KEY POINTS
- Elite performance for every arena: Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor and up to GeForce RTX™ 5090 Laptop GPU for incredible gaming performance
- ROG Nebula Displays and more: G16 and G18 boast the latest ROG technology and classic ROG styling
- The ROG Strix SCAR 18 is also coming soon: Flagship ROG gaming laptop will release in Q2 2026 with details to come
TORONTO, March 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) is proud to announce the 2026 ROG Strix G16 and Strix G18, two incredible gaming laptops featuring the latest hardware and technology to deliver incredible performance to gamers everywhere. Boasting the all-new Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor and up to an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 Laptop GPU, these machines are built from the ground up for enthusiast gamers. Both the ROG Strix G16 and G18 feature the latest ROG displays, cooling, and tool-less chassis designs that allow gamers to seamlessly upgrade critical components. Later this year, the flagship ROG Strix SCAR 18 will also be unveiled, delivering flagship performance in an incredibly sleek ROG chassis, and up to an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 Laptop GPU.
All three models are expected to be available in Canada in late Q2, 2026 on the ASUS Store, and selected retail partners.
Elite performance for every arena
The 2026 Strix G16 and G18 gaming laptops are engineered for players and creators who demand uncompromising performance across competitive esports titles, visually rich AAA games, and intensive content‑creation workflows. Both models feature the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor, delivering exceptional multi‑threaded power and next‑generation AI capabilities.
Paired with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, the new Strix G series provides the horsepower needed for high‑refresh gameplay, advanced ray‑traced graphics, and GPU‑accelerated creative applications. With incredible performance at native resolution, and even higher framerates possible with DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Generation, the ROG Strix G16 and G18 are the perfect machines for any enthusiast gamer.
ROG Nebula Displays and more
The Strix G16 features a 2.5K 300Hz ROG Nebula Display, an upgrade from 240Hz in the previous generation, delivering ultrafast response times ideal for competitive shooters and fast‑paced action games. The larger Strix G18 boasts a 2.5K 240Hz ROG Nebula HDR Display, for the first time ever featuring Mini LED technology. This panel achieves an incredible 1600 nits of peak brightness, offering deeper contrast and stunning HDR clarity for immersive gaming and content creation. Both panels incorporate ACR (Anti‑Reflection) technology, ensuring consistent visibility in varied lighting conditions. ACR also helps to maintain color accuracy when the panel is viewed from off-angles, ensuring that your games and content will always look their best.
To sustain peak performance from these machines’ flagship CPUs and GPUs, both systems leverage the latest ROG Intelligent Cooling innovations. This includes Tri‑Fan Technology, a full vapor‑chamber cooling solution, and a sandwiched heatsink design, collectively engineered to maximize thermal efficiency and maintain stable high FPS. With this comprehensive thermal solution, both the Strix G16 and Strix G18 can operate at peak performance for longer than ever, unlocking the true potential of the hardware inside.
The 2026 ROG Strix G16 and G18 also feature a redesigned chassis that emphasizes user‑driven functionality with tool‑less access. These laptops come apart with just a few spring-loaded tabs, allowing for easy access to critical internal components like the SSD and RAM modules without having to fuss with tiny screws or plastic clips. The SSD bays even support the Q‑Latch system, making upgrading effortless. These are the perfect machines for gamers that like to tinker and upgrade their hardware over time.
These redesigned chassis also boast the latest full‑surround RGB lighting array and of course the bold Strix aesthetic, underscoring the lineup’s commitment to personalization and style.
The 2026 ROG Strix SCAR 18 is also coming soon
For those who want to take the next step beyond the performance offered by the Strix G16 and G18, the upcoming Strix SCAR 18 is designed as the ultimate upgrade path, and features the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor. While the new Strix G series delivers exceptional power for competitive esports, AAA gaming, and content creation, the SCAR 18 raises the ceiling even higher with a platform built for users who refuse to compromise.
This next‑generation flagship model will support the highest GPU configurations, with options reaching up to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU. The SCAR 18 also boasts a much higher total system TDP than the 2025 model, allowing the machine to fully stretch its legs like never before. With incredible graphics performance, enhanced ray‑tracing capabilities, and next‑level AI acceleration, the SCAR 18 is engineered to push the limit further than any Strix device before it.
Additional specifications and availability details will be announced in the coming months. The SCAR 18 is poised to become the top choice for gamers and creators seeking the most advanced laptop hardware in the Strix lineup.
