Asus launches ROG Strix G18 2026 gaming laptop with Mini LED display
The new ROG Strix G18 2026 debuts with Intel Core Ultra 9 processors and Nvidia RTX 50-series graphics. High-end models feature a 240Hz Mini LED panel.
Asus launches ROG Strix G18 2026 gaming laptop with Mini LED display
Asus has initiated the global rollout of the 2026 ROG Strix G18, a high-performance gaming laptop available in eight distinct SKUs. Positioned as a slightly toned-down alternative to the premium ROG Strix Scar 18, the G18 focuses on desktop-class power and advanced display options for gamers and creators.
All configurations of the ROG Strix G18 2026 are standardized with the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor. While benchmarks indicate this 24-core CPU offers only marginally higher performance than the 2025 model, the standardization simplifies the lineup and provides a consistent baseline of flagship compute power across all tiers.
Display Options and Visuals
The 2026 model introduces a split in display technology based on the chosen configuration. High-end variants feature an 18-inch Mini LED panel with a 2560 x 1600 resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate. This display utilizes circa 2,000 local dimming zones and achieves up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness, though some reports cite peak brightness as high as 1,600 nits. The Mini LED option provides deeper blacks and stronger HDR compared to standard panels.
Lower-tier configurations utilize an 18-inch IPS-level panel. This display maintains the 2560 x 1600 resolution but offers a faster 300Hz refresh rate. According to Asus, the G18's display can reach this 300Hz mark specifically when the device is set to Ultimate GPU mode.
Graphics and Power Performance
GPU options span the Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series mobile lineup, including the RTX 5060, RTX 5070, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5080. Thermal and power management systems have been updated to support a total system power of up to 255W in Manual mode for the RTX 5080 configuration.
To manage this thermal envelope, the Strix G18 employs a cooling suite consisting of three fans, a full-width heatsink, liquid metal, and an end-to-end vapor chamber.
Hardware and Design
Asus has refined the chassis with chamfered edges, though the device remains heavy at 3.2 kg. The laptop retains a 90 Wh battery and a per-key RGB backlit keyboard, a mechanical trackpad, and a built-in numberpad.
For upgradability, the G18 features a tool-free bottom panel. It supports up to 64GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and includes dual M.2 2280 slots for PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 SSDs, with one slot occupied by default.
Pricing and Availability
The G18 is available in several markets with pricing varying by GPU configuration:
| Region | RTX 5060 Starting Price | RTX 5070 Ti Starting Price | RTX 5080 Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | CAD 3,099 | CAD 4,399 | — |
| Eurozone | €2,699 | €3,099 | — |
| United Kingdom | , | £2,899 | £3,699 |
| United States | , | $3,299 | , |
| Hong Kong | , | HKD 27,998 | , |
Connectivity varies by tier. Entry-level variants with the RTX 5060 feature a single Thunderbolt 4 port, whereas configurations with the RTX 5070 Ti and above include dual Thunderbolt 5 ports.
While the RTX 5080 model is currently available in the UK, it has not yet appeared in the US market. Asus has not confirmed the official arrival date for the Mini LED model in the United States.
