The days of straight-cut, rectangle-shaped WiFi routers are over, with many modern iterations sporting less conventional designs, and multiple antennae that give them a look of an inverted spider-lookalike. ASUS is about to crush the competition, as it has reportedly teamed up with Japanese brand Bandai Namco to launch two Gundam-themed WiFi 6 routers (via Chinese website ITHome).
RT-AX82U is the first name on the list. Decked out in white and accents of red and black, this special-edition device is meant to evoke the aesthetics of the RX-78-2 Gundam and its human pilot, protagonist Amuro Ray.
The RT-AX86U, meanwhile, flies the red and black hues of the MS-06S Zaku II suit and its accompanying pilot, Char Aznable. Both models serve as a nod to the original Gundam series, which was first aired back in 1979.
Despite the aesthetic makeover, the specifications of the routers remain unchanged. The RT-AX82U and RT-AX86U will support the new WiFi 6 standard (802.11ax), with the former boasting a 2.5G ethernet port. For an added touch of customisation, the RT-AX86U offers various RGB lighting effects as well, so users can easily switch up its main look.
Being outfitted with WiFi 6 technology means both devices are also set to provide faster speeds, higher network efficiency, a wider reach, improved battery life, and full backward compatibility with existing WiFi products.
Local pricing and availability have yet to be announced, but the RT-AX82U and RT-AX86U are expected to launch first in China for 1,299 and 1,999 Chinese Yuan (S$257 and S$396) respectively.
Next up, a Gundam-themed laptop, perhaps?
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
