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UAAP Esports: The Tech and Gear Powering UAAP’s Inaugural Esports Tilt

As the UAAP takes a bold step by introducing esports into its lineup, the excitement isn’t just about the games themselves—it’s also about the pieces of tech and gear that will be used to bring these competitions to life.

For the first time, the prestigious league will see its athletes swap the courts and fields for consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, each chosen to deliver the highest level of performance for their respective games. Here’s a roundup of the tech powering the UAAP’s first-ever esports tournament.

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PlayStation 5: The Console Champion for NBA2k

When it comes to virtual basketball, the PlayStation 5 is a favorite among gamers. NBA2k, the most popular basketball simulation game, will be played on this next-gen console, which is known for its lightning-fast load times, stunning 4K graphics, and smooth 120fps gameplay. The PS5’s powerful custom SSD ensures players experience minimal latency, keeping the action as close to real-life basketball as possible. Its DualSense controller, with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, provides an immersive experience, making each shot, dribble, and slam dunk feel incredibly lifelike. For the UAAP esports players, the PS5 is more than just a console—it’s the key to unlocking their full potential on the digital court.

Predator Orion 7000 PO7-650: The Beast Behind Valorant

Valorant, the tactical first-person shooter that has taken the esports world by storm, demands precision, speed, and an unyielding focus. To meet these demands, the UAAP has chosen the Predator Orion 7000 Po7-650 as the official gaming PC for the tournament.

ALL-STAR got a hold of the equipment list of the UAAP Esports organizers, and here’s what we discovered about the specs:

  • CPU: Intel Core i7 13700K Processor | 30MB Smart Cache | 2.5Ghz Base Frequency | Max Turbo up to 4Ghz | 16 Cores 24 Threads
  • Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 4070Ti | 12GB GDDR6X
  • RAM: 32GB (2 x 16GB) | DDR5 4800Mhz UDIMM
  • SSD: 1TB M.2 2280 PCI-E SSD
  • Monitor: Predator XB253Q | 24.5 inches | 240 Hz
  • Peripherals: Predator USB 4-Zone|RGB Keyboard | Mouse

This beast of a machine is delivers unparalleled performance and visual fidelity, ideal for fast-paced shooter games. Whether executing a perfect headshot or strategizing with teammates, the Predator Orion ensures that every move is captured in crisp detail. The high-refresh-rate monitor, paired with the PC’s power, guarantees a seamless and responsive gaming experience, allowing players to push their skills to the limit in this high-stakes environment.

iPhone 14 Pro Max: The Favorite of Pros for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, will be played on none other than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Although Apple does not typically market its products for gaming, many MLBB pro players have sworn by the iPhone as their go-to mobile device for playing.

Known for its powerhouse A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers top-tier performance, making it the perfect device for competitive mobile gaming. Its Super Retina XDR display provides vibrant colors and sharp details, while the ProMotion technology ensures smooth scrolling and gameplay at up to 120Hz.

Can Players Bring Their Own Hardware?

Depending on the game, UAAP Esports players may bring their own peripherals.

NBA2K

For NBA2K, the UAAP’s Event Team will provide the PlayStation 5 consoles that will be used in the competition. Only DualSense controllers provided by UAAP are allowed to be used in the event.

Players are not allowed to switch on the DualSense Controller’s Bluetooth, and notifications should be turned off. Players shall connect the DualSense Controllers to the PS5 through a cable.

Valorant

Players are allowed to bring their personal peripherals, including, but not limited to keyboards, mice, mousepads, and headsets. But players are responsible for their own peripherals: Any issues that may arise from their personal peripherals are the sole responsibility of the players.

Nevertheless, UAAP Esports will provide a Predator USB4-zone RGB Keyboard and Predator Mouse for the game.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

The iPhone 14 Pro Max will be the official gaming phone for the MLBB events in UAAP Esports. Players may not use their personal phones.