Asus has quietly rolled out the 2026 update to its ROG NUC 15 gaming mini PC. The headline here is the switch to the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor, paired with the Nvidia RTX 5080 Laptop GPU. Pricing in China starts at a hefty CNY 29,999 (~$4,421), with a white edition slightly higher at CNY 30,999 (~$4,569). No word yet on a global launch or broader configurations.
On paper, this sounds great — the CPU upgrade alone should deliver a meaningful boost over the 2025 model. However, the GPU remains the same Nvidia RTX 5080 Laptop variant, which feels like Asus is playing it safe rather than pushing performance boundaries.
A Flagship-Level Display Under the Sun
- The new model keeps the same chassis footprint but adds a bolder “For Those Who Dare” and ROG branding, making no bones about its gamer aesthetic.
- A patented removable stand replaces the old screw-on fit, cradling the chassis for better stability and ease of setup.
- Connectivity is generous, with front ports including 2x USB Type-A and 1x USB-C for quick access.
- The rear panel is packed: 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 2.1, 4x 10Gbps USB Type-A, 1x Thunderbolt 4, and 1x 2.5G Ethernet port.
Performance and Specs That Don’t Cut Corners
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus – an upgrade promising better gaming and multitasking performance.
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, unchanged from last year.
- Memory: DDR5 RAM standard, ensuring fast and efficient data handling.
- Storage: PCIe 5.0 SSD support, maintaining top-tier storage speeds.
- Cooling: A silent cooling system designed to keep thermals in check without noise pollution.
- Wireless: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 onboard, future-proofing connectivity.
The Real-World Compromises You Should Know
- The GPU remains the RTX 5080 Laptop version rather than a newer generation, which might disappoint gamers chasing peak graphics performance.
- Price tags north of $4,400 make this a niche product for enthusiasts or those with no space for a full-sized gaming rig.
- Asus has not revealed any global availability or pricing details, limiting insight into how competitive this will be outside China.
- The design tweaks are subtle but keep the device firmly in the gamer aesthetic camp, which won’t suit everyone’s workspace.
Who’s This For and Why It Matters
If you’re after a compact gaming powerhouse with the latest Intel CPU tech and don’t mind sticking with a last-gen GPU, the 2026 ROG NUC makes a clear case. It’s designed for gamers who value a small footprint without sacrificing high-end specs like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 storage.
That said, the price is steep compared to building a mid-tower gaming PC or even some gaming laptops with newer GPUs. The lack of global launch info also means potential buyers outside China are left in limbo.
In the grand scheme, Asus’s move signals a cautious approach—upgrading the CPU aggressively while holding the GPU steady. This split decision will define its relevance in the gaming mini PC segment in 2026.
(Via)
