The Asus ROG Flow Z13 has always been a distinctive gaming tablet, known for its robust design and powerful AMD Strix Halo integrated graphics. Its latest iteration, however, takes on an entirely new aesthetic, featuring the unique stylings of Hideo Kojima’s game studio and the renowned artist Yoji Shinkawa. A previous review of the standard model can be found here.
This is the Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP, a product of collaboration between Asus and Kojima Productions, initially unveiled at CES. While officially drawing inspiration from Kojima Productions’ mascot Ludens, its design strongly evokes the aesthetic of Death Stranding. This connection is natural, given that artist Yoji Shinkawa is responsible for the designs of both. Shinkawa is well-known for his work with Hideo Kojima, creating iconic characters and devices for series like Metal Gear Solid and the recent Death Stranding titles.
The ROG Flow Z13-KJP utilizes the most powerful configuration of the standard Z13 model, featuring an AMD Ryzen AI Max 395 Plus APU and 128GB of memory. Priced at $3,699.99, it is $400 more than the MSRP of its base counterpart, though currently $900 more than the sale price. The package includes a Steam code for Death Stranding 2: On the Beachon PC, accessible via the Asus Armoury Crate app. Pre-orders are currently open through Asus directly and major retailers such as Best Buy and B&H Photo. This limited edition is not individually numbered, and Asus has not disclosed production quantities, but it is anticipated to sell out quickly, similar to previous limited releases. Complementary accessories include a matching ROG Delta II-KJP headset ($269.99), an ROG Keris II Origin-KJP mouse ($169.99), and an ROG Scabbard II XXL-KJP desk mat ($69.99). All in, the limited edition collection costs $4,209.96 — sold a la carte in the US. It may be available as a bundle in some regions. Despite the significant price, the design merits close attention.
Shinkawa’s distinctive influence is evident throughout the collection’s design. The tablet features an anodized “decennium gold” chassis, offering a more refined tactile experience compared to the standard ROG Flow. A carbon fiber panel is subtly integrated on the top left of the tablet’s rear. Adjacent to this, a decorative element merges gold lines with the negative space of a fan vent, creating an aesthetic reminiscent of a mountain peak – a visual theme frequently encountered in Death Stranding. Even the power supply, typically a mundane component, is enhanced with a Ludens mascot design. The accompanying mouse and headset showcase a black and white color scheme with gold accents, further incorporating Kojima Productions iconography, including an RGB-illuminated Ludens logo.
The entire collection is adorned with sci-fi military jargon and iconography. While some elements, like the M.2 SSD storage label, serve a functional purpose, many are purely decorative. Phrases such as “For Ludens Who Dare” (a variation of ROG’s “For Those Who Dare” motto) and “Extra-vehicular Creative Activity Device” are prominently featured. The latter refers to Ludens’ spacesuit, the “Extra-vehicular Creative Activity Suit.” (Ludens, though not a game character, is represented by a 1:1 statue in the company office and has dedicated merchandise.) A notable detail is the black-on-black inscription “Caution: Actuator cycles: 100M exceed prohibited” on the left mouse button, indicating its rated click lifespan. Such playful integration of specifications as design elements adds a unique charm.
These meticulous details extend to all Z13-KJP accessories, including the attaché case, which draws inspiration from the larger version seen on Ludens’ back. The tablet also includes a “remove before flight”-style keychain, though a dedicated attachment point on the case is absent. Each component is accompanied by stickers and a thank-you note from the Asus ROG and KJP teams. The reverse side of this card features some of Shinkawa’s original concept art for the collaborative hardware, a treat for fans of his work, particularly those familiar with the Metal Gear Solid series.
Asus also invested significant effort into the software experience. Upon booting the Z13-KJP, users are met with a Kojima Productions logo animation accompanied by a suspenseful audio stinger, a nod to the studio’s origins and its
. This unexpected audio cue can be quite startling. Within Windows, both the Armoury Crate and MyAsus applications display a rendered image of the KJP tablet in their device settings, with Armoury Crate featuring a cohesive KJP theme. While these software enhancements are not strictly essential, their comprehensive integration enhances the overall user experience.
The retail KJP edition includes a keyboard featuring a new faux-leather palm rest and plastic keycaps in white, black, and gold, adorned with futuristic legends. Additionally, Asus produced a limited quantity of keyboards with metal keycaps, with 50 units allocated for Kojima and his team, and approximately 30 for Asus staff and promotional use.
Both the standard and metallic keyboards were evaluated. The metal keycaps share a similar aesthetic with the plastic set but feature metallic silver keys instead of white. They exhibit a subtle luster and reflect light distinctively. Sonically, they offer a slightly deeper bottom-out sound compared to their plastic counterparts. Both versions maintain a highly stylish appearance, mitigating any potential disappointment for those unable to acquire the exclusive metallic set.
This particular computer stands out as one of the most captivating designs seen in recent memory. While numerous highly customized PCs exist, and publications like Maximum PC once showcased impressive Dream Machines
, Asus itself has a history of producing unique limited editions, such as the previous generation ROG Flow Z13 ACRNYM. However, the KJP edition possesses a distinct appeal, inspiring a desire to test its ruggedness in challenging environments, much like a character from Death Stranding. Fortunately, the tablet proved resilient against water exposure.
The current ROG Flow Z13 is already a technologically advanced device, boasting cutting-edge integrated graphics and a highly adaptable form factor. The KJP edition elevates this further, transforming it into a piece of sci-fi artistry. Despite its high price point, the meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful details imbue it with the feel of a truly exceptional, futuristic computer.
