Gaming

ROG Xbox Ally X, ROG Xbox Ally now open for pre-order

Ready to play anywhere

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ROG Xbox Ally X

The wait is over. Starting today, players in 38 countries can pre-order the ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally. The two handhelds are designed to bring your entire game library wherever you go. Both combine ASUS hardware, Windows flexibility, and Xbox’s console-inspired experience, so your games, friends, and saves are never out of reach.

Global launch is set for October 16, with two versions available:

  • ROG Xbox Ally XUS$999.99 (ERP). The high-performance option powered by a Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, with 24GB of memory and 1TB of storage.
  • ROG Xbox Ally US$599.99 (ERP). The more accessible model running a Ryzen Z2A chip, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage.

Pre-orders are live in markets including the U.S., U.K., Japan, Germany, and more, with eight additional regions joining on launch day: Egypt, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Slovenia, South Africa, Thailand, and Ukraine. Players can order through Xbox, Microsoft Store (U.S.), ASUS eshop, and select retailers.

ROG Xbox Ally

First touch at gamescom 2025

We first tried the Xbox Ally X at gamescom this year. At a glance, the footprint isn’t too far off from the ROG Ally, but the handgrips immediately stand out. Are they more ergonomic? Somewhat. They sit nicely in your palms, though the wraparound grip felt a little awkward at first touch — nothing a few hours of gaming won’t smooth out.

Weight-wise, it’s lighter than expected. Performance-wise, not so much — in a good way. We played Forza Horizon 5 and it looked and played fantastic on the Ally X.

@gadgetmatch Our first l👀k at the ROG Xbox Ally X! #rogxboxallyx #gamescom2025 #gamescom @_asusrog ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

What to expect on handheld Xbox

Both models are designed to deliver a console-like Xbox experience on the go:

  • Boot straight into an Xbox full-screen mode, optimized for handheld play.
  • A dedicated Xbox button for the new Game Bar overlay on Windows 11.
  • An aggregated library with access to Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other PC stores.
  • Controller-inspired grips for longer play sessions.
  • Three months of Xbox Game Pass included with every device.

Xbox has also introduced a Handheld Compatibility Program, marking thousands of titles as optimized or mostly compatible at launch. Between native play, remote play from your console, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, the Ally X and Ally cover just about every way you’d want to play.

Accessories coming at launch

Alongside the handhelds, ASUS and Xbox are also rolling out official accessories, including high-speed SanDisk microSD cards (up to 2TB), Seagate FireCuda 530R SSDs (up to 4TB), and a co-branded premium carrying casedesigned for the Ally.

ROG Xbox Ally X: Ryzen Z2 Extreme, 24GB Memory, 1TB Storage

ROG Xbox Ally: Ryzen Z2A, 16GB Memory, 512GB Storage

Specification ROG Xbox Ally X ROG Xbox Ally
Operating System Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Home
Comfort & Input Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers, impulse triggers, ABXY buttons, D-pad, analog sticks, assignable back buttons, HD haptics, 6-Axis IMU Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers, Hall Effect analog triggers, ABXY buttons, D-pad, analog sticks, assignable back buttons, HD haptics, 6-Axis IMU
Processor AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A
Memory 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 16GB LPDDR5X-6400
Storage 1TB M.2 2280 SSD 512GB M.2 2280 SSD
Display 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 120Hz, FreeSync Premium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection
IO Ports USB4 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, UHS-II microSD card reader, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C x2, UHS-II microSD card reader, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Network & Communication Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions 290.8*121.5*50.7mm, 715g 290.8*121.5*50.7mm, 670g
Battery 80Wh 60Wh
Included Accessories 65W charger, Stand 65W charger, Stand

 

Gaming

The hunt begins: The Witcher in Concert hits Manila with surprises in tow

The Continent comes alive

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If you’ve ever heard a haunting chant echo through a battlefield or felt the weight of a choice that isn’t as simple as good or evil, then you already know—the Path has a way of calling you back.

And if you haven’t stepped into that world just yet, consider this your invitation.

With less than two weeks to go, The Witcher in Concert is set to take over Manila for a one-night-only performance. It’s happening on March 28, 2026 at The Theatre at Solaire—bringing with it not just the music of a beloved RPG, but a full-on return to the Continent.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the concert transforms one of gaming’s most iconic soundtracks into a live experience. Expect performances from selected musicians of the Filharmonika Orchestra alongside Percival Schuttenbach—the Polish folk-metal band whose distinct sound helped define the game’s identity. Paired with in-game visuals, it’s a show designed to feel both nostalgic and entirely new.

