph you could possibly want, then this is the one for you.
The variant we reviewed (i9, 240hz screen) retails for PhP 169,995 (US$ 3,252). It’s available at ROG Mall of Asia and other ROG concept stores in the Philippines. For more information on other variants visit the ROG Strix Scar III product page.
If that’s well within your budget, you won’t regret getting the ROG Strix Scar III. It’s a perfect blend of sleek and power without being overbearing. It’s a gaming laptop that’s easy to fall in love with.
Gaming
Leaked Grand Theft Auto VI footage surfaces online
The leakers says they are protesting the game’s lack of a physical release.
We’re nearing the dreaded date that all game publishers are rightfully fearing: the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI. Since we’re so near, it’s only right that Rockstar Games starts teasing their upcoming game, which is officially happening later this month via a special presentation on Netflix. However, ahead of that highly anticipated date, a leaker has apparently leaked the footage in protest of the game’s lack of a physical release.
Let’s parse that out piecemeal. First up, Rockstar Games is scheduled to release an extended first look at Grand Theft Auto VI through Netflix on August 27. If you don’t have the platform, the publisher will release the same footage on more public outlets six hours later. The footage will represent our biggest peek at the game after months of relative silence.
Secondly, a leaker has released the said footage ahead of time. Now, this isn’t the first time that a major leak spoiled details about the game. Previously, a leak was the first to reveal that the sixth entry in the series is getting two playable protagonists.
Third, the why: The leaker says that they will continue to reveal more information about the game to protest the game’s lack of a physical release. Like new PlayStation games next year, Rockstar Games does not plan to release a disc version of the game.
The footage itself
And, finally, the leak itself. Rockstar Games is currently issuing DMCA notices against anyone posting the leaked footage. It lends credence to the authenticity of the footage but also ensures that we can’t post the leaks themselves.
If anything, there are two reportedly legitimate clips, while others were seemingly generated with AI. The first clip has Jason, one of the two protagonists, playing basketball in his hideout, which gives him a stat boost. The clip confirms the return of minigames you can play in between missions.
The second clip sees Jason fight with a truck driver after a traffic incident. He kills the driver with a wrench, which earns him a two-star wanted level and summons a police chase as the series often does.
There’s not much to glean from these two short clips. In fact, it’s hard to say whether this footage represents the final release or something left over from previous leaks. Thankfully, Rockstar Games is releasing the official extended look soon on August 27.
After that, Grand Theft Auto VI launches on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on November 19.
Accessories
Pulse Elevate wireless speakers come to Southeast Asia this November
Pre-orders open September 2
PlayStation is expanding its audio lineup with the Pulse Elevate wireless speakers, its first wireless speakers developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The speakers will launch in Southeast Asia starting November 12, 2026, with pre-orders opening September 2.
The Pulse Elevate speakers are designed for desktop gaming on PS5, PC, and Mac, while also supporting portable use with the PlayStation Portal remote player and smartphones. They combine planar magnetic drivers, built-in woofers, and PlayStation Link wireless connectivity for low-latency, lossless audio.
Each speaker uses a studio-inspired planar magnetic driver to deliver sound across the audible spectrum. Built-in woofers add richer bass, while the speakers can enhance positional audio in PS5 games that support Tempest 3D AudioTech.
The right speaker also has a built-in microphone with AI-enhanced noise rejection. This allows users to handle voice chat without wearing a headset while helping filter out unwanted background noise.
Designed for gaming and beyond
Pulse Elevate uses PlayStation Link for ultra-low-latency wireless audio with compatible devices, including the PS5, PC, Mac, and PlayStation Portal. The speakers also support Bluetooth, allowing users to listen to audio from a Bluetooth device while using PlayStation Link for another connected device.
A PlayStation Link USB adapter is included and works with USB-C ports. The speakers also feature built-in rechargeable batteries, letting users take them on the go. Charging docks are included for returning to a desktop setup.
Users can adjust the speakers’ volume directly and position them horizontally or vertically. PS5 and PC users can also customize EQ, sidetone, volume, and microphone mute settings through system menus.
Pulse Elevate will be available in Midnight Black and White.
Price and availability
Pulse Elevate wireless speakers will launch starting November 12, 2026. Pre-orders begin September 2 at local retailers. Availability may vary by market and retailer.
The recommended retail prices are:
- Singapore: SGD 319
- Malaysia: MYR 1,099
- Thailand: THB 8,499
- Philippines: PHP 14,709
- Vietnam: VND 6,999,000
The Pulse Elevate marks Sony Interactive Entertainment’s first entry into wireless speakers, extending the PlayStation audio ecosystem beyond the Pulse Elite headset and Pulse Explore earbuds.
NBA 2K27 is bringing major changes across its biggest game modes.
The latest Courtside Reports cover everything from a first-ever co-op MyCAREER to a revamped MyPLAYER Builder. The City gets a nighttime makeover, MyTEAM expands its cross-platform Auction House, and MyNBA introduces a new way to follow an individual player’s career.
Here are the biggest changes coming to NBA 2K27.
MyCAREER gets co-op and historical eras
The biggest MyCAREER addition is Co-Op MyCAREER.
For the first time, players can invite a friend to join their MyCAREER. The feature revolves around Trace Miller, a custom teammate introduced during the G League portion of the story.
Players get to decide how Trace develops by choosing from nine build templates inspired by NBA stars including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokić, and Kawhi Leonard.
