ASUS’ Kojima Productions Gaming Laptop Is a True Collector’s Item (Review)

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Hideo Kojima, the famous video game creator, and his studio, Kojima Productions, have teamed up with ASUS to create a special gaming laptop – a 2-in-1 model, meaning it can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. I’ve been testing the ASUS ROG Flow Z13-KJP for the past few weeks, and it’s a powerful and versatile machine. However, what really makes it stand out is its unique design, which will especially appeal to fans and collectors of Kojima’s games.

As a huge Kojima fan, I was so excited to see Kojima Productions celebrate ten years with the release of Death Stranding 2! It’s awesome that his collaboration with ASUS resulted in a laptop clearly inspired by the game and the company’s cool motto, ‘From Sapiens to Ludens’ – basically, from people to gamers. Honestly, even if the ROG Flow Z13-KJP has a few flaws, I know I – and many other fans – will be seriously considering getting it. It’s such a unique and cool piece of hardware, unlike anything I’ve ever seen before!

Score: 4/5

Pros Cons
A top of the line 2-in-1 laptop with strong specs More of a collector’s item than a go-to gaming laptop
One of the best collaborations on the market Heavier than expected
Collector’s item for hardcore Kojima fans Fan noise can be loud with intensive games
Comes with a very cool carrying case Battery can drain fast depending on tasks

What Is The ROG Flow Z13-KJP?

The name ‘Ludens’ comes from Johan Huizinga’s book, Homo Ludens, which explores the importance of play in culture and society. It essentially refers to “those who play.” The ASUS ROG Flow Z13-KJP embodies this idea, bringing that concept to life. However, it goes even further in terms of performance, a fact that both ASUS and Kojima Productions emphasize with the prominent display of ROG’s slogan, “For Those Who Dare,” on the device itself.

The ROG Flow Z13 Kojima Edition is essentially the same laptop ASUS released last year. The model I tested had a powerful setup with 128 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, AMD Radeon 8060s graphics (with 4 GB of memory), and an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor. This makes for a robust and substantial device – it’s a little heavier than you might think, but comparable to other gaming laptops.

While not as bulky as older gaming laptops, it’s still a good size for playing games both on the go and at home. Its unique 2-in-1 design, featuring a foldable keyboard, offers a nice compromise for those who want something between a handheld device and a traditional gaming laptop. Add in the special Kojima Productions design, and it delivers a great experience considering what’s available right now, even if it’s not quite perfect. It’s the best option we have at the moment.

ROG Flow Z13-KJP Performance and Usage

I tested the laptop with several indie games, RPGs, and one strategy game to see how well it handled different types of games. Everything ran okay – not amazing, but perfectly acceptable for this system. Most gamers – around 99% – should be able to enjoy their games on this laptop, though it won’t outperform more powerful, high-end gaming laptops.

Surprisingly, Fortnite pushed the laptop the hardest during my testing. While it could achieve frame rates higher than 120 FPS (the screen supports up to 180), I limited it to 120 and used medium graphics settings to simulate a typical gaming PC. The laptop ran the game, but I noticed some visual glitches appearing over time, and the fan got quite loud. It wasn’t a bad experience, but it definitely showed the laptop’s limits – which is understandable given its size and power.

I didn’t just use the laptop for gaming; I also worked on it for about a week. I had a lot going on at once – video calls, over 20 Chrome tabs open in multiple windows, plus Slack, Discord, and other programs. Occasionally, I could hear the fan briefly, which made me wonder if I was overloading it, but it handled everything surprisingly well. In fact, I actually started preferring it to my MacBook.

The ROG Flow Z13-KJP tries to be all things to all people – a laptop, tablet, gaming machine, and work device – and it generally pulls it off. However, trying to excel in so many areas means it has some trade-offs. It’s a capable gaming laptop, but not without limitations. It’s portable and can handle demanding software, but the battery life isn’t great. As a tablet, it’s functional, though a bit heavy for everyday use without the keyboard. There are benefits and drawbacks to each feature, and its overall value may depend on how well it performs as a creative tool.

How Kojima Is The Flow Z13’s Kojima Edition?

Hideo Kojima is known for creating unusual games, and the ROG Flow Z13-KJP seems to share that same creative spirit. From the moment you power it on, the laptop immerses you in the Kojima Productions experience. It starts with a brief, atmospheric sound, followed by the company’s logo. Even before you reach the home screen, these details demonstrate their intention to make you feel connected to their unique world right from the start.

Beyond its standard laptop functionality, the exterior design is truly exceptional. The textures and colors make this Kojima Edition collaboration one of the most visually striking I’ve encountered. Kojima Productions worked closely with the ROG team to achieve the precise gold color, intricate laser etching, and unique carbon-fiber application. It genuinely feels like a piece from the game Death Stranding, especially the tablet’s back panel with its distinctive air vents, embossed details, and futuristic aesthetic. The laptop matches its appearance – solid, weighty, and with a slightly alien feel, almost as if it were forged in an armory.

What’s really impressive about this partnership isn’t the laptop itself, but the durable, white case it comes with. Kojima Productions designed it to feel like it belongs in the world of Death Stranding. They originally wanted a case that felt natural for the character Ludens to carry, and while the design process had some challenges, they ultimately created something futuristic and unique – it doesn’t look like a typical laptop case at all.

This case is both practical and easy to show off while using your laptop. It fits the laptop snugly and provides excellent protection. While I didn’t test it, the case seems durable enough to protect the laptop if dropped, though I wouldn’t recommend intentionally trying that! The only real drawback is the lack of space for the laptop’s large charger. So, while the case makes it portable, you’ll be limited by the battery life.

What’s The Bottom Line?

The ROG Flow Z13 Kojima Edition is really designed for dedicated fans and collectors. Like all electronics, its parts will eventually become outdated, and it’s not meant to be an investment that increases in value. This laptop is for those who want a truly one-of-a-kind gaming experience or a special display piece. However, if you’re looking for a laptop that can compete with a high-end gaming PC or console, you might want to reconsider.

2-in-1 laptops already appeal to a specific group of people – those who want something between a tablet and a traditional laptop. Adding the ‘Kojima Edition’ makes it even more specialized, but that’s okay. Fans of Hideo Kojima, and those interested in this unique product, will likely be very pleased. However, this laptop isn’t designed to be a groundbreaking device in terms of performance; Kojima Productions simply wants people to enjoy playing games on it.

As a gamer, I see Ludens as representing all the tech that’s going to power our future. The idea is that you’ll have Ludens with you all the time – like a companion. We want it to inspire creativity, letting you do amazing things. Imagine putting on a Ludens ‘creative suit’ and feeling like it pushes you to explore and go beyond your limits – that’s the feeling we’re aiming for with the Flow Z13-KJP too. We really hope it’ll unlock that same sense of adventure for everyone.

I’m so excited – the ASUS ROG Flow Z13-KJP is finally out! You can grab it now for $3699.99 from some online stores. And here’s a sweet bonus: it comes with the PC version of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach! You’ll get the code through Armoury Crate, but just a heads-up, it’s only redeemable on Steam.

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2026-02-24 17:13