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

Level Infinite launches Gangstar Mirage City exclusively in PH

A blend of high-speed street racing, exploration, more

Published

April 28, 2026

GadgetMatch

Level Infinite has launched a brand new mobile title exclusively available in the Philippines: Gangstar Mirage City.

Players can enjoy a blend of freedom, action, and dynamic gameplay in the free-to-play multiplayer open-world mobile game.

It is set in a near-future metropolis of Rooklyn, where thrilling action, player choice, and unpredictable moments collide.

Mirage City is the latest chapter in Gameloft’s renowned Gangstar franchise, with more than 250 million registered users.

It brings an expansive open-world gameplay to mobile, powered by high-fidelity graphics and detailed environments tailored for mobile play.

At its core, Mirage City is about freedom. As such, players can alternate between story-driven content and free-form exploration. They can navigate the city, build an empire, and define a personal journey.

There’s high-speed street racing, explosive encounters, and dynamic city events. Moreover, there is deep customization across vehicles, properties, and lifestyle, plus a wide range of activities in-game.

Being a Philippines-exclusive, title, the open-world RPG supports Tagalog text as well to bring the experience closer to its audience.

For now, the game is available for download via Google Play for Android devices.

Gaming

The Steam Controller is coming out on May 4

It will cost $99.

Published

April 28, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The best part of the Steam Deck is its portability. However, an underrated aspect of the handheld console is its button layout. Unlike its contemporaries, the Steam Deck has two trackpads on either side of the device. Now, that same layout is coming to the Steam Controller.

The Steam Controller was part of the trio of innovative devices that Valve announced late last year. While the spotlight is on the Steam Machine, the Controller is also enough to whet any gamer’s appetite.

Besides the convenient layout, the Steam Controller offers easy integration with Steam. The peripheral can communicate with any device — PC or mobile — that has Steam or the Steam Link app installed. As such, it’s easy to take control of your gaming library straight from the controller.

The only catch, though, is that it works solely on Steam. Any other game that has its own separate launcher, such as Genshin Impact, cannot be used with the Steam Controller unless they’re added directly to Steam.

The Steam Controller is launching on May 4 globally. It will retail for US$ 99.

On the flip side, Valve has not announced when the rest of its hardware will launch. Both the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame have not made appearances yet, reportedly because of the ongoing issues with RAM production all over the world. However, the company is still optimistic about releasing these devices within the year.

Gaming

Beast of Reincarnation coming to PS5 this August

One-person, one-dog action RPG

Published

April 25, 2026

GadgetMatch

Game Freak is set to release a new action RPG in August called Beast of Reincarnation. It is the developer’s first title outside of the Pokémon series. It arrives August 4th on PlayStation 5, with pre-orders now available.

The physical edition will include the same DLC content as the Digital Deluxe Edition as a purchase bonus:

Brown Shiba Skin
Black Shiba Skin
Oni’s Hat
Big Dipper
Amber x 100,000
Multiple crop seedlings

Beast of Reincarnation is a fusion of real-time and turn-based combat. It is dubbed as a “one-person, one-dog action RPG” set in a beautiful yet harsh post-apocalyptic, Year 4026 Japan.

In the game, humanity’s only hope lies with Emma, an outcast shunned from society for her affliction. Joining her is the blighted dog, Koo.

Together, they embark on an expansive adventure — alone yet together. Relying on each other is all they have as they journey through a world of impermanence, where forests suddenly burst forth amidst the wasteland.

As players progress, Emma and Koo’s bond and abilities blossom. They can customize the playstyle with unique skill trees, gear, and spirit stones to survive the world. They can also choose a preferred loadout which includes ranged, stealthy, and aggressive combat.

The duo fights as a unit, with Emma’s sword abilities leading the charge while commanding Koo to unleash various techniques in a hybrid combat system. This is integral as players will discover a brutal narrative, as well as dangerous truths hidden behind every character.