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| The ROG Zephyrus G16 GU606 contains multiple upgrades, but for a $900 surcharge over last year's MSRP. |
It’s been a long four and a half months since Asus first pulled the curtain back on the refreshed ROG Zephyrus G16 at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Back in January, the buzz was all about the move to Intel Panther Lake processors and that brilliant 1,100-nit OLED display. But there was one glaring omission from the announcement: the price tag.
Now, the wait is finally over. Asus has started selling the new 16-inch gaming laptop in the US, and we have the first concrete numbers. Spoiler alert: if you thought the previous generation was expensive, you might want to sit down for this.
The New Entry Point: Specs and Sticker Shock
The first config to hit the US market is the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti variant. Under the hood, you’ll find an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor (part of that new Panther Lake family), paired with 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD.
But here’s the number that matters: $3,699.
To put that in perspective, last year’s 2025 model—which also launched with an RTX 5070 Ti and a Core Ultra 9 285H chip—started at 900 premium** for the 2026 version. For that extra cash, you are getting a 20W boost to the GPU (now running at 140W), a spiffy new 250W power adapter to handle the extra juice, and that gorgeous 1,100-nit OLED panel.
Core features like the 1600p resolution, 240 Hz refresh rate, and the familiar 90 Wh battery remain unchanged from the 2025 predecessor (which, by the way, you can still find on Amazon for a much more palatable $2,329).
What About the Higher-End Models?
Right now, Asus seems to be keeping its cards close to its chest. While the RTX 5070 Ti version is live, the rumor mill suggests an RTX 5080 configuration with a whopping 64 GB of RAM is on the horizon. However, those hoping for a flagship GeForce RTX 5090 equivalent may be out of luck—at least for now, it appears Asus might be skipping the top-tier GPU for this sleek chassis.
A Quick Stop at the Asus Store
If you want to see the official configurations or spec out a potential build, you can head directly to the manufacturer's portal. The company is also running a limited-time promo to sweeten the deal.
> 👉 Check the official 2026 ROG Zephyrus G16 at Asus’s US store — orders placed before July 31 are eligible to claim a copy of Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.
How the UK Compares (It’s Worse)
If you thought US buyers had it rough, spare a thought for our friends across the pond. Asus has also confirmed UK pricing for the GU606 model, and the conversion rates are brutal.
According to a recent report, the RTX 5070 Ti version will retail for £3,399 in the UK (around 5,405).
Is the 2026 Model Worth It?
That is the million-dollar question (or rather, the $900 question). On one hand, the new ROG Zephyrus G16 is undeniably beautiful. The jump to 1,100 nits on an OLED panel is a game-changer for HDR gaming and content creation, making it arguably the best-looking 16-inch display on the market.
However, with the previous generation selling at aggressive discounts right now, it’s hard to ignore the value proposition of the 2025 model. You can still grab the older GU605 version for a fraction of the cost.
Bottom line: If you need the absolute best screen and the latest chipset for work, the 2026 G16 is the ultimate ultraportable gaming rig. But for everyone else, last year’s model looks like the smarter buy for your wallet.
