Asus has officially launched the ROG Strix G18 (2026) gaming laptop in global markets, bringing several upgrades over the previous generation. The new model is powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus 24-core processor and offers improved ergonomics with a refined chassis featuring chamfered edges. Although CPU performance is only slightly better than the 2025 version, the laptop introduces a brighter and more advanced display option, making it an attractive choice for gamers and content creators.
The ROG Strix G18 is available with a 16:10 18-inch Mini LED display that features a 1600p resolution, 240 Hz refresh rate, around 2,000 local dimming zones, and up to 1,200 nits peak brightness. Asus also allows the display to run at 300 Hz in Ultimate GPU mode, providing smoother gameplay than the previous generation, which was limited to 240 Hz in this mode.
The laptop retains several familiar features, including a 90 Wh battery, a per-key RGB backlit keyboard, a mechanical trackpad, and a built-in number pad. Despite the redesigned chassis, the device still weighs more than 3 kg, making it a desktop replacement rather than a highly portable gaming laptop.
Asus offers multiple hardware configurations to suit different budgets. The entry-level model includes an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU and a single Thunderbolt 4 port. Higher-end versions are equipped with the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and dual Thunderbolt 5 ports while retaining the same Intel Core Ultra 9 processor. In selected markets, Asus also offers a premium configuration with the GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU and the Mini LED display.
Pricing starts at CAD 3,099 in Canada and €2,699 in Europe for the RTX 5060 version. Models featuring the RTX 5070 Ti begin at CAD 4,399, €3,099, HKD 27,998, £2,899, and $3,299 in their respective regions. The top-end RTX 5080 model costs over 25% more, with the UK version priced at £3,699, including 32 GB RAM and a 2 TB SSD.
