Asus packed an RTX 5080 into a 3-litre case. Priced at $4,400, it offers a performance increase of 2.3%.

Asus packed an RTX 5080 into a 3-litre case. Priced at $4,400, it offers a performance increase of 2.3%.

      TL;DR: Asus has introduced the ROG NUC 16 in China at a price of $4,400. It features an RTX 5080 and a Core Ultra 9 290HX within a 3-litre chassis.

      Asus has released the 2026 ROG NUC 16 in China, combining Intel’s Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 laptop GPU in a compact 3-litre chassis weighing 3.12 kilograms. The black model starts at CNY 29,999 (around $4,400), while the Moonlight White variant is priced at CNY 31,999 (approximately $4,700). While global pricing has yet to be confirmed, a US launch around $4,000 is anticipated, probably after a broader unveiling at Computex in June.

      The specifications of this compact device are impressive. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus features 24 cores (8 Performance, 16 Efficient) and boasts 40MB of L2 cache. The RTX 5080 laptop GPU utilizes Nvidia’s Blackwell architecture, supports DLSS 4.5 with Multi Frame Generation, and offers up to 1,334 AI TOPS across CPU, GPU, and NPU tasks. The system can accommodate up to 128GB of DDR5-6400 RAM through two CSODIMM slots, alongside storage options that include one M.2 PCIe 5.0 and two PCIe 4.0 slots, allowing for a total capacity of up to 9TB. Lower-end models featuring RTX 5070 Ti, 5070, and 5060 GPUs are also available, all utilizing the same processor.

      The connectivity options are extensive: Thunderbolt 4, two HDMI 2.1 ports, two DisplayPort 2.1 ports, four USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, Wi-Fi 7 with Bluetooth 5.4, and 2.5GbE LAN. When paired with the newly launched ROG Xreal R1 AR gaming glasses, the NUC 16 can form the core of a portable high-refresh-rate gaming setup that fits in a backpack; however, the total cost for both devices will exceed $5,200.

      The cooling system has been enhanced with a three-fan setup and a dual vapor chamber, providing 12% additional thermal coverage compared to the prior model. Asus claims that the system operates below 38 dBA under full load, which is impressively quiet given its power demands through a 380W external power brick. The chassis measures 282.4 x 189.5 x 56.5mm, making it smaller than a PlayStation 5, and features a toolless design for memory and storage upgrades, along with a new removable stand that replaces the previous screw-on mount.

      However, the price in relation to performance gains raises concerns. The 2025 ROG NUC 15, which paired the Core Ultra 9 275HX with the same RTX 5080 laptop GPU, was launched in the US for $3,200. Asus's own benchmarks indicate that the 2026 model provides roughly 2.3% improved performance in 3DMark compared to its predecessor. This translates to a $1,200 price increase for a generational upgrade that is within the margin of error for most real-world gaming situations.

      Part of the price hike can be attributed to the persistent RAM price crisis, which has seen DDR5 memory costs rise significantly throughout 2026, affecting gaming devices that require high-capacity, high-speed memory. However, the scale of the increase from $3,200 to an expected retail price above $4,000 in the US is challenging to rationalize based solely on component costs.

      The competitive landscape has also evolved. Devices like Minisforum’s G1 Pro offer desktop-class RTX 5060 in a console-style design at a notably lower price. Thunderobot’s MIX Gaming 2, introduced at CES 2026, features an RTX 5090 laptop GPU in a similarly compact form factor. The wider consumer electronics market is under various pricing pressures, and the ROG NUC 16 is now competing not only with other mini PCs but also with full gaming desktops that deliver more performance for a lower cost, as well as gaming laptops that offer portability that the NUC lacks without an additional display.

      Asus is marketing the ROG NUC as both an AI-capable workstation and a gaming device, referring to applications like local inference tasks, generative AI, and accelerated content creation. This strategy aligns with the industry's trend of promoting gaming hardware as hybrid AI systems, but the practical use of running local AI workloads on a $4,400 mini PC is limited compared to cloud-based solutions or specialized AI hardware.

      China remains the launch market for high-end consumer electronics, allowing manufacturers to assess market response

Other articles

Destinus is seeking to raise €200 million prior to its initial public offering (IPO). The manufacturer of cruise missiles aims for a valuation of €5 billion. Destinus is seeking to raise €200 million prior to its initial public offering (IPO). The manufacturer of cruise missiles aims for a valuation of €5 billion. The Dutch defense startup produces drones and cruise missiles for Ukraine and its European allies. It has already formed a joint venture with Rheinmetall. A student equipped with a laptop and a radio interrupted four high-speed trains. The crypto keys had remained unchanged for 19 years. A student equipped with a laptop and a radio interrupted four high-speed trains. The crypto keys had remained unchanged for 19 years. A 23-year-old in Taiwan took advantage of TETRA radio vulnerabilities that have remained unchanged since 2007 to activate emergency brakes on four trains. He could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Samsung and its union are set to meet on Monday in a final effort to avert an 18-day strike at the chip factory. Samsung and its union are set to meet on Monday in a final effort to avert an 18-day strike at the chip factory. South Korea's Prime Minister cautioned about "unimaginable" economic consequences. The union is demanding 15% of the operating profit, while Samsung has proposed 10%. The deadline is set for May 21. Asus packed an RTX 5080 into a 3-liter enclosure. Priced at $4,400, it offers a performance increase of 2.3%. Asus packed an RTX 5080 into a 3-liter enclosure. Priced at $4,400, it offers a performance increase of 2.3%. The ROG NUC 16 combines Intel's Core Ultra 9 290HX with an RTX 5080 laptop GPU in a case that is smaller than a PS5. The worldwide price is anticipated to be around $4,000. Asus ROG and Xreal have created the first augmented reality gaming glasses with a 240Hz refresh rate. Priced at $849, they will be available for shipping in June. Asus ROG and Xreal have created the first augmented reality gaming glasses with a 240Hz refresh rate. Priced at $849, they will be available for shipping in June. The ROG Xreal R1 features dual Sony micro-OLED screens, a virtual display measuring 171 inches, and Bose audio, all within a weight of 91 grams. Pre-orders are available now at Best Buy. Chinese electric vehicles are making their way to Canada, with almost 400 dealers already competing to sell them. Chinese electric vehicles are making their way to Canada, with almost 400 dealers already competing to sell them. Canada reduced tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to 6.1%, setting a limit of 49,000 units. Dealers are eager to participate, Trump labels it a catastrophe, and the initial cars have arrived.

Asus packed an RTX 5080 into a 3-litre case. Priced at $4,400, it offers a performance increase of 2.3%.

The ROG NUC 16 combines Intel's Core Ultra 9 290HX with an RTX 5080 laptop GPU, all housed in a chassis smaller than a PS5. The anticipated global price is around $4,000.