Once Trace joins the team, a friend can take control of him during MyCAREER games. Co-op can be enabled or skipped on a game-by-game basis. If the second player leaves, Trace simply returns to AI control.
Both players also earn their own full amounts of VC and Season XP. They can even experience MyCAREER’s story cutscenes together.
MyCAREER is also going back in time.
MyCAREER Eras lets players start their career in one of five historical periods: the Magic vs. Bird Era, Jordan Era, Kobe Era, LeBron Era, or Steph Era.
Each era comes with period-accurate rosters, rules, presentation, and league progression. Historical trades and rookie destinations are also recreated to keep the league aligned with how that era actually unfolded.
Era-specific presentation includes customized HUDs, score bugs, stat overlays, locker rooms, and broadcast elements. Players can also complete Eras Moments to progress through a 40-level reward track.
For players who prefer a modern setting, the new Fire & Concrete storyline is more than twice as long as NBA 2K26’s story. It follows a player from high school through the G League and into the NBA.
The story also introduces a recreated Rucker Park, which serves as a major location in the prelude.
MyPLAYER finally adds female builds
NBA 2K27’s MyPLAYER Builder is expanding in a major way.
For the first time, players can create female MyPLAYERs and take them into The City.
Male and female builds use the same underlying gameplay framework. Height, weight, wingspan, and ratings are determined by the build itself rather than the character’s appearance.
That also means the new co-ed City is designed around gameplay parity. Players can team up with male and female MyPLAYERs across The REC, Theater, Street Kings, Park, and other activities.
The Builder is also becoming more strategic.
NBA 2K27 introduces Badge Tokens, which players use to equip Badges across six disciplines. The Builder shows how a player’s physical attributes affect Badge requirements and token costs in real time.
There are now 53 Badges, including 19 new ones. Several of the new Badges are more specialized, allowing players to build around specific strengths instead of relying on broader, catch-all abilities.
Players can also create and manage builds outside the game.
The NBA 2K HQ app gives players access to the full MyPLAYER Builder starting August 21. Builds created on a mobile device can be uploaded to a player’s home setup and shared with friends through QR codes.
The Builder also adds Badge Loadouts, Build Specialization, an updated Rebirth system, and the new Synergy system. These give players more ways to specialize builds and adjust their Badge setup for different matchups.
The City goes neon
The City keeps the centralized layout introduced in NBA 2K26, but gets a visual overhaul for NBA 2K27.
The new version shifts to a nighttime, neon aesthetic. Key locations including The REC, Street Kings, and Park get their own updated designs.
The biggest addition is Rucker Park.
The legendary New York streetball venue has been recreated in NBA 2K27. It will serve as a location for Street Kings and as part of the Fire & Concrete MyCAREER experience. Players can take on Street Kings bosses and establish themselves at one of basketball’s most iconic courts.
The City also continues to revolve around Crews, giving players a persistent social space to compete and play with friends.
MyTEAM gets a bigger marketplace
MyTEAM is making one of its biggest infrastructure changes with a cross-platform Auction House.
For the first time, the Auction House is unified across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. This creates a larger pool of community-listed cards and gives players more options when looking for specific cards.
Buying cards is also faster.
NBA 2K27 removes the verification delay when an auction is won on those platforms. Cards are added to a player’s collection immediately, allowing them to put new additions into a lineup without waiting.
MyTEAM continues to let players build fantasy lineups using NBA and WNBA stars and take those squads into its single-player and multiplayer experiences.
MyNBA introduces MyNBA Legacy
MyNBA gets perhaps the most substantial change for offline players.
The newest addition is called MyNBA Legacy lets players focus on the career of an individual player instead of managing an entire franchise.
Players can select an active star, prospect, or Created Player and build a career around them. The goal is to accumulate Performance Points through statistical targets, achievements, and deep playoff runs.
The mode also introduces a generational element.
When a player’s career ends, their legacy can continue through their child. Future generations inherit parts of the previous player’s progression, including some Badges, training camp bonuses, and special abilities.
The result is effectively a player-focused career mode inside MyNBA, without requiring players to go through the traditional MyCAREER structure.
MyNBA is also getting broader franchise-management improvements.
Players can negotiate trades involving up to four teams and up to nine assets per team. Cash considerations and a dedicated Buyout Market are also being added.
The mode incorporates the NBA’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement more closely, including the Second Apron and its roster-building restrictions. Free agency is also being expanded with new contract negotiations, player motivations, morale, GM Trust, and Lifelong Loyalty Promises that give teams more ways to convince players to sign beyond simply offering more money.
Draft Classes are getting more flexibility through Draft Class Playlists, allowing historical classes to be mixed and matched. That means players can create alternate NBA histories where stars from different generations enter the league together.
MyNBA saves can also now run for up to 100 seasons, extending the mode’s already extensive franchise sandbox.
More ways to play NBA 2K27
Taken together, the changes show that NBA 2K27 is not focusing its biggest updates on one mode.
MyCAREER is becoming more social and more historical. MyPLAYER is becoming more flexible and accessible. The City gets a visual refresh while adding Rucker Park. MyTEAM improves its card marketplace. And MyNBA gets deeper franchise systems alongside a new player-focused Legacy experience.
NBA 2K27 launches on September 4, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2. Deluxe and Ultra Edition owners get Early Access starting August 28.
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