Gaming

ROG Phone 8 Pro Unboxing and First Impressions

Less ‘gamer’ look, same standout performance

Published

January 31, 2024

When we first saw renders of the ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro, we weren’t particularly enthused. But once real-life photos came out during CES 2024, it started getting us curious. The ROG Phone 8 fits the “better-in-person” description.

Other than the looks, ROG also made significant quality of life improvements. Some of which are features not previously seen on a gaming smartphone of its caliber.

But first, let’s unbox it!

@gadgetmatch

Different skin, same beast 💪 #ROGPhone8 #ROGPhone #ASUS #ASUSROG

♬ original sound – GadgetMatch – GadgetMatch

Like usual, the ROG Phone 8 Pro remains one of the most fun devices to unbox. The box is quirky and has a few gimmicks here and there. You certainly feel like you’re getting a premium package.

A less ‘gamer’ look

I feel like ROG has previously said that they’ve toned down the gamer aesthetics of a particular ROG Phone version. But the ROG Phone 8 Series might be the truly first one to live up to the billing.

Gone are the lines and details that evoke a mecha anime aesthetic. Instead, there’s just a single line that cuts across the back of the device. And then there are just a few ROG branding spread along the sides.

The AniMe Vision display was replaced with the AniMe Matrix. A more subtle display mechanic that certainly fits the vibe of the phone. It changes depending on what you’re doing on the phone. For instance, it shows a timer when you’re taking a photo and it indicates when you are playing a game.

Just as well, you can just turn it off altogether if it’s not your thing or to conserve battery.

Better cameras?

I haven’t had many opportunities to take decent looking photos so you’ll have to settle for the very few samples here from which you can tell I wasn’t even really trying. I guess having a gaming phone in hand, taking pictures just kind of takes a backseat in my mind. Initial impressions? The cameras mayhaps still need some work?

Still the same beast inside

I’ve only really been playing Honkai: Star Raili so far but everything was in high settings. I had a grand time. I’ve stepped away from the game for a while but it’s good to come back using a machine that can truly handle it.

For usual browsing and doom scrolling, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is incredibly fast and smooth. I’ve been juggling a couple of smartphone review units over the past few weeks but this one definitely stands out in that department.

I also stuck with the ROG Launcher which certainly has a more ‘gamer’ feel. If you want it to feel more like vanilla Android, you can easily make the switch either during the setup or in Settings.

Overall first impressions

As far as regular slate smartphones I’ve had the pleasure of using so far in 2024, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is easily my favorite. I’ve tried an OPPO Reno Phone, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and a few more. But for regular slates, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is my personal favorite to use mostly for gaming, social scrolling.

Everything else it has to offer, I still have to test further. Leave a comment on GadgetMatch’s socials to let us know what else you want to find out about the ROG Phone 8 Pro.

Gaming

TEKKEN 8: Brand new story, 2nd DLC character announced

Season 1 roadmap unveiled

Published

May 2, 2024

GadgetMatch

Enjoying TEKKEN 8 so far? The title’s upcoming roadmap for the rest of 2024 has been revealed at EVO Japan, giving fans more reasons to keep playing Arika and Bandai Namco’s beloved fighting game.

There will be an all-new story coming to TEKKEN 8‘s Story Mode, which will be released in the future. Additionally, Lidia Sobieski has been confirmed as the second DLC character. She will be joining the roster this summer. It can be recalled that Eddy Gordo was the first character DLC for TEKKEN 8, joining the roster last April 4.

No specific date has been mentioned yet regarding Lidia Sobieski. Lidia made her franchise debut back in TEKKEN 7 as a DLC for the Season 4 Pass.

Meanwhile, adjustments to the battle system will be rolled out starting this spring. The game’s development team continues to work on improving balance and player experience. New modes such as Ghost vs. Ghost and Online Practice, on the other hand, will also be added at a later date.

Moreover, a new summer-themed stage, “Seaside Resort” will be available for free. Lastly, a brand new story will also be part of another free update in autumn. This new story will involve no less than Eddy Gordo.

ALSO READ: TEKKEN 8 closes a violent chapter to begin anew

TEKKEN World Tour

Also keeping TEKKEN fans busy for the next few months is the TEKKEN World Tour. The sixth season of this global tournament kicked off recently. Players across the globe compete to earn points and earn their place at the finals to be named The King of Iron Fist.

There will be a total of two Master+ events, 10 Master Events, and 14 Challenger Events worldwide for competitors to join. For more information on tour partners, event dates, locations, and signups, visit tekkenworldtour.com.

Gaming

Assassin’s Creed Mirage coming to iOS

Compatible with select Apple devices

Published

May 1, 2024

GadgetMatch

Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be launching on June 6, 2024, on the App Store for iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad Air and iPad Pro with M1 chip or later.

The game first launched on last generation and current generation consoles as well as PC back in October 2023. It will be the first console title of the series for players to enjoy natively on mobile devices.

Players can experience the complete narrative-driven action adventure of Assassin’s Creed Mirage on mobile. In this game, they will be exploring 9th century Baghdad as Basim, a young thief who transforms into a Master Assassin.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be free to download and play for 90 minutes. The full version supports Universal Purchase and can be unlocked with a single in-app purchase, so players can enjoy the game on both iPhone and iPad. Pre-orders are now available here.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Assassin’s Creed Mirage spins a tale centered around an already established character, rather than a blank slate like Valhalla’s Eivor. It follows Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character introduced in Valhalla. Taking place before the events of the previous game, Mirage has the assassin root out the Order in 9^th-century Baghdad, a setting familiar to those who played the original title in 2007.

Accessories

Logitech announces G PRO X TKL gaming keyboard

Compact, cordless, portable

Published

May 1, 2024

GadgetMatch

Logitech has announced the G PRO X TKL gaming keyboard, a compact and cordless peripheral meant to assist gamers in the highest levels of competition. The G PRO X TKL comes with a pro-inspired tenkeyless design for more room and comfort, and Lightsync RGB lighting for style. It features dual-shot PBT keycaps for durability and wear and tear prevention.

The keyboard’s standard layout allows users to customize it with third-party keycaps and additional media keys. Users may also set up macros and create quick access while grinding. Speaking of customization, they may pick between Tactile, Linear, or Clicky Switches to tailor-fit the keyboard to their feel.

The G PRO X TKL connects via Lightspeed, ensuring users of lag-free performance at up to a 10-meter range. That’s better responsiveness than standard Bluetooth. Additionally, it has a 1000Hz polling rate. Long gaming sessions are a breeze too, as the keyboard’s battery lasts up to 50 hours. Lastly, for gamers on the go, the G PRO X TKL is portable and comes with its own carry case.

Logitech’s latest gaming peripheral is now available online and at all partner retail outlets, including PC Express, Silicon Valley, DataBlitz, Octagon, Electroworld, Complink, iTech, Techwarez, GameOne, Interpace Computer Systems, GameXtreme, TTI, DynaQuest PC, Digi-Serv Solutions, Concept Computer, NUTECH, DFE (Davao Futurebright Enterprises), Villman, PCWorx, Abenson, Digistore, and Greenware.