We’ve spent enough time with the ROG Xbox Ally X to say this: it’s no longer just a novelty. It’s a handheld that finally knows what it wants to be.
The original ROG Ally from 2023 was exciting. It was a bold step toward making PC gaming portable. But after a few sessions, it started to feel more like a prototype for what was coming next.
This one? It feels a little more complete.
So, let’s talk about how the ROG Xbox Ally X grips better, plays longer, and why it feels like a proper sequel.
Built for real hands, not show floors
The first touch felt awkward — the kind of feeling you get when you’re not sure how to hold something new. But the longer you hold it, the more it starts to make sense.
The redesigned grips, patterned after Xbox controllers, give it a natural curve that rests well in your palms. It still doesn’t dig in as much as the Legion Go S – my personal preference as of writing – but it’s certainly an improvement.
It’s also subtly heavier than the original, yet the weight works in its favor. The balance feels right. The texture, more grounded. It feels made for long sessions, not quick demos.
This is where ASUS seems to have listened. What was once a bit slippery now feels like an extension of your hands. The matte finish stays clean, the edges no longer bite. It’s a small but significant shift — and one that changes how you use it.
There is one thing I found myself wishing for: a slightly larger, and better (maybe OLED?) screen. The size isn’t a deal-breaker, but with the improved grips and better weight distribution, it feels like the device could comfortably accommodate just a bit more display real estate
Buttons and controls that take some getting used to
The button placements might be an issue for some. You know how in controllers, the little top left and top right buttons closer to the middle — in this case, the screen — are universally the “Select” and “Start” buttons? That’s not how it goes on the ROG Xbox Ally X.
The top left button brings up a Quick Settings version of Armoury Crate SE, while the top right one opens your Game Library. The buttons that function similarly to “Select” and “Start” sit right beneath them. And as far as I’ve checked, there’s no way to remap.
That’s quite a puzzling choice, as any gamer with experience will tell you this runs counter to what most of us are used to. Even now, I still press these buttons by mistake.
For the rest of the controls, the ROG Xbox Ally X follows Xbox’s asymmetrical layout. The face buttons feel tactile and responsive enough, so there’s little to complain about. The joysticks feel good, too — though only time will tell if they’ll fall victim to the dreaded stick drift. Other ROG Ally variants had few reports of this happening, and hopefully that remains the case here.
A battery built for actual gaming
We tested it the same way we tested the original: unplugged, Turbo mode, 25W TDP, NBA 2K Quick Play and a few other titles.
Back then, we couldn’t finish more than a single game and a few minutes of freestyle practice before the battery flatlined.
This time, it’s double that.
Two full games before reaching for the charger — and that’s without dialing down the settings. The new 80Wh battery doesn’t just promise endurance; it delivers it.
The cooling system has also been reworked, quieter yet just as efficient. It’s the kind of update that doesn’t make headlines, but you notice it — or in this case, don’t notice it as much.
Together, these tweaks make the ROG Xbox Ally X something the original never quite managed to be — a handheld that lets you play longer unplugged.
Designed for the Xbox era
The Xbox influence is everywhere, and it’s not just branding. The ROG Xbox Ally X now boots straight into the Xbox app, with the familiar button logo acting as your home key. Press it to launch the game bar and help you navigate your device using just the built-in handheld controls.
It feels less like a PC pretending to be a console and more like a handheld that understands both worlds. Although, it is still very much a compact PC.
You can still jump into Steam, Ubisoft Connect, and back to the Xbox app with ease. The tweaks that Microsoft made certainly make it easier to navigate the device using just the handheld controls. But the feel is still more PC than Xbox console.
Don’t get me wrong — it is certainly better than what the original Ally had to offer. Back then, it felt like ASUS built the hardware and hoped the software would catch up. Now, it feels like both sides have somewhat met halfway.
Performance that respects your time
Under the hood, the ROG Xbox Ally X runs the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, but ASUS focused on optimizing what surrounds it — thermals, battery management, and storage.
The internal layout has been reworked to accommodate a much larger 1TB M.2 SSD and 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM. These aren’t just specs on paper; they change how the device behaves over time.
Load times feel a tad shorter. Switching between games and platforms/apps is smoother. You spend less time waiting and more time playing.
The fans, too, are less intrusive. You’ll still hear them when pushing the TDP to max, but they no longer spin up as abruptly. The entire system feels calmer — mature, even.
That’s the word that keeps coming back when describing the ROG Xbox Ally X. It’s the same idea, refined by time and feedback.
Software that finally plays nice
Armoury Crate SE still serves a purpose. You can still tweak TDP, fan profiles, and button mapping. It’s the experience that feels most familiar coming from older versions of the ROG Ally.
Meanwhile, Xbox integration makes it easier for casual players to jump in without touching a single setting. The ROG Xbox Ally X adapts to both power users and those who just want to play their preferred games on the couch, in bed, or wherever, really.
The software is designed around how people actually use the device — not how engineers think they might.
