Features
Best Video Games of 2017 (Q1 Edition)
2017 is shaping up to be a banner year for video games. With a bevy of new releases flooding the first quarter of the year, GadgetMatch is here to help you pick out the best.
Based on order of release:
Resident Evil 7
Miss the genuine terror of being vulnerable in the old Resident Evil games? The seventh installment in the hallowed survival horror series gets back to basics, thrusting you into a labyrinthine estate of a deranged, murderous family. You have only your wits and whatever you can find in that madhouse to survive. It also marks a franchise first, as the whole game is set in first-person, shoving every jump scare right in your face. Play the whole game on PlayStation VR if you dare!
Available on Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One (January 24)
Yakuza 0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45ghK1zX0Rk
Fans of the cult Japanese gangster sim finally get the origin stories for antiheroes Kiryu and Majima in Yakuza 0. Showing their struggle as they rise through the ranks of the Tojo clan, this prequel also works as an introduction for series newbies to the twisting intrigue and occasionally wacky world of Yakuza. It uses the economic bubble period of 1988 Tokyo and Osaka to maximum effect, casting a light on the politicking, backstabbing, and brawling of organized crime with glitz and grit.
Available on PlayStation 4 (January 24)
Nioh
Hardcore action RPG gamers who love the challenge of Dark Souls need not worry about the end of that particular franchise. Nioh is a worthy successor to the unforgiving tactical combat throne. It’s set in a fictional feudal Japan where demons are wreaking havoc across the war-torn lands, and it’s up to you, the Irish swordsman William, to put an end to this yokai menace. With responsive controls, a varied arsenal of medieval weaponry, and intense boss battles, Nioh is the “Samurai Souls” you’ve always wanted.
Available on PlayStation 4 (February 7)
For Honor
If fighting AI-controlled opponents has gotten too predictable but you still want to live out that middle ages power fantasy, then For Honor is for you. It’s a competitive online multiplayer brawler that pits knights versus vikings versus samurai. There is a single-player campaign that serves as a short tutorial to the frenetic large-scale battles and intricate duels. When you’re ready to face actual humans, jump into team fights and one-on-one affairs where you clash for control over multi-tiered maps littered with computer mobs, or just see who can slay their enemies more.
Available on Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One (February 14)
Night in the Woods
Compelling conflicts in games don’t always involve extreme competition. Sometimes, they take on the form of an existential crisis, such as finding your once ambitious college-educated self returning to your backwater hometown, realizing you’re not the hotshot you thought you were. This is Night in the Woods, a charming, introspective story-heavy adventure game where you talk to fellow anthropomorphic animals rendered in punchy 2D cartoon art, and make small but weighty decisions.
Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and PlayStation 4 (February 21)
Horizon Zero Dawn
Ever had that childhood dream of fighting and taming cool robot dinosaurs? Horizon Zero Dawn fulfills that fantasy through a gorgeous post-post-apocalyptic wilderness where long-lost technology is as mystical as magic. You play as the determined, redheaded hunter Aloy on a quest for redemption. Master a vast open world chock-full of savage mechanical beasts and majestic vistas that rival Uncharted 4‘s visuals. It’s also the best reason for getting a PS4 Pro, as the game’s graphical fidelity takes full advantage of the upgraded console’s 4K resolution and HDR lighting capabilities.
Available on PlayStation 4 (February 28)
Torment: Tides of Numenera
Old-school CRPG enthusiasts who hail the cult hit Planescape: Torment as the gold standard of the genre are raving about this crowdfunded spiritual sequel. Torment: Tides of Numenera wears its forebears’ influence proudly, with its classic isometric camera, pre-rendered backgrounds and 3D art, and pages and pages of text for dialogue and world-building. If complex characters and difficult choices are what you’re looking for, then you’ll enjoy the well-written narrative Torment weaves based on your every action.
Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One (February 28)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
What better way to say goodbye to the Wii U and hello to the Nintendo Switch than with a boldly ambitious title from a flagship franchise? The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild isn’t revolutionary, taking on sandbox and survival game conventions such as a sprawling map, stamina and equipment management, and crafting. It’s how Nintendo refines these mechanics and melds them with familiar Zelda trappings, resulting in an immersive world of dynamism and discovery on an unprecedented scale. Play it on the Switch for the optimum experience, but the Wii U version is fine if you’re on a budget.
Available on Wii U and Nintendo Switch (March 3)
Snipperclips
In case the new Zelda isn’t enough for you to get a Switch, Snipperclips might just do the trick. Take control of Snip and Clip, two anthropomorphic shapes with meme-worthy reaction faces, and solve a variety of puzzles by cutting each of the two into the appropriate, well, shapes to interact with the environment. You can play through the game by yourself, but it truly shines when you’re sharing the joy (and the frustration) with friends and family.
Available on Nintendo Switch (March 3)
Nier: Automata
Plenty of sci-fi stories across all media have meditated on consciousness, sapience, and morality through the lens of artificial intelligence. There just hasn’t been a video game that does so with the perfect balance of style and substance until Nier: Automata. It blends super cool swordplay with breakneck bullet hell into a ballet of brutality, all the while philosophizing over what it means to be human. Pro-tip: keep playing after the credits roll, and get ready to have your mind blown and your heart broken.
Available on Windows and PlayStation 4 (March 7)
SEE ALSO: 8 new facts about the Nintendo Switch
[irp posts=”9530″ name=”8 new facts about the Nintendo Switch”]
Features
OPPO A6s 5G: Practical longevity, reliable essential
Sound return on investment for smart spenders
Finding a smartphone that balances performance, longevity, and price is crucial for smart spenders. Practicality matters, especially in an era where prices all seem to have risen.
Designed for long-term value, the OPPO A6s 5G enters the scene as that reliable handset that you can expect to work for years to come — a daily driver that balances giving your needs with sensible spending.
Reliability that lasts: 60-Month Fluency
A smartphone shouldn’t just feel new the day you unbox it. The OPPO A6s 5G is headlined by 60-Month Fluency Protection.
OPPO optimizes software and hardware to ensure lag associated with aging phones won’t keep up with the A6s 5G.
This is an assurance that the device will have maintained steady performance for up to five years – for everyday scrolling, gaming, and multitasking.
Complementing this is a capable MediaTek 6300 processor, plus ample memory and storage.
Users also benefit from OPPO’s features like AI LinkBoost 3.0 for network optimization and GameBoost 2.0 for smooth gaming.
All these truly make the OPPO A6s 5G a smart return on investment for practical users.
Unrivaled endurance: 7000mAh Large Battery
When it comes to staying connected, the A6s 5G sets a high bar with a massive 7000mAh battery.
This handset doesn’t just last a full day to cover essential usage; it can power through an entire weekend without ever reaching for a cable.
From commutes to documenting a busy day, to staying online 24/7, the OPPO A6s 5G endures.
When you finally run low on power, 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge ensures you spend more time on the move and less near a power source. It’s an impressive fast-charging speed for its class.
Rugged durability: IP69 resistance
As with previous OPPO A series releases, the physical build of the OPPO A6s 5G is designed to survive the unpredictable nature of daily life.
It has IP69 water and dust resistance to withstand sudden downpours, accidental spills, high-pressure water jets and even high-temperature environments.
Beyond software longevity, this signature ruggedness OPPO’s budget devices are known for offers the ultimate peace of mind for users.
Smart imaging for every moment
Imaging remains a core strength of the OPPO A6s 5G, which has an AI-powered camera system.
It has a 50MP main camera, designed for the “everyday photographer” – and everyday keepsakes.
The smart features work behind the scenes to optimize skin tones, balance exposure, and enhance details in various lighting conditions.
Every shot is social media-ready, with ample clarity and detail, without having to fiddle with complex settings.
OPPO A6s 5G offers
The OPPO A6s 5G is currently available nationwide in Ice White and Cappuccino Brown variants through OPPO Stores and the OPPO Online Store, starting at PHP 21,999.
