ROG Ally | Horizon Forbidden West ROG Ally | Horizon Forbidden West

Gaming

Horizon Forbidden West on PC Gaming Handhelds

How well does it play?

Published

on

Horizon Forbidden West is one of the most visually stunning games today, perhaps ever. Previously only a PlayStation exclusive, the game is now available on PC. Being available on the platform means it opens itself up to being playable in multiple ways. With gaming handhelds being a hot thing of late, we tested the game on three handhelds to see how well it runs. 

But first, the system requirements. 

Very low (minimum)

  • Processor: Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1300X
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB or AMD Radeon RX 5500XT 4GB
  • Average performance: 720p @ 30 fps

Recommended

  • Processor: Intel Core i5-8600 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 5700
  • Average performance: 1080p @ 30 fps

High

  • Processor: Intel Core i7-9700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800
  • Average performance: 1440p @ 60fps or 4K @ 30fps

Ultra High

  • Processor: Intel Core i7-11700 or AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 or AMD Radeon RX 7900XT
  • Average performance: 4K @ 60 fps

Gaming handhelds typically have a power output comparable to baseline/entry level gaming laptops. That means these should be enough to handle the demands of Horizon Forbidden West,

So, we’re good on paper. But what’s it like during actual gameplay?

MSI Claw 

The latest player from a major PC and Gaming manufacturer in the gaming handheld space has a lot to prove. It’s also the only one in the devices we used today that is powered by Intel Core Ultra. There’s plenty of room for improvement here. 

 

The MSI Claw struggled to run the game the most. On High Graphics Settings, the game would crash within three to five minutes with an error message saying the device “doesn’t have enough RAM” to run the game.

Bringing it down to Medium Graphics Settings makes it playable. But Medium on the MSI Claw looks drastically different from the rest of the devices here. You lose a lot of the visual appeal of the game. And while you can freely move Aloy around, the environment you’re moving in looks like smudged painting. 

We’re not off to a great start but it does get better.

Lenovo Legion Go 

Having the biggest screen in the bunch, we enjoyed looking at the Horizon Forbidden West visuals on this screen the most. Those eight inches do wonders when placed so close to your face. 

We started the game on High Graphics settings and while the Legion Go was able to run it, we also had to run to the nearest power outlet to keep the device running. Also, in High Graphics settings, there’s some noticeable lag and delay. It’s just not the best experience gameplay-wise, but it does kickass for visuals. 

That said, the sweet spot remains to be the Medium Graphics Settings. In this configuration we got a workable balance between visual fidelity and gameplay. The power draw is still high but it at least lasts a little over an hour on battery. 

ROG Ally 

Horizon Forbidden West | ROG Ally

The ROG Ally is just an inch off the Legion Go’s display but you do notice the difference. That said, Horizon Forbidden West ran the smoothest on this gaming handheld. 

Unlike the Legion Go, we opted to play on Medium Graphics Settings from the jump. That meant the ROG Ally got a feel for the game pretty early on and ran the game seamlessly. 

The in-game engine cutscenes look rough sometimes, but that’s par for the course for the capabilities of gaming handhelds right now. We’re fairly certain this will only improve in the coming generations of this device category. 

We spent our longest play time on the Ally because it’s less inconspicuous to take out and play when you’re out and about. Play time on battery is slightly longer than the Legion Go – a difference of about 7-10 minutes. That’s notable if you ask us. 

Extra

One of our members got his hands on the ROG Strix 16 just as we were about to wrap up this article. Here’s what he had to say about the experience. 

“With the RTX 4080 inside the ROG Zephyrus G16, games like Horizon Forbidden West look and feel like a massive world sprawling with life. While frame rates hover around the usual 50-58 frames per second, the details on the characters and the overworld pop out beautifully. Even when you set it to its most balanced setting, the game still plays out well without sacrificing too much on the details.”

Is Horizon Forbidden West a Gaming Handheld Match?

Horizon Forbidden West | ROG Ally

Like most AAA titles, the answer is “Yes, but.” Yes, you’ll be able to run this game smoothly, you just have to sacrifice some visual fidelity due to the nature of Gaming Handhelds at this time. 

That’s not a total downer though. We’re still very much in awe of the fact that you can even run it at all. If your primary play platform is any of these gaming handhelds, you’d be pleased to know that you should get through an entire playthrough without encountering any major problems. 

Horizon Forbidden West is a fantastic game, and while its stunning visuals is its primary calling card, don’t sleep on its gameplay, especially when you can play it on the go.

Gaming

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance’s SEGA Villains Stage out on April 3

Face off against legendary SEGA bosses from different franchises

Published

on

The SEGA Villains Stage DLC for SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will release on April 3 for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X|S, XBox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam.

