ASUS Republic of Gamers announced the 2026 ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 gaming laptops on January 6, 2026, featuring NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs, next-gen Intel and AMD processors, and upgraded ROG Nebula HDR OLED displays. The ultraportable gaming laptops target creators and professionals who need high-performance hardware in lightweight aluminum chassis starting at 1.5 kg. Both models are Copilot+ PCs with 50 TOPS of NPU performance for local AI workloads.
What’s New in the 2026 Lineup
The Zephyrus G14 (GU405) now ships with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, while the larger G16 (GU606) offers up to an RTX 5090 Laptop GPU the most powerful mobile graphics card in NVIDIA’s Blackwell lineup. A separate AMD-powered G14 variant (GA403GM) features next-gen AMD Ryzen AI processors paired with an RTX 5060.
All three configurations support NVIDIA DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, a feature exclusive to the RTX 50 Series. ASUS confirmed the Intel-based models use Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, while AMD versions rely on USB4 for dual USB-C ports with 100W power delivery.
Display upgrades across most SKUs now include the ROG Nebula HDR badge, certifying 1100 nits peak brightness, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 1000 compliance, and 0.2ms response times. The G14 ships with a 14-inch 3K/120Hz OLED panel, while the G16 offers a 16-inch 2.5K/240Hz display, both with 100% DCI-P3 coverage and Delta E <1 color accuracy out of the box.
Processor Options and Copilot+ Certification
Intel’s Core Ultra Series 3 processors bring modular tile-based architecture with up to 50 TOPS of NPU compute, enabling local AI inference for Windows Copilot+ features without cloud dependencies. AMD’s competing Ryzen AI chips in the GA403GM model also deliver 50 TOPS, ensuring all three 2026 Zephyrus variants meet Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC certification requirements.
The improved thermal design features a redesigned bottom panel with larger ventilation zones and optimized exhaust vents to maintain lower temperatures under sustained loads. ASUS retained the six-speaker system with two tweeters and four woofers across both sizes.
Portability and Build Quality
The Zephyrus G14 weighs between 1.5 kg and 1.58 kg depending on configuration, maintaining its ultraportable positioning. The G16 comes in at 1.85 kg, light enough for daily commuting without compromising on a 16-inch display.
Both laptops feature CNC-milled aluminum chassis in Eclipse Grey or Platinum White colorways. The Slash Lighting array on the lid now expands from 7 zones to 35 individually addressable LEDs for more customizable animations.
Connectivity includes dual USB-C ports (Thunderbolt 4 on Intel or USB4 on AMD models), two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, full-size HDMI 2.1, SD or microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 come standard.
Storage and Memory
The G14 models include 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of LPDDR5X onboard RAM at 8533 MT/s (Intel) or 7500 MT/s (AMD), with a single M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slot supporting up to 2TB storage. The G16 mirrors the same memory options but offers dual M.2 2280 slots, one PCIe Gen 5 and one Gen 4 for multi-drive configurations up to 4TB total.
Battery capacity remains at 73Wh for the G14 and 90Wh for the G16, with included 250W (G14 Intel and G16) or 200W (G14 AMD) power adapters.
Display and Immersion Features
The ROG Nebula HDR OLED screens support NVIDIA G-SYNC for tear-free gaming and come protected by scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass with DXC coating. An ambient light sensor automatically adjusts brightness based on surroundings, reducing eye strain during long work sessions.
ASUS upgraded the EasyLift hinge mechanism for smoother one-handed opening while maintaining the ergonomic keyboard tilt when the lid is raised.
Availability and Pricing
ASUS has not disclosed pricing for the 2026 Zephyrus G14 or G16 models. The company stated the laptops will launch “later in 2026,” with Q2 availability expected for most configurations. The official ROG website directs interested buyers to contact local ASUS representatives for regional release dates and retail pricing.
Industry observers note the RTX 5090 and 5080 desktop GPUs are scheduled for a January 30, 2026 release, suggesting laptop variants may follow within weeks as manufacturers finalize OEM builds.
What This Means for the Gaming Laptop Market
The 2026 refresh positions ASUS to compete directly against Razer Blade and MSI Stealth lineups in the premium ultraportable segment. By offering both Intel and AMD processor options, ASUS addresses diverse buyer preferences Thunderbolt 4 for creative professionals who need eGPU support, and USB4 for gamers prioritizing raw CPU performance per watt.
The jump to RTX 50 Series GPUs with DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation gives these laptops a two-generation advantage over 2024’s RTX 40 Series models, potentially doubling frame rates in supported titles. The Copilot+ certification also future-proofs both laptops for emerging AI-powered productivity tools and in-game features planned for 2026.
The six-speaker audio system and color-accurate OLED displays reinforce ASUS’s dual positioning for both gaming and content creation, a strategy that has defined the Zephyrus line since 2020.
Featured Snippet Boxes
What GPU options are available in the 2026 ROG Zephyrus laptops?
The Zephyrus G14 (GU405) supports up to NVIDIA RTX 5080, while the G16 (GU606) offers up to RTX 5090. The AMD-powered G14 (GA403GM) is limited to RTX 5060. All models feature NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture with DLSS 4 support.
How much does the ROG Zephyrus G14 2026 weigh?
The 2026 Zephyrus G14 weighs between 1.5 kg and 1.58 kg depending on configuration. ASUS maintains its ultraportable design with a 14-inch form factor and CNC aluminum chassis in two colorways.
When will the ASUS ROG Zephyrus 2026 be available?
ASUS confirmed a “later in 2026” release window, with Q2 availability expected. Pricing has not been announced. Buyers should contact local ASUS representatives for regional launch details.
What display specs does the ROG Zephyrus G16 have?
The G16 features a 16-inch ROG Nebula HDR OLED display at 2.5K resolution (2560×1600) with 240Hz refresh rate, 1100 nits peak brightness, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 1000, 0.2ms response time, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut.
