Asus Launches Gaming Laptop With Mini LED, New Processor

Asus has introduced the ROG Strix G18 2026, a new flagship-class gaming laptop built around Intel’s 24-core Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor. The launch follows the earlier debut of the ROG Strix Scar 18 2026, which paired the same silicon with a 450 W power adapter and a 4K/240 Hz Mini LED panel.

Display and performance refinements

According to internal benchmark data, CPU performance in the 2026 G18 offers only a marginal uplift over last year’s reviewed model. More notable is a display improvement in Ultimate GPU mode: the panel can now reach a 300 Hz refresh rate, up from the 240 Hz ceiling of its predecessor. Higher-tier configurations also gain an optional Mini LED display. While this upgraded screen retains a 1600p resolution and 240 Hz refresh rate, its roughly 2,000 local dimming zones push peak brightness to 1,200 nits.

Design and feature continuity

Asus has updated the chassis with chamfered edges for a more refined look, though the device remains a substantial machine at over 3 kg and continues to rely on a 90 Wh battery. Familiar elements carry over, including an integrated numberpad, a mechanical trackpad, and per-key RGB keyboard backlighting.

Pricing and hardware configurations

Entry-level pricing starts at CAD 3,099 in Canada and €2,699 in the Eurozone. That base specification pairs a single Thunderbolt 4 port with a GeForce RTX 5060 laptop GPU. Stepping up from there, all other SKUs combine the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus with at least a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and dual Thunderbolt 5 ports.

Current minimum pricing for GeForce RTX 5070 Ti configurations is set at CAD 4,399 in Canada, €3,099 in the Eurozone, HKD 27,998 in Hong Kong, £2,899 in the UK, and $3,299 in the US. A GeForce RTX 5080 edition featuring the Mini LED display is offered in select markets, commanding a premium of more than 25 percent over its RTX 5070 Ti counterpart. As an example, a UK listing shows an RTX 5080 model with 32 GB of RAM and a 2 TB SSD priced at £3,699. Full specifications and regional availability can be found on Asus’ official website.