WiCi One Wireless eGPU Launches with RTX 5060 Ti for $1,999

Key points

• WiCi One is a wireless eGPU enclosure that uses Wi-Fi 7 to connect to host devices, eliminating the need for Thunderbolt or OCuLink cables.
• The base model features an Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti 16GB GPU, an Intel Core 3 100U CPU, and 1TB of NVMe storage, with preorders starting at $1,999 and a standard price of $2,599.
• A more powerful variant with an RTX 5090 32GB, an Intel Core Ultra 7 225H CPU, and 4TB of NVMe storage is planned but lacks a set price.
• WiCi claims the base model can run Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K Ultra with DLSS 4 at 80 fps and Black Myth: Wukong at 4K Cinematic with DLSS 4 at 60 fps.
• Critics question the practicality of Wi-Fi 7 for latency-sensitive gaming, noting that the 4x4 radio configuration may limit throughput to 11.5 Gbps, and suggest the device is better suited for non-latency-sensitive AI workloads.
• A developer preview is expected in Q4 2026, with no final release date announced.

Background

WiCi's wireless eGPU concept builds on the trend of external GPU enclosures, which have traditionally relied on high-speed cables like Thunderbolt or OCuLink. The company's focus on local AI inference and 3D rendering aligns with the growing demand for powerful, accessible AI capabilities in home and office environments. The WiCi One's wireless approach aims to address the limitations of traditional eGPUs, such as the need for physical connections and the performance penalties associated with cable-based connections.

How outlets are covering it

Engadget emphasizes the WiCi One's potential to transform any device into a gaming rig, highlighting its wireless convenience and performance claims. TechPowerUp questions the practicality of Wi-Fi 7 for latency-sensitive gaming, noting that the 4x4 radio configuration may limit throughput to 11.5 Gbps, and suggests the device is better suited for non-latency-sensitive AI workloads. PCMag agrees with TechPowerUp, stating that while the WiCi One is a fun potential use of the technology, it is unlikely to be viable for gaming due to latency and bandwidth limitations. tbreak.com provides a neutral overview, noting that the WiCi One is a planned wireless eGPU with an RTX 5060 Ti and 16GB of GDDR7 memory, and that the device uses Wi-Fi 7 and a virtual GPU driver to connect laptops to the remote graphics processor.

Why it matters

The WiCi One represents a significant shift in the eGPU market, moving away from traditional cable-based connections to a wireless approach. While the device's viability for gaming is questionable, its potential for local AI inference and 3D rendering could make it a valuable tool for users who need powerful, accessible AI capabilities. The WiCi One's wireless approach also addresses the limitations of traditional eGPUs, such as the need for physical connections and the performance penalties associated with cable-based connections.

What to watch

WiCi expects to start shipping its first WiCi One models in the fourth quarter of 2026, with a developer preview expected in Q4 2026. The company will announce the price for the more capable variant with the RTX 5090 closer to the launch date. The WiCi One's success will depend on its ability to deliver on its performance claims and address the concerns of critics regarding latency and bandwidth limitations.