Following Alienware’s lead in launching new gaming laptops for 2026, ASUS has just launched its ROG Strix 2026 lineup with the new ROG Strix G16 and ROG Strix G18. Both of these new laptops are refreshed with the latest Intel CPUs, specifically the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus. The 2025 models came with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX. The CPU isn’t the only difference though. ASUS also updated the display on the G16 model. Last year it was equipped with a 240Hz Nebula IPS panel.
These new models are still using IPS panels with 2.5K resolution, so there’s no change there. However, the ROG Strix G16 2026 bumps the refresh rate of the display up to 300Hz. The ROG Strix G18 remains unchanged, sticking with the 240Hz refresh rate. When it comes to the GPU, this remains unchanged as well. ASUS offers several options in this area, but it can go up to an RTX 5080. That’s the one consumers are going to want if they want the best possible gaming experience.
The 2026 ROG Strix G16 and G18 both come with the tool-less chassis
One of the better design traits of last year’s ROG Strix laptops was the tool-less chassis. A small switch on the underside of the laptop allowed consumers to pop the panel off and get to core components like the SSD and RAM and upgrade those more easily. The 2026 models keep this tool-less design for ease of use. So, should you need an extra SSD, popping in a new one should take less than five minutes.
It’s this kind of decision that makes the ROG Strix 2026 lineup a strong offering in the market. Those looking for a little more power may want to wait for ASUS’s 2026 ROG Strix Scar 18. This will be launching in Q2, ASUS says. The company hasn’t shared full details on it yet, but it does confirm that it will have a higher TDP than last year’s model, and it’ll come with the same Intel CPU with up to an RTX 5090. ASUS hasn’t shared pricing on any of these new laptops yet. However, given the price of current components, don’t expect them to be cheap.
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