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| The new ROG Strix G16 weighs in at 2.65 kg. |
The new ROG Strix G16 arrives globally with a powerful Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor, a 300Hz display option, and multiple GPU configurations — but is it worth the upgrade?
ASUS has been on a roll this year. Since launching its new ROG Strix gaming laptops earlier in 2026, the company hasn't slowed down. It rolled out the powerhouse ROG Strix Scar 18, refreshed the popular ROG Zephyrus line with 16-inch models, and now — almost without fanfare — it's releasing the latest ROG Strix G16 to markets around the world.
If you've been eyeing a new gaming laptop for 2026, this quiet launch might just be the one to get your attention.
We've spotted retail listings popping up in Canada, France, Hong Kong, Italy, and the UK, with ASUS's official website hinting that the US market will get its turn soon. But what exactly sets this year's model apart from the 2025 edition? Let's break it down.
What's New Under the Hood?
At the heart of the 2026 ROG Strix G16 is the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor. This is the defining upgrade from last year's model. While it keeps the same 24-core architecture as its predecessor (the Core Ultra 9 275HX), ASUS claims the new chip delivers roughly 7% better performance.
That might not sound like a massive leap, but for gamers and creators who push their machines to the limit, a 7% boost in processor performance can translate to smoother gameplay, faster rendering times, and better multitasking. It's the kind of incremental improvement that makes a noticeable difference over hours of use.
A Display That Demands Attention
Another headline feature is the 300Hz display. Yes, you read that right. The new G16 now offers a 1600p IPS panel that can hit a blistering 300Hz refresh rate — but there's a catch.
The peak 300Hz refresh rate is only available when the dedicated GPU is running in Ultimate mode. In standard operation, it maxes out at 240Hz, which matches what the 2025 model offered. For most gamers, 240Hz is already excellent, but having that extra headroom for competitive titles is a nice bonus.
That said, not every configuration gets the premium screen. Lower-end models come with a 1200p, 165Hz panel that peaks at a rather underwhelming 300 nits of brightness. If you're spending this kind of money, we'd recommend going for the 1600p display to get the full visual experience.
If you're also curious about what ASUS is doing with its Zephyrus line this year, check out our deep dive: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 2026 gets game-ready upgrades.
Global Pricing and Configurations
ASUS is offering the new ROG Strix G16 in several configurations across different regions, and the pricing varies significantly depending on where you are.
- United Kingdom: Starting at £2,599, discounted from the original £2,799. That's a decent saving for early adopters.
- Canada: Best Buy is listing it for CAD 3,299, while ASUS's direct store prices it at CAD 3,699 for the same spec — an RTX 5070 8GB laptop GPU, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage.
- Eurozone: The base model with an RTX 5060 starts at €1,899, while the top-tier RTX 5080 configuration goes up to €3,599.
- Hong Kong: The RTX 5080 model is priced at HKD 28,998, which is roughly $3,698 USD.
It's worth noting that the RTX 5070 model seems to be the most widely available at launch, with the RTX 5060 and RTX 5080 options appearing in select markets.
Is It Time to Upgrade?
For anyone still using a 2024 or earlier gaming laptop, the 2026 ROG Strix G16 presents a compelling upgrade path. The combination of a faster processor, a high-refresh-rate display (with headroom for competitive gaming), and the latest RTX 50-series GPUs makes it a well-rounded package.
However, if you already own the 2025 model with a Core Ultra 9 275HX, the 7% performance bump might not be enough to justify the expense — unless you're really after that 300Hz display in Ultimate mode.
The good news is that ASUS is offering a range of configurations to suit different budgets, from the more affordable RTX 5060 option right up to the premium RTX 5080 model. Whether you're a casual gamer, a streamer, or a content creator, there's likely a version that fits your needs.
Final Thoughts
ASUS continues to dominate the gaming laptop space with frequent, meaningful updates across its ROG lineup. The 2026 ROG Strix G16 may not be a revolutionary redesign, but it's a refined evolution of an already solid machine. With a new Intel processor, a faster display option, and global availability, it's positioned to be one of the better gaming laptops of the year.
If you're in the market for a new 16-inch gaming laptop, this one deserves a spot on your shortlist. Just make sure you're getting the display and GPU configuration that matches your needs — and your budget.
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Find the best prices on the ASUS ROG Strix G16 here.
Source : Asus Canada, Asus France, Asus Hong Kong, Asus Italy, Asus UK & Best Buy Canada
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| Asus also equips the ROG Strix G16 2026 with a 90 Wh battery that supports 280 W charging. |
