It transformed me into Antonio Hikingman.
The Asus ROG Flow Z13 was already distinct. It’s a robust gaming tablet with notable AMD Strix Halo integrated graphics that impressed me during my review a year ago. Now, it’s styled with designs from Hideo Kojima’s game studio and artist Yoji Shinkawa.
This is the Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP, a collaboration between Asus and Kojima Productions announced at CES. It’s inspired by Kojima Productions’ mascot Ludens and echoes the vibe of Death Stranding since Yoji Shinkawa designed them both. Shinkawa is known for creating iconic characters with Kojima from the Metal Gear Solid series to the Death Stranding games.
The ROG Flow Z13-KJP retains the powerful specs of the standard Z13 model, featuring an AMD Ryzen AI Max 395 Plus APU and 128GB memory. It is priced at $3,699.99—$400 more than the standard model’s MSRP (and $900 more than its current sale price). It includes a Steam code for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach on PC via Asus’ Armoury Crate app. You can preorder it from Asus and retailers like Best Buy and B&H Photo. Although the limited edition isn’t numbered, it will likely sell out. Accompanying the tablet, there’s a matching ROG Delta II-KJP headset ($269.99), a ROG Keris II Origin-KJP mouse ($169.99), and a ROG Scabbard II XXL-KJP desk mat ($69.99). The entire limited edition collection costs $4,209.96, available separately in the US and possibly as bundles elsewhere.
Shinkawa’s influence is visible throughout the collection. The tablet’s “decennium gold” anodized chassis feels smoother than the regular ROG Flow, and it features a carbon fiber panel and gold lines designed to mimic mountain peaks. Even the power supply is adorned with a Ludens mascot design, while the mouse and headset blend black, white, and gold with Kojima Productions iconography.
The design is full of sci-fi military jargon, some functional like the M.2 SSD storage labels, but mostly aesthetic. Phrases like “For Ludens Who Dare” and “Extra-vehicular Creative Activity Device” appear often, echoing ROG’s motto and Ludens’ spacesuit name. Details like the “Caution: Actuator cycles: 100M exceed prohibited” on the mouse button highlight design specs humorously.
The additional elements extend to accessories, like the attaché case inspired by Ludens’ gear, and a remove before flight keychain (though there’s no attachment point). Stickers and a thank-you note from Asus ROG and KJP are included, with the note’s reverse showing original Shinkawa concept art—a treat for fans of his work.
Software-wise, the Z13-KJP features a Kojima Productions logo animation and theme upon booting and in apps, adding to the experience.
The KJP edition comes with a keyboard modeled in faux-leather, while a batch of metallic keyboards (not for sale) was made for Kojima’s team and promotional use. Both keyboard types look striking, compensating for not owning the rare metal version.
This computer has captivated me like no other. There are elaborate custom PCs around, like the legendary Dream Machines by Maximum PC, but this Asus edition truly resonates with me. Carrying it up a snowy mountain a la Sam Porter Bridges, I experienced no technical issues. Thankfully, it’s not fragile.
While the ROG Flow Z13 was already innovative with its graphics and form factor, this KJP edition elevates it to a sci-fi marvel. It’s exceptionally costly, but the attention to its design makes it seem like a futuristic gem.
Photography by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge