Gaming

The ROG Ally X renews handheld gaming with a refined look

The preferred way to game on the go

Published

September 30, 2024

Gab Orlina

Handheld consoles have been around for the longest time. It offered such a unique way of gaming to younger audiences at the time. With every generation of handhelds, there was always a new way to play more demanding games either by yourself or with others. It didn’t take long before computer manufacturers looked at that and came up with this idea: the handheld PC!

The idea was simple: play all the hardcore games on the go. That’s complete with stunning graphics and competitive hardware for excellent performance. It harnessed the existing capability of any handheld console, but with the treatment and power of any gaming PC. With this, there were a few first movers that experimented on a gaming system like that, such as ASUS ROG.

This year, ROG unveiled the ASUS ROG Ally X, which looked to be an upgrade over the first ROG Ally. Compared to its predecessor, it’s nearly the same design-wise. However, it’s amplified in the performance department thanks to better hardware and storage options. Is it a good enough reason to purchase this one right off the bat?

Rearranged and retooled for gaming

At first, you would think that the ROG Ally X looks exactly like the 2023 version. Only with a different coat of paint. From the button and joystick layout to the length of the device, it maintained the same form factor with little compromises.

If there was a major difference to note, the back trigger buttons are placed a bit closer this time and the buttons are smaller!

There are also now two USB-C ports up top instead of ASUS’ proprietary XG Mobile port.

In terms of internal hardware, the ROG Ally X completely defines how powerful it wants to be. Unlike its predecessor, it comes in only one configuration. That’s an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Instead of offering any lower internal configurations, ASUS ROG is giving the best only for those who dare to be the best.

For the most part, this device was designed primarily to be a gaming machine given all the inputs available to you. It is possible to still use this device as a PC, and a ton of the applications you use works well and responds pretty fast to your inputs. However, you will spend time configuring it on Armoury Crate unless you’re committed to bringing a mouse and keyboard everywhere.

Leveling up the game for more power

TEKKEN 8 running on the ROG Ally X

With the ROG Ally X only now coming in one configuration, the possibilities for gaming are near endless. Compared to its predecessor, the additional storage immediately allows you to put in more games. That’s even if the game requires additional steps to set-up. Also, with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme inside, most of the games will run with ease, and at high frame rates without sacrificing visual quality too much.

When applied to more competitive/high-end titles that benefit from a controller set-up, the ROG Ally X turns into a gaming powerhouse on the go. With the inputs set-up optimally, the experience on games like Rocket League, Forza Horizon and Motorsport were second to none. Even games with controller support like Fortnite and APEX Legends and Xbox Cloud Gaming work well for most casual playthroughs.

VALORANT on ROG Ally X

Now, it is also possible to play PC-optimized games on the ROG Ally X like VALORANT, and safe to say that it performs supremely well. Average frame rates at high graphics settings still range from 100-120 FPS, which is more than impressive. However, it does take a ton of time to set all the controls up, with the mouse controls being unreplicable. If you do plan on playing PC games here, you are better off bringing a mouse and keyboard to replicate the experience.

Gaming for longer hours

As a handheld PC, the ROG Ally X lasts pretty long depending on which performance mode you want it in. When used exclusively for gaming on Performance Mode, it can last for around 8-9 hours on a full charge — which is pretty long compared to most laptops. This is also considering that even in this mode, it maintains high frame rates on competitive titles.

When switched to Turbo Mode, battery life just gets reduced to around 5-6 hours on a full charge when gaming. It’s still quite impressive that the ROG Ally X could last this long, even as the lone exhaust chamber it has works overtime when in Turbo. As expected, gaming performance is as optimal as it could be!

Charging the device also doesn’t take too long either, with a full charge lasting about two hours to quickly get you back into the game. As a bonus, when you just let it charge without usage, the charge time feels a bit faster.

Is this your gaming GadgetMatch?

Overall, the ASUS ROG Ally X outshines its predecessor across every single aspect of handheld gaming out there. The upgrades proved to have made this a much better option for you to play more, for longer. Priced at PhP 56,990, it is a bit on the more expensive side but worth considering.

Whether you’re offline or online, gaming on the go never looked as good as this. If anything, one drawback to this machine is that it doesn’t encourage local multiplayer. Again, unless you have a separate controller or a mouse/keyboard combo, this is really more for the solo gaming run.

Regardless, it’s suited for the best. It has all the best you could put inside a gaming machine through and through.

Gaming

Tides of Annihilation opens first public demo at Gamescom 2026

First hands-on

Published

August 6, 2026

Leez

Tides of Annihilation will make its public playable debut at Gamescom 2026.