As the night draws closer, here are three things fans can look forward to:

Relics from the Continent: official merchandise

For those who want to take a piece of the experience home, exclusive event merchandise will be available in limited quantities.

This includes the following:

  • Event Tee (PhP2,200)
  • Geralt Long Sleeve (PhP3,400)
  • Event Hoodie (PhP4,200)
  • Beanie (PhP1,800)
  • Tote bag (PhP1,800)
  • Key chain (PhP1,400)
  • Enamel pin set (PhP1,400)
  • Event magnet (PhP800)
  • Geralt gaming mouse pad (PhP2,000)

It’s the kind of loot drop fans won’t want to miss.

The path to Solaire: getting there made easier

Getting to the venue is part of the journey—and this time, it’s a little easier. Attendees can use the Grab code FCPH2026 to get 20% off rides (up to PhP75). With the condition of a minimum fare of PhP250. The promo is valid for two rides per user and applies to trips to and from Solaire Entertainment City.

A rare encounter: meet Percival Schuttenbach

For a handful of lucky fans, the experience goes beyond the stage. Ten winners will get the chance to meet Percival Schuttenbach and receive an autographed CD.

To join, ticket holders need to share any official The Witcher in Concert post on their Instagram Story. They need to write what they’re most excited to hear live and tag @filmconcerts.ph. They need to submit their entry before March 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Winners will be announced on March 25.

Answer the call

As the Continent arrives in Manila, fans are encouraged to lean all the way in—whether that means coming in cosplay as a monster hunter, mage, bard, or something far more dangerous.

Tickets are available via TicketWorld and participating outlets nationwide.

The Path is open. The question is—will you answer the call?

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Gaming

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains launching on June 11

Introducing a team-based, cinematic twist to the classic board game

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Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains will launch on June 11, Ubisoft has announced. It will debut on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, GeForce Now, and PC through Steam, Epic Games, and the Ubisoft Store.

The Behavior Interactive title introduces a team-based combat twist to the traditional real estate board game. It includes competitive 2v2 and 3v3 modes, available online and through couch co-op.

This transforms the classic Monopoly gameplay into an action-packed, strategic showdown where teamwork and hero combinations matter.

Every turn carries high stakes as properties change hands in an instant. Dynamic GO events also introduce game-altering twists.

The full reveal will be on April 29.

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains transports players into the Star Wars galaxy with a custom Monopoly board, packed with iconic locations from across the saga.

The gameplay is reimagined with thrilling cinematic moments, themed spaces, and dynamic elements. These make up for a refreshed experience from start to finish.

Players can choose from a wide roster of Star Wars heroes and villains. There’s plenty of options, from Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to Darth Vader and Darth Maul.

Each character brings unique abilities to shape the team’s strategy and affect the match’s complexion with every roll of the dice.

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Gaming

Switch 2 now lets you play old games in 1080p

It tricks old games into thinking that the console is docked.

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The Switch 2’s popularity is astonishing, to say the least. Just recently, a single game, Pokémon Pokopia, was responsible for taking the free times of over two million players on the Switch 2. Now, Nintendo has released a new feature which should make the console much more playable, especially for those who already had the original Switch.

Today, the Switch 2 received the 22.0.0 system update. Though the update is mostly a variety of smaller updates, one feature, called the Handheld Mode Boost, stands out among the rest. As per the patch notes, “Handheld Mode Boost will cause compatible Nintendo Switch software to run as if the console is being played in TV mode.” Put simply, the feature will unlock 1080p resolution for older games.

For gamers who had the original Switch, game resolution was a huge problem. The first console lived on a 720p screen, so the early games supported only lower resolutions. The only exception is when the console was docked, which allows 1080p resolution.

Now, the Switch 2 supports backwards compatibility. Players can access their older Switch games on the new console. The catch, however, is that these games are still stuck in 720p. Some titles, at least, have released an update to increase resolution on the new console.

Handheld Mode Boost tricks the console into thinking that it’s hooked up to the dock. In effect, the game will play in 1080p. The catch, however, is that it also thinks that the Joy-Cons are a single Pro controller, so players might lose some game features. It’s still a decent price to pay, though.

In other news, the update has also updated the naming of the “Hong Kong/Taiwan/South Korea” to “Hong Kong/Taiwan/South Korea/Southeast Asia,” potentially hinting that Southeast Asia might finally get an online store.

SEE ALSO: Now Playing: Yakuza 0 on Switch 2

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