Asus presents a stylish mini PC for gaming, though the price may cause you to double-check.

      Asus has introduced the 2026 ROG NUC 16, a compact gaming PC designed for those seeking a powerful system without the need for a full desktop tower. It can be positioned either vertically or horizontally on a desk, and a Moonlight White variant is also available for customers preferring a sleeker appearance. However, the pricing is a concern.

      In China, the updated ROG NUC 16 starts at CNY 29,999, approximately $4,405. The white edition retails for CNY 31,999, or about $4,699. Asus has yet to announce global pricing or availability, but international costs are expected to be similar, if not higher.

      What can you expect for nearly $4,500?

      The highest-end model features Intel's Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor along with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU. It can support up to 128GB of DDR5-6400 RAM, although this specific configuration comes with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD. Asus claims the ROG NUC 16 is capable of handling gaming, creative tasks, and local AI functions. Additionally, it supports DLSS 4.5 with Multi Frame Generation, which should enhance frame rates in compatible games.

      Cooling has seen improvements through the inclusion of three fans, a dual vapor chamber, and a dedicated SSD heatsink. According to Asus, the system operates below 38 dBA under full load, which is considered a reasonable noise level for a PC.

      Why is a mini PC priced this high?

      Asus has consistently charged a premium for its ROG NUC PCs, which is to be expected. These machines are compact, stylish, and tailored for individuals seeking serious gaming capabilities without a full-size desktop.

      That said, the price increase compared to the previous generation is difficult to accept. The fully equipped 2025 ROG NUC gaming mini PC, which features similar hardware and an Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2 chip (275HX), originally launched in the U.S. at around $3,200. This represents a $1,200 increase within just one generation, and the mini PC has yet to be released in western markets.

      Like many laptops and PCs released at this time, the price may be influenced by the continuing shortage of RAM and NAND, which has already led to rising hardware prices. Nonetheless, the ROG NUC 16 is a challenging sell unless portability is your main motivation for purchasing it. At this price point, one could buy a more powerful pre-built desktop or assemble a custom one for significantly greater gaming performance.