Developer Eclipse Glow Games announced that attendees can try an extended demo of the upcoming action-adventure game during the event in Cologne, Germany. Players can find the demo at Hall 6, Booth B-050 inside Koelnmesse.

The studio will also reveal a new trailer during Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, before the show floor opens.

Demo offers more exploration and combat

The Gamescom demo gives players a longer look at Tides of Annihilation. It features branching paths that lead to different exploration routes and combat encounters. Players can also explore key locations and experience several of the game’s biggest set pieces.

“Gamescom will be an incredibly important moment for our team since this will be our first global playtest and we’re excited to see how first-time players experience our game,” said Ary Chen, Game Director and Co-CEO of Eclipse Glow Games.

“The team has poured heart, soul, and maybe even a few tears into developing the game over the last few years, and it’s finally our opportunity to share it with players. We’re looking forward to seeing their reaction.”

Members of the press and content creators can also schedule private hands-on sessions with the development team during the event.

Arthurian-inspired adventure

Tides of Annihilation blends fast-paced action with a Neo-Medieval vision of modern London. The story follows Gwendolyn after an Outworld invasion leaves the city in ruins.

Driven by a mission to save her sister, she travels between a shattered London and the mythical realm of Avalon. Along the way, she uncovers the mystery behind her newfound powers. She must also decide the fate of reality itself.

Eclipse Glow Games is developing Tides of Annihilation for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

Gaming

Street Fighter 6 adds first Filipino fighter Yasmine to its roster

Eskrima fighter joins battle

Published

August 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Street Fighter 6 has officially welcomed Yasmine, making history as the first Filipino martial artist to join the franchise’s playable roster. The new character is now available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the game’s Year 4 content.

Yasmine practices Eskrima, having learned the Filipino martial art alongside her older brother under their grandfather’s guidance. She wields Karambit knives in battle and embarks on a journey to find her missing brother.

Players can access Yasmine by purchasing the Year 4 Character Pass or Year 4 Ultimate Pass. Her default outfit features traditional Eskrima-inspired combat attire, while a school uniform serves as her second costume. In combat, she specializes in fast, aggressive attacks that build toward an enhanced Bayani Mode.

Yasmine is the first of four Year 4 fighters, followed by Arjun, Tifa from the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, and Bosch. Her release also arrives alongside battle balance adjustments affecting the entire roster.

Onimusha crossover arrives this week

Capcom also announced a limited-time collaboration between Street Fighter 6 and Onimusha. Running from August 7 to August 31, 2026, the event introduces Oni EX character colors, themed Battle Hub decorations, avatar items, and additional rewards for players who log in during the event.

The update also adds new Avatar Arcade courses, additional ending scenes, a Frame Meter option for Avatar Random Match, and refreshed Master ACT rewards.

Philippine launch event set for August 9

Capcom will celebrate Yasmine’s debut with an official Philippine community launch event on Sunday, August 9, at Salud! by Primera Bar & Restaurant in Palanan, Makati. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and features a double-elimination tournament, gameplay showcases, giveaways, and community activities.

Attendees can also receive limited-edition Yasmine merchandise, including event T-shirts, lanyards, and collectible keychains while supplies last. Special guests and cosplayers are also scheduled to appear. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to venue capacity.

Gaming

Gangstar Mirage City launches on August 20 with SEA localization

Join a faction now for a chance to win rewards

Published

August 5, 2026

GadgetMatch

Gangstar Mirage City is set for a full regional launch on August 20, with localization for the Southeast Asia region.

Published by Level Infinite, the free-to-play multiplayer, urban, open-world action game is available for download on iOS and Android.

The full regional release features an expanded open world, a new PvP Arena mode, and local languages.

In Gangstar Mirage City, players can team up for up to 4-man co-op heists, drive powerful vehicles, customize their arsenal, build an empire, and fight for control of Rooklyn City.

Players can register on gangstarmiragecity.com for in-game rewards.

In Southeast Asia, players can also register as a member of their respective local faction and get an exclusive in-game Avatar to represent their loyalty:

Philippines: Manila Brigade
Indonesia: War Kanda
Malaysia: Taiko Tedung
Thailand: SIAM APEX

Factions will be ranked based on how many players join and support them. The winning faction will enable all members to get 300 Diamonds, sent directly to their accounts.

Meanwhile, all players, including those who already began their journey in Rooklyn City with the soft launch last July, are invited to join the Global Vault Heist.

Reaching the final Registration Milestone will unlock the Full Tilt Vehicle Pack. These are the rewards up for grabs per milestone: