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| The ROG Strix G16 2026 weighs as much as last year's model. |
It’s been just over a week since Asus pulled back the curtain on its latest gaming lineup, and the buzz surrounding the ROG Strix 2026 series shows no signs of slowing down. Announced alongside an imposing 18-inch counterpart, the new ROG Strix 16 arrived as part of a broader refresh that also includes a highly anticipated replacement for last year’s ROG Strix Scar 18—currently available for $2,699 on Amazon. While Asus remains characteristically tight-lipped about certain details regarding the Scar 18’s 2026 iteration, a recent leak has shed considerable light on the company’s plans for the flagship model.
In contrast to the secrecy surrounding the Scar lineup, Asus is taking a notably more transparent approach with the ROG Strix G16 2026. The company has officially confirmed that the gaming laptop will see a global rollout across six distinct SKUs, all powered by Intel’s new Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor. For those keeping a close eye on Asus’s official channels, the following part numbers have already appeared on the company’s global website:
- G615LM-TS360W
- G615LM-TS361W
- G615LP-TS343X
- G615LP-TS342X
- G615LW-TS354W
- G615LW-TS353W
A Familiar Foundation With Under-the-Hood Upgrades
All six variants share a common set of core features, including 90 Wh batteries and 300 Hz IPS-level displays. The ROG Strix G16 continues to leverage a 2,560 x 1,600 pixel resolution with 3 ms response times, delivering the kind of fluid, high-speed visuals that competitive gamers have come to expect. It’s worth noting that while the display specifications mirror those of its predecessor, the overall experience remains distinct from what Asus is planning for the ROG Strix Scar 18, which is expected to target an even higher tier of performance enthusiasts.
For users who prefer to customize their machines after purchase, Asus is sticking with user-upgradeable DDR5-5600 RAM and dual M.2 2280 storage slots, ensuring that long-term expandability remains a priority. The chassis itself retains the same physical footprint as previous generations, weighing in at 2.65 kg and measuring 354 x 268 x 228–308 mm—a form factor that strikes a balance between portability and thermal headroom.
Graphics Options Spanning RTX 5060 to RTX 5080
Perhaps the most significant differentiation between SKUs comes down to GPU configuration. According to information listed on Asus’s official website, the ‘G615LM’ models will ship with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 laptop GPU capable of reaching 115 W, which includes 15 W of Dynamic Boost. Meanwhile, the G615LP options step up to the GeForce RTX 5070 8 GB, a decision that arrives despite recent evidence suggesting Nvidia may be preparing to announce a 12 GB VRAM refresh elsewhere in its lineup.
For those seeking maximum graphics performance, the G615LW SKUs are where the action truly lies. These top-tier variants will feature the GeForce RTX 5080 with a full 175 W of GPU power at their disposal. As a direct consequence of this increased thermal and power demand, the G615LW models will ship with 380 W power adapters, a substantial step up from the 280 W adapters bundled with the G615LM and G615LP configurations.
Pricing, Availability, and Where to Find More Information
As of now, Asus has yet to confirm official pricing or specific release dates for the ROG Strix G16 2026 lineup. However, given the company’s confirmation of a global release and the appearance of these SKUs on its official channels, announcements regarding pre-orders and regional availability are likely just around the corner.
For those eager to explore the official specifications or keep tabs on updates, Asus has already published a dedicated product page for the new lineup. You can find the full details here: ROG Strix G16 2026 Official Page.
In the meantime, gamers looking for a proven performer from the previous generation can still find last year’s ROG Strix Scar 18 available through major retailers. Check current availability and pricing here.
With Intel’s new Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor at the helm and a full spread of RTX 50-series GPU options spanning the performance spectrum, the ROG Strix G16 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most versatile gaming laptops of the year. Whether you’re targeting high-refresh-rate esports titles or demanding AAA experiences, Asus appears to have a configuration tailored to meet the moment—and the competition.