Is the ROG Xbox Ally X your GadgetMatch?
What makes the ROG Xbox Ally X a proper sequel isn’t raw power or a single headline feature. It’s the way everything now feels more connected.
The new grip design complements the bigger battery. The improved cooling complements the quieter operation. The tighter Xbox integration complements the way it fits naturally into your gaming habits.
It’s not perfect — the ergonomics could still go deeper, Windows still feels like an awkward fit for small screens, and this particular 7-inch screen could probably use an inch more.
Overall though, the ROG Xbox Ally X is a Swipe Right. It no longer feels like a prototype or a statement piece. It feels like a handheld built for everyday play.
If the first ROG Ally was the promising first installment, then this one is a proper sequel – one that could pave the way to a blockbuster franchise.
Learn more about the ROG Xbox Ally X here.
Riot Games is celebrating the return of virtual K-pop group K/DA with new music, exclusive skins, and major gameplay updates in League of Legends: Wild Rift Patch 7.3.
After a six-year hiatus, K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER, the group’s newest track and the title track of an EP featuring three additional songs. The release marks a new chapter for the virtual group, which brings its latest musical era to the mobile MOBA through the new HEATBRINGER skinline.
To celebrate the comeback, Riot Games hosted FIRE IT UP: The K/DA Comeback Party in the Philippines. The event brought fans together for a listening party featuring music from across Riot Games’ virtual acts, live Wild Rift gameplay, community activities, and exclusive photo opportunities.
Attendees also experienced live AAA ARAM matches featuring gameplay disruptions and augments inspired by Riot Games’ musical universe, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.
K/DA returns with new HEATBRINGER skins
The K/DA comeback introduces the HEATBRINGER skinline, featuring new looks for the group’s four original members: Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa.
The skins give the champions a new visual identity inspired by K/DA’s latest musical era, with fiery red and white elements that bring their stage presence to the Rift.
The collection also includes Prestige K/DA HEATBRINGER Evelynn.
The new skins are exclusive to Wild Rift and are scheduled to launch on November 4, 2026.
The comeback extends beyond the cosmetics. With FIRESTARTER and its accompanying EP now available on major music streaming platforms, K/DA’s return brings together Riot Games’ music and gaming communities.
Wild Rift Patch 7.3 overhauls marksmen and item builds
Beyond the K/DA celebration, Patch 7.3 introduces significant gameplay changes that reshape champion builds, jungle strategies, and objective control.
One of the biggest changes targets marksmen, giving critical-strike builds more room to scale. Base critical-strike damage increases from 175% to 200%, while the attack-speed cap rises from 2.5 to 3 attacks per second.
Several marksmen also receive individual adjustments, including Ezreal, Kai’Sa, Twitch, Lucian, Caitlyn, Draven, Miss Fortune, Samira, Zeri, Jinx, Vayne, and Ashe.
The item system gets an overhaul to support these changes. Players can explore new or redesigned options, including Hexoptics, Yun Tal Wildarrows, Fiendhuler Bolts, Stormrazor, Rapid Firecannon, and Immortal Shieldbow.
Lifesteal also receives changes intended to support basic attacks, on-hit damage, and abilities treated as basic attacks.
Support items are part of the update, too. Echoes of Helia is positioned toward offensive supports who want to convert damage into healing, while Ardent Censer, Staff of Flowing Water, and Harmonic Echo also receive changes.
Jungle changes reward efficient farming
Patch 7.3 also changes how junglers approach the early and mid-game.
The updated jungle system rewards consistent camp clearing with bonus gold and introduces a catch-up mechanic for junglers who fall behind. This reduces the pressure to constantly gank and encourages players to balance farming with opportunities to assist their teammates.
Clearing camps also progresses Ecosystem Protection stacks, allowing Smite to scale from 600 to 1,000 and eventually 1,400 true damage.
These changes make efficient farming more important when preparing to secure major objectives such as Baron Nashor, Rift Herald, and Dragons.
Epic monsters also adjust to the pace of each match, scaling according to the average player level rather than simply growing stronger as time passes.
Turrets receive substantial changes as well. Plating now extends to outer, inner, and inhibitor turrets and remains permanently. The new Crystalline Overgrowth mechanic lets turrets accumulate crystals that champions can detonate with their first basic attack.
Together, these changes place greater emphasis on lane pressure, defensive positioning, and coordinated pushes. Winning team fights remains important, but teams must also turn their advantages into meaningful objective damage.
Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai join the roster
Patch 7.3 expands the champion roster with three additions: Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai.
Hwei, the Visionary, brings a flexible set of abilities to the mid lane. His Subject: Disaster, Subject: Serenity, and Subject: Torment ability groups give him tools for dealing damage, supporting allies, and controlling opponents.
Sylas offers explosive damage and crowd control. His kit includes an ability that pulls enemies into a stun-to-knock-up combination, while Kingslayer restores health based on his missing health. His ultimate lets him steal an enemy champion’s ultimate ability.
Rek’Sai brings another approach to initiating team fights. Her Unburrow ability knocks up nearby champions, while her ultimate helps her track nearby enemies before striking.
These additions give players more options for adapting their team compositions and strategies.
Ranked play and game modes get updates
Competitive players also get changes to Ranked and Legendary Ranked.
The S/A and MVP scoring systems now evaluate performance according to a player’s lane and champion role instead of relying on a single universal metric. Strong performances can also yield more Ranked energy.
Legendary Ranked receives adjustments to its seasonal entry requirements for former Grand Masters, alongside a new trial format designed to help top performers advance from Legendary Commander Rank.
Players looking for something different can also try Rift Rumble, a new 3v3 mode played on a symmetrical map. Teams battle for kills and compete to capture ultimate stones that can change how their champions secure eliminations.
Meanwhile, AAA Realm continues to evolve with a music-themed season and new augment cards. These include Sonic Waves, which draws inspiration from Riot Games’ musical acts, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.
A new era for K/DA and Wild Rift
With FIRESTARTER, the HEATBRINGER skins, and a sweeping gameplay update, Patch 7.3 connects Riot Games’ music and gaming communities through a shared celebration.
K/DA’s return gives fans a new soundtrack and fresh looks for their favorite champions, while the gameplay changes introduce new ways to approach champion builds, jungle farming, and map control.
Players can follow Wild Rift Philippines’ official social media channels for updates on the latest patch, champion releases, and in-game content.
K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER.
HoYoverse will launch Petit Planet, its first cozy galactic life simulation game, on December 4, 2026. The game will be available on PC, iOS, and Android, with a Nintendo Switch 2 release planned for 2027.
The announcement was made during the Petit Planet Pre-Launch Special Program on November 1. HoYoverse also revealed more details about the game’s characters, gameplay features, and launch events.
Build a planet and meet new Neighbors
In Petit Planet, players take on the role of Planet Tenders who travel across the Starsea with Oumuamua, a Starsea Spirit said to listen to people’s wishes.
Each player starts with their own planet, where they plant a Luca Seed that grows into a Luca Arbor. This tree gradually shapes the planet’s landscape, seasons, and ecosystem.
Players will also meet various Neighbors, including Planet Coordinator Mobai and Starsea Racer Elsasani. Getting to know these characters allows players to develop friendships and discover their individual stories.
Beyond their home planets, players can explore scattered Islets across the Starsea. They can also visit the Galactic Bazaar to play games, participate in auctions, and share their creations with others.
Launch events offer free rewards
HoYoverse has prepared several events to celebrate the game’s launch.
Players can enter a pre-registration lucky draw through the official website for a chance to win prizes. Regular gameplay will also offer more than 1,000 clothing and furniture items for free.
The Besties, Made to Match! event rewards players who invite two friends to pre-register. Each participant will receive an exclusive clothing item.
Starting November 1, the Launch a Planet event will let players design their own planets through the official event website. Participants will also have a chance to win surprise grand prizes.
The first Petit Planet Seasonal Creation Event will begin alongside the game’s launch. Selected fan creations can win cash prizes, in-game rewards, and official merchandise.
Players can also visit the game’s official X account after the special program to receive a Moving Guide and join a giveaway featuring a suitcase, gift cards, and an exclusive luggage tag.
Pre-register for Petit Planet
Petit Planet is now available for pre-registration on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Epic Games Store. Players can search for the game on these platforms to pre-register and receive a notification when it launches.
The game arrives globally on December 4, 2026, for PC, iOS, and Android. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled for 2027.
It’s been a while since the last time we got a FromSoftware game. Elden Ring Nightreign felt like an age ago, even if it was launched just last year. Plus, the title isn’t even a new one, technically, since it’s just building off of Elden Ring. Unfortunately, our wait for a new FromSoftware game has to go on for a little bit longer. FromSoftware has delayed the launch of The Duskbloods to 2027.
The Duskbloods is an interesting addition to the FromSoftware oeuvre. Compared to the usual fare, the Switch-exclusive title is a multiplayer extraction game with a distinctly Bloodborne-like feel. If you’re used to FromSoftware’s usual formula, The Duskbloods represents a huge change.
But it’s a welcome one, nonetheless. If the recently released Elden Ring port of the Switch 2 is any indication, FromSoftware does have a handle of what performance looks like on the console.
Sadly, the new title needs a bit more time in the oven. Citing “final adjustments to game rules and balancing,” FromSoftware is delaying the launch of the game to 2027. According to the studio, this is in response to the successful network test a while back.
The delay shouldn’t come off as a surprise. Though the studio promised a 2026 launch for the title, most of the year has passed without a definite launch date. That was already a telltale sign that a delay was coming.
At the very least, the delay comes with the benefit of launching the game farther away from Grand Theft Auto VI and the Ocarina of Time remake, which will surely dominate holiday gaming this year.
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