AVAILABILITY & PRICING
The new ROG Strix G16, G18 and ROG Strix SCAR 18 will be available in Canada in late Q2 this year, on the ASUS Store and selected retail partners. Detailed specifications for the ROG Strix SCAR 18 will be announced soon so stay tuned.
Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.
SPECIFICATIONS1
2026 ROG Strix G16 (G615)
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Display | 16″ 2.5K (2560 × 1600 WQXGA), 300Hz / 3ms, ACR Technology, DCI-P3 100%, Pantone Validated, IPS-level panel with G-SYNC and Dolby Vision® |
| CPU | Up to Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processor 290HX Plus |
| GPU | Up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 Laptop GPU |
| Memory | Up to 64GB DDR5 6400MT/s (2 x SO-DIMM slots) |
| Storage | Up to 2TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD |
| I/O Ports | 2 x Thunderbolt™ 5 Type-C®/DisplayPort™ 2.1/Power Delivery 3.1/G-SYNC 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x DC in jack |
| Keyboard and Touchpad | Backlit chiclet keyboard, Copilot Key Per key RGB with Aura Sync Support NumberPad |
| Wireless | WiFi 7 |
| LAN | 2.5G LAN |
| Audio | Smart Amp Technology
Dolby Atmos® Hi-Res Audio Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation |
| Battery | 90Wh |
| AC Adapter | Up to 380W adapter |
| Chassis | Eclipse Gray
Volt Green |
| Important Specs | Full-surround RGB light bar with Aura Sync
Volt Green with Aura Sync ROG RGB logo Tool-less access |
| Dimensions | 35.4 x 26.4 x 2.26 ~ 3.04cm (13.94 × 10.39 × 0.89 ~ 1.20 inches) |
| Weight | 2.7kg (5.95 lbs) |
| Availability | Late Q2, 2026
ASUS Store and select retail partners |
2026 ROG Strix G18 (G815)
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Display | 18″ 2.5K (2560 × 1600 WQXGA), Mini LED, over 2000 dimming zones, 240Hz / 3ms, ACR Technology, DCI-P3 100%, Pantone Validated, with G-SYNC and Dolby Vision® |
| CPU | Up to Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processor 290HX Plus |
| GPU | Up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 Laptop GPU |
| Memory | Up to 64GB DDR5 6400MT/s (2 x SO-DIMM slots) |
| Storage | Up to 2TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD |
| I/O Ports | 2 x Thunderbolt™ 5 Type-C®/DisplayPort™ 2.1/Power Delivery 3.1/G-SYNC
3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x DC in jack 1 x 2.5G LAN port 1 x HDMI® 2.1 FRL 1 x Audio combo jack: Mic-in and Headphone |
| Keyboard and Touchpad | Backlit chiclet keyboard, Copilot Key
Per key RGB with Aura Sync |
| Wireless | WiFi 7 |
| LAN | 2.5G LAN |
| Audio | Smart Amp Technology
Dolby Atmos® Hi-Res Audio Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation |
| Battery | 90Wh |
| AC Adapter | Up to 380W adapter |
| Chassis | Eclipse Gray
Volt Green |
| Important Specs | Full-surround RGB light bar with Aura Sync
Volt Green with Aura Sync ROG RGB logo Tool-less access |
| Dimensions | 39.9 x 29.4 x 2.31 ~ 3.2cm (15.71 × 11.57 × 0.91 ~ 1.26 in) |
| Weight | 3.5kg (7.72 lbs) |
| Availability | Late Q2, 2026
ASUS Store and select retail partners |
NOTES TO EDITORS
ASUS Homepage: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/
ROG Homepage: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/
ASUS Store: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/store/
ROG Gaming Laptops: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops-group/
ROG Nebula HDR: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/content/rog-nebula-display-hdr/
ROG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asusrog
ROG Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/asus_rog
ASUS Global News: https://www.asus.com/news
ASUS Global Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asus
ASUS Global Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/asus
About ROG
Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, system components, laptops, desktops, monitors, smartphones, audio equipment, routers, peripherals and accessories. ROG participates in and sponsors major international gaming events. ROG gear has been used to set hundreds of overclocking records and it continues to be the preferred choice of gamers and enthusiasts around the world. To become one of those who dare, learn more about ROG at http://rog.asus.com.
1 Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors. Full specifications are available at http://www.asus.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/390236b7-cbbe-405d-9658-1b9f0e475977
