Hands-On: The Coolest Death Stranding-Inspired Tablet Ever
▼ Summary
– The Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP is a special edition gaming tablet created in collaboration with Kojima Productions and artist Yoji Shinkawa, inspired by their game studio’s mascot and aesthetic.
– Its design features unique “decennium gold” and carbon fiber styling, with Death Stranding and sci-fi military iconography integrated throughout the hardware and accessories.
– The package includes extensive themed extras like an attaché case, concept art cards, stickers, and custom software boot-up animations and interfaces.
– An exclusive, very limited run of keyboards with metal keycaps was produced primarily for Kojima’s team and Asus staff, differing from the standard faux-leather and plastic keyboard available to buyers.
– The reviewer praises the device as a forward-looking, meticulously designed “thing of sci-fi beauty,” despite its high cost, highlighting the thoroughness of its thematic execution.
There’s something undeniably special about a piece of technology that feels like it was pulled directly from a science fiction universe. The Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP is exactly that, a powerful gaming tablet transformed into a collector’s item through a stunning collaboration with Kojima Productions and legendary artist Yoji Shinkawa. Clad in a striking “decennium gold” and black color scheme, this limited edition device draws heavy inspiration from the studio’s mascot, Ludens, and the stark, beautiful landscapes of the Death Stranding games. It’s a machine that demands to be noticed, not just for its specs, but for the sheer artistry poured into every millimeter.
Holding the tablet reveals Shinkawa’s influence immediately. The anodized gold chassis feels smoother and more premium than the standard model. A carbon fiber panel adorns the back for no reason other than to look cool, sitting beside a decorative design where gold lines and a fan vent’s negative space combine to form a subtle mountain peak, a clear nod to Death Stranding‘s treacherous terrain. Even the power supply gets the treatment, featuring an etched Ludens mascot. The included mouse and headset continue the theme with a mix of black, white, and gold accents, complete with illuminated Kojima Productions logos.
The design is packed with fictional military jargon and iconography that adds layers of personality. Functional labels for components like the M.2 SSD storage sit alongside purely aesthetic phrases. The motto “For Ludens Who Dare” is everywhere, a clever twist on Asus’s own “For Those Who Dare.” One particularly delightful touch is the text on the left mouse button: “Caution: Actuator cycles: 100M exceed prohibited,” which humorously references its rated click lifespan. It makes you wonder why more products don’t wear their technical specs as proudly as part of their design language.
This attention to detail extends far beyond the hardware itself. The entire kit arrives in an attaché case inspired by the massive pack on Ludens’s back. Inside, you’ll find a “remove before flight” keychain, a stack of stickers, and a printed thank-you note. The back of that note is the real treasure, showcasing some of Yoji Shinkawa’s original concept sketches for the collaboration. For fans of his work on Metal Gear Solid and beyond, it’s a wonderful inclusion that feels genuinely thoughtful.
Asus didn’t stop with the physical goods. Powering on the tablet triggers a custom boot animation with the Kojima Productions logo and a suspenseful audio sting that faithfully recreates the studio’s original trailer, a genuine surprise that provides a fun jump scare. Within Windows, the Armoury Crate control software and MyAsus apps feature a custom KJP theme with proper renders of the tablet and its accessories. These software touches aren’t essential, but their thoroughness demonstrates a commitment to the theme that is deeply appreciated.
The purchasable KJP edition comes with a keyboard featuring a new faux-leather palm rest and plastic keycaps in white, black, and gold with futuristic legends. However, Asus also produced an ultra-exclusive run of about 80 keyboards with full metal keycaps, reserved for Kojima’s team, Asus staff, and promotions. Having tried both, the metal caps offer a subtle luster and a slightly deeper, more satisfying sound when typing. While the metal version is fantastic, the standard plastic keycap set is incredibly stylish in its own right, so there’s no need for excessive envy.
It’s rare to encounter a computer that inspires this level of fascination. While the world is full of custom PCs and limited editions, the ROG Flow Z13-KJP resonates on a different level. It successfully marries forward-looking technology, like its potent AMD Strix Halo integrated graphics and versatile tablet form, with a cohesive, breathtaking sci-fi aesthetic. The result is a device that feels both like a high-performance tool and a piece of art from a possible future. It commands a premium price, but the care embedded in its creation makes it feel like a genuine modern gem.
(Source: The Verge)