ASUS ROG has announced the 2026 Strix G16 and G18 gaming laptops, both built for gamers who want top-tier performance. Each model comes with the new Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU. The G16 and G18 also include updated ROG displays, improved cooling, and a tool-less chassis for easy upgrades. Later this year, ASUS will introduce the Strix SCAR 18, a flagship model with even more power.
Elite performance for every arena:
The 2026 Strix G16 and G18 are aimed at gamers and creators who need strong performance for esports, AAA games, and content creation. Both use the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor, which brings solid multi-threaded power and new AI features.
With up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, the Strix G16 and G18 can handle high-refresh gaming, ray tracing, and creative work that needs GPU acceleration. DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Generation help boost framerates even further.
ROG Nebula Displays and more:
The Strix G16 comes with a 2.5K 300Hz ROG Nebula Display, up from 240Hz last year, which is great for fast-paced games. The G18 uses a 2.5K 240Hz ROG Nebula HDR Display with Mini LED tech, reaching up to 1600 nits brightness for better contrast and HDR. Both screens use anti-reflection tech to keep visuals clear in different lighting and help maintain color accuracy from different angles.
Both laptops use ROG Intelligent Cooling, including Tri-Fan Technology, a vapor-chamber cooling system, and a sandwiched heatsink. These features help keep temperatures down and maintain high FPS during long gaming sessions.
The 2026 Strix G16 and G18 have a new chassis with tool-less access. You can open them using spring-loaded tabs to reach the SSD and RAM without dealing with screws. The SSD bays use the Q-Latch system for quick upgrades, making these laptops a good fit for users who like to upgrade their hardware.
The new chassis also includes full-surround RGB lighting and the usual Strix design, giving users more ways to personalize their setup.
The 2026 ROG Strix SCAR 18 is also coming soon:
If you want even more performance, the upcoming Strix SCAR 18 will use the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor. The SCAR 18 is built for users who need the highest specs for gaming and content creation.
The SCAR 18 will offer GPU options up to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU and a higher system TDP than last year’s model. This means better graphics, improved ray tracing, and more AI power for demanding users.
More details on the SCAR 18’s specs and availability will be shared soon. It’s aimed at gamers and creators who want the most advanced hardware in the Strix series.
For more information, visit asus.com.
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