ASUS launches 2026 ROG Strix G18 gaming laptop with Mini‑LED display and RTX 5080

ASUS has begun a worldwide rollout of its 2026 ROG Strix G18 gaming laptop. The top configuration pairs an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus 24‑core processor with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 mobile GPU and an 18‑inch Mini‑LED panel that offers a 2560 × 1600 resolution, a 240 Hz refresh rate, over 2,000 local dimming zones, up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness and full DCI‑P3 coverage. Lower‑tier models use an IPS‑type 2560 × 1600 screen running at 300 Hz and graphics ranging from RTX 5060 to RTX 5070 Ti.

The chassis weighs more than 3 kg and features a three‑fan cooling system with a vapor chamber, liquid‑metal thermal interface and a full‑width heatsink. Memory can be upgraded to 64 GB DDR5 and two SSDs are supported. Pricing starts at £3,699 (about US$4,973) in the United Kingdom, with a US‑market configuration listed at $3,299.99. The device targets gamers and creators who need high brightness, fast refresh rates and strong GPU performance in an ergonomically sized 18‑inch laptop.