ASUS ROG NUC 16: The Premium Mini PC That Feels Like a Console

Asus is reviving the Intel NUC concept with the ROG NUC 16, a high-end mini PC built around Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX and up to an RTX 5080 laptop GPU, configurable up to 128GB of RAM, and featuring a new stand that supports vertical or cradle use for better airflow. Prices start around 29,999 CNY (about $4,420) for the base model, with the Moonlight white version near $4,490 and a Black version launching soon; US pricing hasn’t been disclosed. Performance gains over the previous NUC 15 are modest (roughly 3% in some benchmarks), while RAM and component costs continue to rise, making the NUC 16 a luxury option for gamers with limited desk space.