The DLC lets players face off against legendary SEGA bosses from different franchises: Like a Dragon and Yakuza, Golden Axe, and Sonic.

An animated trailer has been unveiled as part of the announcement. It features those franchises’ characters, Goro Majima, Death Adder, and Dr. Eggman.

There will be a total of five crossover stages, three bosses, and two Boss Rush modes featuring the bosses for the DLC.

In addition, there will be three more Ninpo, three new outfits, and six new music tracks. The SEGA Villains Stage DLC is a free update for all players.

Aside from the crossover, players can also try out a new Hardcore Mode which features changes in enemy placement and stronger boss attacks.

Additional combat settings also lets players adjust recovery frames, the flash effect, and camera shake. Various quality-of-life improvements are also planned for the 2D action-platformer.

Continue Reading

Gaming

The hunt begins: The Witcher in Concert hits Manila with surprises in tow

The Continent comes alive

Published

on

If you’ve ever heard a haunting chant echo through a battlefield or felt the weight of a choice that isn’t as simple as good or evil, then you already know—the Path has a way of calling you back.

And if you haven’t stepped into that world just yet, consider this your invitation.

With less than two weeks to go, The Witcher in Concert is set to take over Manila for a one-night-only performance. It’s happening on March 28, 2026 at The Theatre at Solaire—bringing with it not just the music of a beloved RPG, but a full-on return to the Continent.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the concert transforms one of gaming’s most iconic soundtracks into a live experience. Expect performances from selected musicians of the Filharmonika Orchestra alongside Percival Schuttenbach—the Polish folk-metal band whose distinct sound helped define the game’s identity. Paired with in-game visuals, it’s a show designed to feel both nostalgic and entirely new.

As the night draws closer, here are three things fans can look forward to:

Relics from the Continent: official merchandise

For those who want to take a piece of the experience home, exclusive event merchandise will be available in limited quantities.

This includes the following:

  • Event Tee (PhP2,200)
  • Geralt Long Sleeve (PhP3,400)
  • Event Hoodie (PhP4,200)
  • Beanie (PhP1,800)
  • Tote bag (PhP1,800)
  • Key chain (PhP1,400)
  • Enamel pin set (PhP1,400)
  • Event magnet (PhP800)
  • Geralt gaming mouse pad (PhP2,000)

It’s the kind of loot drop fans won’t want to miss.

The path to Solaire: getting there made easier

Getting to the venue is part of the journey—and this time, it’s a little easier. Attendees can use the Grab code FCPH2026 to get 20% off rides (up to PhP75). With the condition of a minimum fare of PhP250. The promo is valid for two rides per user and applies to trips to and from Solaire Entertainment City.

A rare encounter: meet Percival Schuttenbach

For a handful of lucky fans, the experience goes beyond the stage. Ten winners will get the chance to meet Percival Schuttenbach and receive an autographed CD.

To join, ticket holders need to share any official The Witcher in Concert post on their Instagram Story. They need to write what they’re most excited to hear live and tag @filmconcerts.ph. They need to submit their entry before March 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Winners will be announced on March 25.

Answer the call

As the Continent arrives in Manila, fans are encouraged to lean all the way in—whether that means coming in cosplay as a monster hunter, mage, bard, or something far more dangerous.

Tickets are available via TicketWorld and participating outlets nationwide.

The Path is open. The question is—will you answer the call?

Continue Reading

Gaming

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains launching on June 11

Introducing a team-based, cinematic twist to the classic board game

Published

on

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains will launch on June 11, Ubisoft has announced. It will debut on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, GeForce Now, and PC through Steam, Epic Games, and the Ubisoft Store.

The Behavior Interactive title introduces a team-based combat twist to the traditional real estate board game. It includes competitive 2v2 and 3v3 modes, available online and through couch co-op.

This transforms the classic Monopoly gameplay into an action-packed, strategic showdown where teamwork and hero combinations matter.

Every turn carries high stakes as properties change hands in an instant. Dynamic GO events also introduce game-altering twists.

The full reveal will be on April 29.

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains transports players into the Star Wars galaxy with a custom Monopoly board, packed with iconic locations from across the saga.

The gameplay is reimagined with thrilling cinematic moments, themed spaces, and dynamic elements. These make up for a refreshed experience from start to finish.

Players can choose from a wide roster of Star Wars heroes and villains. There’s plenty of options, from Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to Darth Vader and Darth Maul.

Each character brings unique abilities to shape the team’s strategy and affect the match’s complexion with every roll of the dice.

Continue Reading

Trending