Gaming

Lenovo Legion Slim 7i 2022: Slimmer with no compromises

If it ain’t broke, just make it a bit better

Published

November 9, 2022

GadgetMatch

Lenovo made an effort to refresh a lot of their gaming laptops from last year, mostly with improved hardware inside. They took the saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” quite literally and just made some minor adjustments in the process. All in all, this would ideally provide a better gaming experience for their customers, whether they play casually or competitively.

Such is the case with 2022’s version of the Lenovo Legion Slim 7i, which came in a similar form factor as last year and some key hardware changes. Of course, the idea is for these slight changes to improve overall performance with more emphasis on gaming and content creation. With these in place, this year’s version should stack up pretty well for the perfect on-the-go gaming machine.

Will we see something different this time around with the Lenovo Legion Slim 7i?

Same form, same build, slightly better

From the outside, this year’s Lenovo Legion Slim 7i looks almost identical to that of last year’s model. From the size to the port placement, everything is exactly where it needed to be, without any gimmicks added. If anything, one of the key differences would be that they added air vents at both sides of the laptop, which we’ll touch on later.

The main thing that stood out in this year’s model is the hardware that it brings to the table. The Lenovo Legion Slim 7i comes with a 12th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA RTX 3060 powering the entire device – pretty much an upgrade from last year.

Also, this year’s model comes with a 165Hz, 16:10 WQHD display, which is consistent with their other gaming laptops this year.

Overall, performance is a bit better compared to last year for productivity and most creative work. From creating presentations to editing photos and high quality videos, the Legion Slim 7i still checks all the boxes without any slow downs. It also helped that the 16:10 WQHD display provided a ton of window space for multitasking purposes.

Tiny boost in gaming from last year

With the RTX 3060 inside, gaming performance also had a slight improvement from last year. For most competitive titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Counter Strike: Global Offensive, the device recorded above 120 FPS at relatively high graphics settings. In addition, that 165Hz refresh rate with a 1ms response rate helped out a lot during high-pressure moments.

For the games that support ray tracing, however, the Legion Slim 7i had a rather similar output as last year’s model. Visually, games like Fortnite and post-Edgerunners Cyberpunk 2077 come out as detailed as possible given display limitations. Although, this still comes at the cost of frame rates tanking and making them a bit unplayable at times – something even last year’s model suffered through.

If there was one thing that just felt missing, it was a stable gaming experience but this isn’t on the RTX 3060. Instead, it’s based on the fact that the Legion Slim 7i doesn’t come with a dedicated RJ45 port and relies more on the WiFi 6 adapter. For some people, having a wired connection just fits better, so your experience with this laptop for competitive gaming might be different.

Feels a bit cooler and quieter than before

With most of Lenovo’s Legion laptops this year, they incorporated the Coldfront 4.0 cooling system inside. In essence, it’s also a slight upgrade in power and heat management for all the critical hardware when you’re playing extensively. For the Legion Slim 7i, it follows that same cooling experience described.

As mentioned earlier, the Legion Slim 7i has air vents both at the rear and on opposite sides of the device for that specific purpose. Basically, there’s a lot more air flowing out and keeping the device relatively cool during intense workload. Also, for the most part, it keeps the hot air away from other parts of the laptop that would make the experience a bit more uncomfortable.

Another key improvement in the cooling system was that the fans are noticeably quieter than last year. Although you might need a pair of headphones to block it out at times, it feels like the fans are less aggressive in pushing out hot air from the device compared to last year’s model.

Still doesn’t last long, but charges fast, at least

Much like last year’s model, this year’s Legion Slim 7i still clocks in at around 10 to 12 hours of full battery usage when subjected to regular workload. In this case, regular workload includes a ton of document and presentation work, light gaming and photo/video editing. When gaming full time, we managed to squeeze out at most three hours from the device before reaching for the charger.

With Rapid Charge on and the 250W charging brick in tow, it took around two hours to fully charge the device when you’re not using it while charging. It’s still quite alright that it takes just that long if you want to get back into the action that much. While using the device during charge mode, charging time is extended to around two hours and 30 minutes.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

Starting at PhP 119,295, the Lenovo Legion Slim 7i for 2022 is a slight improvement from last year from a performance standpoint. On the outside, it doesn’t look any different alluding to consistently great build quality. With upgraded hardware, it delivers great all-around performance fit for both the casual and competitive gamer alike with less compromises.

Even on the cooling side of things, there is also some slight improvement with Coldfront 4.0 at the helm. Across the board, these improvements make the gaming experience much better. Although, much like last year, the laptop doesn’t last quite long but this is rather expected given the hardware inside.

Overall, the Lenovo Legion Slim 7i is a high quality option for an on-the-go gaming machine. It’s still a heavy investment given all the hardware improvements, but we feel it’s still a good investment if you’re looking for an upgrade.

Gaming

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION physical edition now available for Switch 2

Zack Fair’s story comes to Switch 2.

Published

September 24, 2026

GadgetMatch

Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia and SQUARE ENIX have released the physical edition of CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION for Nintendo Switch 2 in Southeast Asia.

Players can also purchase the game digitally on the platform. Availability may vary by region and retailer.

Zack Fair’s story returns

Set in the mako-powered metropolis of Midgar, CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION follows Zack Fair, a young operative in Shinra’s elite SOLDIER unit.

Zack investigates the mysterious disappearance of SOLDIER operatives alongside his mentor, Angeal, and the legendary Sephiroth. His journey reveals the events that shaped the world of FINAL FANTASY VII and his connection to Cloud Strife.

The game revisits Zack’s story with an HD graphical overhaul of its character models, user interface, and environments. It also features fully voiced dialogue in English and Japanese, alongside an updated action-combat system.

Players can trigger Limit Breaks and Summons as they battle their way through the story. The game also supports handheld and docked play on Nintendo Switch 2.

A look back at Zack’s legacy

Originally released as a remaster of the PSP classic, CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION offers a refreshed take on one of the franchise’s most significant prequel stories.

In our GadgetMatch review, we explored how the remaster brings Zack Fair’s journey to modern platforms while preserving the emotional core of his story.

The release also gives players another way to experience the events leading into FINAL FANTASY VII, ahead of the upcoming FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION, the third and final entry in the FINAL FANTASY VII Remake series.

For more information about CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION and other Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia titles, visit the official website.

Gaming

Dune: Awakening makes it way to the PS5 and Xbox Series X

Surviving the harsh land of Arrakis one sandstorm and bloodlust at a time

Published

September 22, 2026

Gab Orlina

Back in June of 2025, Funcom released its multi-nominated open world survival game, Dune: Awakening. Inspired by the renowned movie franchise, the game takes place within the deserts of Arrakis as players survive and thrive through intense combat and strategic decision making. Now, in the big 2026, Funcom is finally bringing that experience to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players as Dune: Awakening officially launches on console!

For the newbies finally getting it on console, here’s all you need to know:

Take the lead or do it together

Dune: Awakening takes you into the desolate land of Arrakis, and gives you the option to do it on Single Player or Multiplayer upfront. Through your own bidding in strategy, combat, and resource management, your goals are simple: survive the terrain, make more allies than enemies, and conquer the land through your affiliation to the powers that be.

This version of the game is as exact and as one-to-one as it possibly could with the PC version released last year, down to the story arcs, quests, and PvE/PvP areas you take on. Since launch, Funcom has introduced new weapons, areas, and cosmetics through DLCs that will be available to console players, as well. Also, several key features in story and mission progression that have changed on the PC version will take into effect.

If you want to engage with multiplayer, it is still a viable option when you want to gather more resources and reinforce your bases against other players and the natural elements. However, you still won’t be able to host your own server on a console just yet, as it is more stable to do so on the PC version.

Become whoever and whatever to survive

Character customization became the game’s bread and butter through its extensively library of features and unique take on story progression. As you begin your journey, Lady Jessica welcomes you in and asks you on your origin story, mentorship, and initial skill set — all of which are to your choosing based on your play style. Honestly, none of these completely influence the difficulty in progressing the story too much but it will give you full control of the experience.

As you progress further into the game, you will unlock more skills and abilities to aid you in your quest for power and survival. These will help you earn XP, along with accomplishing tasks, gathering resources and researching newer technologies, plus engaging in combat both within the PvE and PvP areas. Ultimately, you and, potentially, other players must build enough rapport and influence to shape the world of Arrakis to your liking.

Consistent visual expectations

For most players on the PC version, graphical fidelity relied heavily on the hardware of choice. When transitioning the game into a console-friendly environment, Funcom worked out the details seamlessly by adding a Performance and Quality mode. In this fashion, you can opt for crystal-clear graphics at a decent 30 FPS or go for a constant 60 FPS to keep up with the action.

Left: Performance | Right: Quality

No matter which mode you choose, the overall visual identity of the game doesn’t change drastically. Environments look rich and vibrant, while the tiniest of details within character models are preserved. Although, given frame rate differences, rendering of background elements also reflects that but it won’t ruin the gaming experience.

Dune: Awakening will be available on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on September 22. For Xbox Game Pass owners, this will also be a Day One release with Play Anywhere support and cross-play within Xbox and PC players upon launch.

Funcom has also planned an exciting map update later this year plus potential DLC tie-ins to the upcoming Dune: Part Three theatrical release in December.

Gaming

Valve unveils price of the Steam Frame

The VR headset starts at US$ 1,059.

Published

September 15, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The trifecta is complete. Almost a year after announcing their new hardware, Valve has finally unveiled the price tag of the Steam Frame, complementing the Steam Machine and Steam Controller revealed a few months ago.

Whereas the Steam Machine is a console of its own, the Steam Frame is a traditional VR headset with a pair of controllers for both hands. Unfortunately, despite being in a different segment, the headset is not immune to the rising prices of technology. The Steam Frame will start at US$ 1,059 for a 256GB model and can go up to US$ 1,299 for the 1TB model. On the plus side, each box will come Half-Life: Alyx packaged along with the headset.

Here’s a more detailed rundown of what you’re getting. The Steam Frame will ship with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM. Each eye comes with a 2160 x 2160 LCD screen, putting out images at up t0 a 144Hz experimental refresh rate. As mentioned above, the headset will start with 256GB of storage but can go up to 2TB. It will come packaged with SteamOS 3 and a rechargeable 21.6Wh battery.

This might be a hard buy for some. The industry currently has more affordable options, for one. Also, virtual reality isn’t the most thriving segment of gaming today.

If you’re still decided on buying one, however, Valve is using its lottery system. Interested customers can sign up from now until September 17. The company will then randomize the purchasing order. Those who draw the first ones in the lottery can get a purchase email as soon as September 18. Meanwhile, anyone who registers after September 17 will automatically be put at the back of the queue.