ASUS Republic of Gamers is bringing back the ROG Strix G16 and Strix G18 for 2026, and the focus is clearly on giving gamers and creators more power without losing the signature Strix identity. Both machines are built around Intel’s new Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor and can be configured with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, putting them squarely in the high-performance category for competitive games, AAA titles, and heavier creative workloads.
The display story is one of the bigger upgrades this time around. The Strix G16 gets a 16-inch 2.5K 300Hz ROG Nebula Display, which is a step up from the previous generation’s 240Hz panel, while the Strix G18 packs an 18-inch 2.5K 240Hz ROG Nebula HDR Display with Mini LED for the first time in this model. ASUS says the G18 can hit up to 1600 nits peak brightness, which should give it a stronger edge for HDR gaming and content work. Both also use ACR anti-reflection tech to help with visibility and color consistency.
Cooling and upgradeability are also a big part of the pitch. ASUS is using its latest ROG Intelligent Cooling setup with Tri-Fan Technology, a full vapor chamber, and a sandwiched heatsink design to keep performance stable under load. On top of that, the 2026 chassis has been redesigned with tool-less access, making it easier to get to the SSD and RAM without dealing with tiny screws and clips. That alone is going to be a welcome change for anyone who actually likes to upgrade their laptop over time.
As for the rest of the spec sheet, both models support up to 64GB DDR5-6400 memory, up to 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD storage, WiFi 7, 2.5G LAN, Thunderbolt 5, and a 90Wh battery. ASUS is also keeping the full-surround RGB treatment and the usual bold ROG styling intact, so these still look like proper Strix machines and not just spec bumps in a new shell.
ASUS also confirmed that the ROG Strix SCAR 18 is on the way in Q2 2026, with support going up to an RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, though more details are still coming later. For now, the G16 and G18 look like the main event, and on paper they feel like a smart refresh for players who want strong performance, better displays, and less friction when it comes time to upgrade.
