Asus Announces Price Hikes for ROG Zephyrus G16 in the UK
Asus recently unveiled its new ROG Zephyrus G16 range at CES 2026, generating excitement among gaming enthusiasts. However, this excitement has quickly turned to disappointment as the pricing details emerge, particularly for the UK market.
Staggering Price Increases
According to insights from TechRadar, the new entry-level G16 model featuring an Nvidia RTX 5070 GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H CPU is set at £3,199. This represents a 17% increase from the last generation of G16 laptops.
Nonetheless, the context of these hikes is troubling. The absence of an RTX 5060 model in the current lineup means that the base model’s price effectively swells to 28% more than its predecessor from 2025, despite the enhanced performance with the upgraded GPU.
Top Models and Their Cost Implications
If gamers are looking for something more powerful, the 2026 G16 with an RTX 5080 has a marked price of £4,099, while the flagship model equipped with an RTX 5090 peaks at £4,899. Both of these higher-end models come packed with 64GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD, still powered by the same Intel CPU.
Interestingly, it appears that the previous generation’s entry-level G16 has received a £400 discount in the UK, making the new model’s starting price over 50% higher despite the increased specifications.
Community Reaction: A Mixed Response
The gaming community’s reaction has not been favorable. A Reddit user expressed disbelief at the new pricing, stating, “3 bags for a 5070. That’s insane.” The overall sentiment reflects a sense of frustration and confusion; many had anticipated price hikes, but not of this magnitude.
Analysis: Global Pricing Implications
Asus’s price hikes in the UK may be indicative of broader trends affecting gamers worldwide. Component shortages and inflation have already impacted the landscape, making it difficult for manufacturers to maintain competitive pricing. However, it’s crucial to remember that while £3,199 converts roughly to $4,200 USD, prices in other regions, particularly the US, have historically been lower, potentially softening the blow.
Despite these sobering figures, there are suggestions that last year’s models at discounted prices are worth considering rather than opting for the more expensive 2026 lineup. This strategy could offer both performance and financial relief to eager gamers.
(Image credit: Asus)
As we move forward, the situation surrounding ROG Zephyrus G16 pricing serves as a reminder for consumers to remain vigilant and explore all options before making purchasing decisions. The community’s feedback highlights how the ongoing pricing shifts can significantly shape the gaming ecosystem.
Image Credit: www.techradar.com
