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Asus ROG NUC 16: Console PC Power, Wallet-Busting Price
16 May
Summary
- New ROG NUC 16 mini PC features Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX and RTX 5080.
- Pricing starts at 29,999 Chinese yuan, approximately $4,420 USD.
- White 'Moonlight' version costs around $4,490 and launches in June.
Asus has launched its most powerful and console-like mini PC yet, the ROG NUC 16. This compact machine is equipped with Intel's latest Core Ultra 9 290HX processor and can be configured with up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 laptop GPU and a massive 128GB of RAM.
The ROG NUC 16 maintains a similar shell to its predecessor but offers significant internal upgrades. While performance gains over the previous generation are modest, promising only a 3% uplift in benchmarks, the new CPU should offer enhanced gaming experiences.
However, the most striking aspect of the ROG NUC 16 is its price. The mini PC begins at 29,999 Chinese yuan, which converts to roughly $4,420 USD. A premium "Moonlight" white version is slated to cost closer to $4,490 USD and is expected to launch in June.
Asus also announced the ROG Strix Scar 18 gaming laptop for 2026, featuring the same Core Ultra 290HX CPU and a 4K, 240Hz mini LED display. This laptop is anticipated to arrive in Q2 or Q3 of 2026, with pricing information to follow.
