At CES 2026, ASUS made a unique announcement: it was teaming up with Kojima Productions for a special version of its ROG Flow Z13, the ROG Flow Z13-KJP. This new version of the ROG Flow Z13 would keep all the features people loved about the original convertible tablet and give it a very special facelift inspired by Kojima and Death Stranding.
It was an announcement I did not expect when I walked into the ASUS tech showcase a few weeks before CES 2026, but I was interested. I have now spent a few weeks with the ROG Flow Z13-KJP, and while it does not offer any new hardware features compared to the standard Flow Z13, the Kojima touch makes it an excellent option if you have been sitting on the fence about jumping on this unique portable computer.
Unboxing the ROG Flow Z13-KJP is an experience in itself. This is one of the coolest tech unboxings I have done in a long time. Seeing the ROG Flow Z13-KJP quickly while at the preview did not do the hardware justice; there is a lot at work here that makes this device truly special. First, the skinning of this device is elaborate. ASUS has gone all out to give the Flow Z13 the Kojima treatment, with every aspect of the laptop, from the keyboard, look of the back of the device, and even down to the startup animation, having gotten some attention.
If you ever wanted to feel like you were using a device pulled from the world of Death Stranding, this would be that device. The subtle details and even the keyboard’s shape feel intentional, working together to make a device that feels incredibly unique. Given how many people love Hideo Kojima’s work, I have no doubt this device will sell out pretty quickly once it launches. And, given that the Flow Z13 was an impressive portable computer when it launched, this facelift only adds to that appeal.
But I do have to reiterate, while this is a major change in the design of the device, the ROG Flow Z13-KJP is below the surface, the same computer as the 2025 ROG Flow Z13. The ROG Flow Z13-KJP features the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor at its core, a chip that integrates 16 Zen 5 CPU cores with Radeon 8060S graphics. This Strix Halo design utilizes a unified memory architecture, allowing the system to allocate up to 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM as video memory. This setup removes the need for a discrete graphics card inside the chassis while still delivering performance capable of handling modern games and local AI workloads.
We talk about it in our review of the original ROG Flow Z13, but this little computer is incredibly powerful, and despite its size can do things many bigger laptops simply can’t the ridiculous amount of memory at its disposal (128GB LPDDR5X 8000) means it can take on AAA gaming, be a power house when it comes to video editing and 3D modeling, and it is even more than capable of taking on AI work, if you ever wanted to run an LLM locally.
It is crazy to think this is all packed into a relatively portable device, but ASUS somehow made it all fit. And with this version of the Flow Z13, it all fits and looks like it is pulled right from a science fiction universe at the same time.
“While the internal hardware remains unchanged, ASUS has included several exclusive touches for the ROG Flow Z13-KJP.”
On the display side, the ROG Flow Z13-KJP features a 13.4-inch ROG Nebula Display that balances portability with high-end specs. The panel features a 2.5K resolution (2560 x 1600) in a 16:10 aspect ratio, offering extra vertical space for productivity. It supports a fast 180Hz refresh rate and covers 100 per cent of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, ensuring smooth motion and accurate hues for content creators. With 500 nits of brightness and Dolby Vision support, the touchscreen remains visible and vibrant even in brighter environments.
I have seen the ROG Flow Z13 in person and spent some time using it. However, having it in the office and testing it more thoroughly gave me a clearer understanding of how it performs, whether watching media or playing games on this tablet PC. It delivers deep blacks and vibrant colours, making everything I tested look sharp, even at lower brightness levels. While the Kojima Productions edition does not introduce any exclusive display technology, ASUS set a high standard with the original model, and it continues to impress here.
I was also struck by how many ports ASUS has incorporated into the device. Despite its compact tablet form factor, the ROG Flow Z13-KJP offers an impressive selection of connectivity options for peripherals and external displays. It includes two USB4 Type-C ports with support for power delivery and DisplayPort, as well as a dedicated USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port for legacy accessories. An HDMI 2.1 port allows for direct connection to a television, and a UHS-II microSD card reader provides expandable storage. The system is powered by a 70-watt-hour battery and cooled by a vapour chamber designed to keep its high-performance components running efficiently within the slim chassis.
While the internal hardware remains unchanged, ASUS has included several exclusive touches for the ROG Flow Z13-KJP. The device features a custom startup animation showcasing Ludens when powered on. Unlike the standard ROG Flow Z13, this edition also includes a themed version of Armoury Crate designed specifically for the Kojima Productions collaboration, complete with a distinctive visual style.
The package also includes a custom briefcase designed to carry and protect the ROG Flow Z13-KJP. Is it more practical than a traditional laptop sleeve? Not particularly. It is bulkier and less convenient, but undeniably stylish. The design feels inspired by Death Stranding and is sturdily constructed, even if many owners may ultimately display it rather than use it daily. It is fully functional, though for everyday commuting or travel, placing the device in a standard messenger bag may prove more convenient than carrying the dedicated case.
Despite its bulk, the ROG Flow Z13-KJP feels distinct and genuinely special. It is a powerful PC that can handle a wide range of demanding tasks, from gaming and content creation to AI workloads. Like the standard ROG Flow Z13, it retains its tablet-first form factor, meaning it does not offer the traditional keyboard experience found on most laptops.
Given the performance hardware inside, battery life does not match that of more efficiency-focused laptops released in 2026, particularly those built around Intel’s Panther Lake platform. Even so, the device remains undeniably compelling and may prove especially appealing to fans of Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions.
At a starting price of $2,799.99 USD, this is not one that will come cheap, but it compares pretty closely to the standard ROG Flow Z13, so if you are a Kojima fan and were on the fence about jumping onto that laptop, this could be your time. Also, ASUS is releasing a selection of accessories that complete the experience, with a mouse and headset releasing with a unique Kojima Productions-inspired aesthetic to complete your overall computing experience. It may not be for everyone, but for “For Ludens Who Dare”, this could be a fun addition to your mobile gaming experience.