As part of the launch offers, customers can get these exclusive perks when they order online from May 1 to May 21:
- OPPO Enco Buds3 (worth PHP 1,799)
- OPPO 1 Year Standard Warranty (worth PHP 1,999)
- OPPO 1 Year Extended Warranty (worth PHP 2,499)
- Up to PHP 2,000 discount
The OPPO A6 is also part of the lineup, available in Sakura Pink, Sapphire Blue, and Aurora Gold, starting at PHP 16,999.
This feature is a collaboration between OPPO Philippines and GadgetMatch.
Apple’s MacBook lineup has never offered more choice.
From the $599 MacBook Neo to the ultra-powerful MacBook Pro, there’s now a MacBook for almost every kind of user.
But, are you overwhelmed and torn buying between the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and the all-new MacBook Neo?
Watch our 2026 MacBook Buyer’s Guide to find your GadgetMatch!
Accessories
11 must-have accessories for your next tropical escape this summer
What to pack for your next vacation!
Summer isn’t merely a date on a calendar; it’s a visceral, shimmering feeling.
It’s the specific scent of high-end SPF mingling with saltwater, the warmth of the sun on your shoulders as you step off a private jetty in Palawan, and that delicious, light-headed euphoria that comes from knowing you have absolutely nowhere to be, except precisely where you are.
But darlings, a mood this perfect requires maintenance. To navigate this season, one must view accessories not as mere purchases, but as strategic assets.
After all, if an item is bought specifically to prevent a holiday disaster or to match a turquoise horizon, it isn’t “spending” but a self-funded insurance policy. (And we all know insurance is the most adult, responsible thing one can have.)
Here is your definitive guide to the “investments” that will define your summer.
For the high-octane adventurer
If you are the type of person who can trip over a flat surface, the last thing you need on an island-hopping trip is a “phone-overboard” disaster.
The RHINOSHIELD Solid X in Blue is your first line of defense this season. Imagine the scene: you’re trying to capture a 360-degree sunset transition for your followers on a speedboat, the boat hits a wake, and your phone takes a terrifying tumble toward the deck.
While a lesser case would result in a mid-holiday meltdown, the Solid X absorbs the impact well. Its premium matte finish feels like silk against the palm, even in 90% humidity, ensuring your grip never wavers while you’re reaching for that third mango daiquiri.
It’s the “sensible” purchase that allows you to be reckless with your adventures. Technically, it’s peace of mind wrapped in a shade of blue so vibrant it makes the horizon look dull.
Since it saves you from the cost of an emergency replacement, it’s practically paying for itself with every drop.
For the unstoppable power player
For the high-functioning professional who simply cannot leave the “office” behind, having a foldable like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 means having a portable command center for those mandatory luxury resort check-ins.
But… it deserves better than a bulky, uninspired shell. You need the Pitaka Blue Aramid Fiber case. It’s so thin it feels like the phone is practically naked, yet it’s crafted from material used in fighter jets.
When you unfold that screen to check the exchange rate at a boutique in Bangkok or Gaysorn Village, the sleek, woven texture tells the world you value precision over bulk. It’s “Quiet Luxury” for the tech-obsessed — understated and impossibly chic.
For the hands-free curator
Forget fumbling with a camera while trying to balance a coconut in one hand and a designer clutch in the other.
These Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses in Shiny Jeans Transparent are the secret weapon for the Balinese spiritual retreat.
They allow you to record your walk through the bustling morning markets or the lush Monkey Forest in Ubud completely hands-free.
The transparent frames capture the light of the tropical sun perfectly, giving you that “Creative Director on a sabbatical” look.
This is a camera that lets you capture your POV documentary without missing a single moment of the scenery.
For the seamless traveler
Even if you’re only flying from Singapore to Phuket, your bag should look like you’re embarking on a grand tour of the continent.
The new TUMI Mediterranean collection in Peach and Sky Blue is the only way to travel. The colors are reminiscent of sunrise, and the organization inside is so meticulous. It’s the kind of bag that ensures you are never “that person” frantically digging for a passport at the check-in counter.
You’re the person who glides through the terminal with a peach-hued aura of total control, knowing that even if your flight is delayed, your aesthetic is right on time.
For the sophisticated urbanite
As the sun dips below the skyline and you transition from the infinity pool to a rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City or a five-star dinner in Makati, your tech needs a change of attire.
Enter the RHINOSHIELD Air X in Black. If the Solid X is your rugged adventurer, the Air X is your “Little Black Dress” of tech protection. This case is for the moments when you want your phone to disappear into your aesthetic rather than scream for attention. It’s impossibly slim, sliding into a tailored trouser pocket or a tiny evening bag without creating an unsightly bulge.
But don’t let the “Air” moniker fool you; the protection is still world-class. The MagSafe ring on the back is a masterclass in geometric minimalism, allowing you to snap on a battery pack during those long nights of “networking” (read: dancing) without missing a beat.
Since it works with every outfit you own, the “cost-per-wear” is essentially zero, which makes it a fiscal masterstroke.
For the beach club connoisseur
No summer is complete without a basket bag, and the CELINE Classic Panier is the gold standard for any respectable beach club, especially in Bali. It’s the “everything” bag that’s large enough to hold your sunscreen, your secrets, and a spare pair of sandals for when the humidity makes your heels unbearable.
The leather logo is a subtle nod to those who know, making it the perfect companion for a casual lunch at La Brisa that inevitably turns into a three-course affair.
For the private villa host
One cannot rely on the tinny speakers of a hotel room. You need the Marshall Willen.
It looks like a vintage piece of equipment but packs enough punch to fill a private villa with the sounds of Bossa Nova.
The cream finish is “Quiet Luxury” personified, blending into your sand-and-linen aesthetic perfectly. It’s dust-proof and water-resistant, meaning it can handle a little sea spray while you lounge on a catamaran or by the pool.
For the street-style visionary
For those days spent exploring the “hidden” cafes of Seoul-inspired districts in Jakarta or Manila, your iPhone needs the CASETiFY Matin Kim case.
Denim is having a massive moment in street style, and this case allows your phone to join the movement. It’s tactile, it’s trendy, and it adds a touch of “effortless cool” to your mirror selfies. It’s like a tiny pair of designer jeans for your most precious possession, and we all know you can never have too much denim.
For the globetrotter
If your iPhone could talk, it would probably ask for a vacation.
This CASETiFY AirTags case is a whimsical tribute to the lifestyle, covered in a vibrant print of AirTag-style passport stamps.
It serves as a constant reminder of where you’ve been and where you’re going next. It’s the perfect conversation starter when you’re waiting for your next flight to Denpasar or Koh Samui. It essentially acts as a visual manifestation of your future travels. (And manifesting is free!)
For the high-society ironist
When you finally make it to the powdery white sands of Boracay, you need a statement piece that speaks to your high-society sensibilities.
Laying out the Hermès Traffic Jam towel on Station Zero is a stroke of genius. There you are, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and zero honking horns, reclining on a literal “traffic jam.”
It is a flex; a cheeky nod to the city disarray you’ve successfully escaped. The plush cotton is exactly what your skin deserves after a dip in the ocean.
For the stressed-but-stylish Optimist
Finally, for those moments when the heat gets to you and the “Out of Office” reply isn’t working fast enough, you need the CASETiFY Care Bears Shake-Shake Case.
There is something deeply meditative about watching tiny glittery bears tumble around through a transparent shell. It’s a bit of childhood whimsy for those who refuses to take life — or their accessories — too seriously. Don’t think of it as yet another smartphone case. It’s a portable stress-relief tool for the modern jet-setter who needs a little magic in their day.
A message from the editor: Perhaps, this is an extensive list. But it’s also a collection of absolute necessities for a definitive summer. Each item is a strategic “investment” so go forth, look fabulous, and don’t let the humidity ruin your glow.
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