PAX Australia (PAX Aus) is the biggest gaming and esports event in the Southern Hemisphere. It happens once a year in October with the latest and greatest on display. There are tonnes of new games to try both video games and tabletop games, and a variety of consumer technology from smart lights, to computers, peripherals, chairs, internet providers, and merchandise.
We had the chance to browse some of the latest technology and we’re here to give you the heads up on what to expect on the market over Christmas and into next year.
ROG laptops and computers
Republic of Gamers (ROG) had a huge display of laptops and even some desktops. There were laptops for all kinds of users, from the most hardcore gamers, to graphics designers, and casual workers. The ROG Strix G18, designed for the most hardcore of gamers, boasts a huge 64GB RAM, a 4090 GPU, and 4900 CPU. It’s designed for pro gamers, creators, and 3D animators. As you might expect, it’s a little on the heavier side, which is something to be expected of such a beefy computer.
Then there’s the ROG Zephyrus series. The ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 is probably one of my favourites. You can see from the picture below there’s an extra screen which is a 4K touch screen. It can act as an additional path for multitasking. Players can bring up their Armoury Crate to monitor performance, or creators can use it as additional controls. It’s got a 4080 RTX so there’s plenty of power for gaming and creating.
If you’re not a fan of the additional touch screen, then there’s always the Zephyrus G14 with lots of power and a smaller 14″ 3K OLED screen.
ROG also has a tiny desktop on display, no bigger than my keyboard, but still packed with tonnes of power. It included an Intel i9, 32GB RAM, and a 4070 Super GPU. With lots of ports and small form factor, it’s the perfect mini-PC to take to conventions and events for demonstrating content.
AI artwork
One of the coolest new pieces of tech on display from ROG is their ASUS Project Dali. It’s a Computex concept laptop with a Spectra 6 full colour panel on one side of the laptop. This is an e-panel and therefore uses very little power, similar to having a Kindle on the back of your laptop. You can then use the built-in software to create your own AI generated artwork and display it on the screen.
This isn’t commercially available yet, but is a pretty cool concept. No need to sticker-bomb your laptop anymore!
ROG Ally and Ally X
The handheld gaming world has taken off. With the launch of the Nintendo Switch, and now the rise of Lenovo Legion Go, Steam Deck, MSI Claw, PS5 PlayStation Portable, and Asus ROG Ally and Ally X. We got hands on both models to check them out. The Ally X is the new upgraded version of the ROG Ally launched last year. The Ally X has more storage and longer battery life. The team really took the best of the 2023 ROG Ally and made it even better. The Ally X now includes 1TB SSD storage and 24GB RAM. If the battery life still isn’t long enough, you can even hook up a power bank for super extended gameplay.
Intel Core Ultra
On the same weekend as PAX Aus 2024, Intel announced their Arrow Lake Core Ultra 200S. Better known as the Core Ultra 200S series, it features up to 24 cores and integrated graphics. The goal her—according to Intel representatives at PAX Aus 2024—was to decrease the power usage by 50%, and improve the output by 15%. The team mostly succeeded here with a huge drop in power and 10% better performance.
The processor also supports WiFi 7 (depending on the Motherboard). Plenty of PCs at PAX included the Intel Core Ultra processors, and they looked amazing.
MSI Claw
We mentioned above that handheld gaming has really taken off in recent years. Most computer companies now have a handheld console on the market. Released earlier this year, the MSI Claw A1M is something gamers are loving. Now it’s getting an upgrade. What you see here is the new MSI Claw 8, shown exclusive at PAX Aus 2024. It’ll be releasing next year and include a full working computer, integrated graphics, and is powered by the new Intel Core CPU. It is much more ergonomic than the previous version and has a larger 8″ display. We’ll hopefully have a more indepth review for you as it gets closer to launch date.
Corsair gear
After we recently reviewed the Corsair iCUE RX120 and RS120 fans, we got to see the LX120 and QX120 RGB versions in the flesh. These looked beautiful in Corsair’s limited edition Black Ops 6 PC.
Alongside these sleek looking fans, Corsair also had the entire Black Ops 6 Collection on display. If you’re a Call of Duty fan, or you simply enjoy the aesthetic of charcoal grey and orange, then check out this line up. Here’s a K65 wireless keyboard, MM300 mouse pad, M75 gaming mouse, and HS80 headset. If you really like the PC, then you can pick up the case or the entire PC! Check out the Corsair website for more information on this collection.
Interesting PC builds
It wouldn’t be PAX Aus without several cool PC builds. Vendors such as MWave, Aftershock PC, and Cooler Master had some of their fun computer builds on display.
This year there was everything from bubble tea inspired PCs, to computers that moved like transformers, a Final Fantasy PC, and even a computer that looked like a shark!
I had to include myself for scale – this thing was on another level entirely.
Blackmagic Design cameras and software
Creators can’t create content without great tools. Blackmagic Design has a range of cameras and a suite of software available for all kinds of makers. Some of their best cameras on were display showing streamers using their gear.
One of the most popular video editing software: DaVinci Resolve, comes from Blackmagic Design. The team had the latest software for people to try out, and some of their custom keyboards and production switchers available to test out. They really make a difference to your stream or editing workflow.
New smart lighting comes to Australia: Govee
Gamers and creators love to make their spaces fun and unique. One way to do this is with RGB lights. The RGB smart lighting space is almost flooded with options from Corsair, Razer, LIFX, Nanoleaf, Philips, and more. Now there’s a new player in the Australian space and they have something a little unusual. They are called Govee and they have a range of lighting options to suit your style.
There are fun LED curtain lights where you can customise whatever is shown on the curtain. From writing messages to having pacman move across your curtain. Then there’s the Govee neon rope light. This is the one gamers will love since there are endless options. The lights in the picture below are both rope lights. The rope can be bent and shaped into anything you like. Make a word, a shape, or trace around an object. We got our hands on a pack of these so we’ll be sure to give you the full review. Check out all the fun and colourful products on the Govee website.
That’s a wrap on PAX Aus 2024
Well that’s all for cool tech on display at PAX Aus 2024. Let us know your favourite piece of tech, and what you hope might be in your Christmas stockings this year. Keep an eye out for other articles regarding PAX Aus, and more hardware reviews.
