Asus presents a stylish mini gaming PC, but the price might leave you in disbelief.
Asus has introduced the 2026 ROG NUC 16, a compact gaming PC designed for those seeking a robust setup without the bulk of a full desktop tower. It can be positioned either vertically or horizontally on a desk, and there’s also a Moonlight White variant for those who prefer a sleeker appearance. However, the cost raises some concerns.
In China, the updated ROG NUC 16 starts at CNY 29,999, which is approximately $4,405. The white edition is priced at CNY 31,999, roughly $4,699. Asus has yet to announce global pricing or availability, but it’s probable that international costs will be similar or potentially even higher.
What features come with a nearly $4,500 price tag?
The top-end model is equipped with Intel’s Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU. It can support up to 128GB of DDR5-6400 memory, although this particular configuration includes 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD. According to Asus, the ROG NUC 16 is capable of handling gaming, creative tasks, and local AI applications, and it supports DLSS 4.5 with Multi Frame Generation, which is expected to enhance frame rates in compatible games.
ASUS ROG
The cooling system has been improved with three fans, a dual vapor chamber, and a dedicated SSD heatsink. Asus claims it operates below 38 dBA even under full load, an acceptable noise level for a PC.
What justifies the high price of a mini PC?
Asus has consistently set a premium on its ROG NUC PCs, which is not unexpected. These systems are compact, stylish, and designed for users wanting high-end gaming performance without a standard-sized desktop.
Nevertheless, the significant price increase over the previous generation is difficult to accept. The fully equipped 2025 ROG NUC gaming mini PC, featuring similar hardware and an Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2 chip (275HX), was launched in the U.S. for about $3,200. This marks a $1,200 increase in just one generation, and the mini PC has yet to be released in western markets.
As with many laptops and PCs being released now, the price may be influenced by the ongoing shortages of RAM and NAND, which have already led to rising hardware costs. Still, the ROG NUC 16 is challenging to justify unless portability is your primary concern. At this price point, investing in a more powerful pre-built desktop or building your own could yield significantly higher gaming performance for the same amount of money.
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Asus presents a stylish mini gaming PC, but the price might leave you in disbelief.
The ROG NUC 16 packs powerful gaming components into a compact unit, while also putting a significant strain on your finances.