Asus has launched the 2026 ROG NUC 16, a compact gaming PC built for people who want a powerful setup without making room for a full desktop tower. It can sit vertically or horizontally on a desk, and there is also a Moonlight White version for buyers who want something a little cleaner-looking. The problem is the price.
In China, the refreshed ROG NUC 16 is listed at a starting price of CNY 29,999, which is around $4,405. The white version costs CNY 31,999, or about $4,699. Asus has not confirmed global pricing or availability yet, but international prices are likely to be in the same range, or possibly go even higher.
What do you get for nearly $4,500?
The top model uses Intel’s Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU. It supports up to 128GB of DDR5-6400 memory, though this listed configuration comes with 32GB RAM and a 2TB SSD. Asus says the ROG NUC 16 can handle gaming, creative work, and local AI tasks. It also supports DLSS 4.5 with Multi Frame Generation, which should help boost frame rates in supported games.
ASUS ROG
Cooling has been upgraded with three fans, a dual vapor chamber, and a separate SSD heatsink. Asus says it runs below 38 dBA even at full load, which is an acceptable noise level for a PC.
Why does a mini PC cost this much?
ASUS has always charged a premium for its ROG NUC PCs, which is not surprising. These machines are small, clean, and built for people who want serious gaming power without a full-size desktop tower.
Even with that in mind, the price increase over the previous generation is hard to digest. The maxed-out 2025 ROG NUC gaming mini PC, with the same hardware and an Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2 chip (275HX), launched in the U.S. for around $3,200. That is a $1,200 jump in just one generation, and the mini PC has not even arrived in western markets yet.
Like many laptops and PCs launching right now, the price may be linked to the ongoing RAM and NAND shortage, which has already pushed hardware costs higher. Still, the ROG NUC 16 is a tough sell unless portability is the main reason you want it. At this price, you could buy a stronger pre-built desktop, or build one yourself and get much more gaming power for the money.
If you’ve ever wrapped up a long editing session with a stiff back, tight shoulders, and that slow, creeping fatigue that only comes from sitting too long—you’ll understand this immediately.
As an editor, my day rarely involves movement. It’s hours of rewriting drafts, scrubbing timelines, reviewing footage frame by frame, and jumping between multiple screens. You start the day upright and focused, but somewhere along the way, posture slips. Your shoulders hunch, your lower back gives up, and before you know it, you’re shifting constantly just to stay comfortable.
The problem isn’t just the workload. It’s the chair.
And that’s where the Welax S9 Pro Ergonomic Chair enters the conversation—not as a luxury, but as a genuinely practical solution to a problem most professionals quietly live with every day.
Sitting Isn’t Passive – It’s Physically Demanding
We tend to think of sitting as rest. In reality, it’s anything but. Modern work habits have turned sitting into a prolonged, static activity that puts continuous strain on the body. Whether you’re an editor, designer, developer, or someone working remotely, chances are you’re spending anywhere between 6 to 10 hours a day seated.
But the real issue isn’t just how long we sit – it’s how poorly we’re supported while doing it.
Traditional office chairs are built for short-term use. They assume a fixed posture, offer minimal adjustability, and rarely accommodate the natural shifts in position that happen throughout the day. Over time, this mismatch leads to fatigue, poor spinal alignment, and even chronic discomfort.
For editors specifically, the problem is amplified. You lean forward while typing, sit upright during calls, tilt slightly while reviewing visuals, and occasionally recline to reset your posture. A static chair simply cannot keep up with that rhythm.
The Welax S9 Pro is designed with that reality in mind.
Designed For Movement, Not Just Sitting
The first thing you notice about the S9 Pro is that it doesn’t force you into a single “correct” posture.
Instead, it adapts.
Throughout a typical workday, your posture changes dozens of times, often without you realizing it. The S9 Pro accommodates those micro-adjustments seamlessly, allowing you to shift between focused work, relaxed browsing, and casual leaning without resistance.
This is where it begins to feel less like a chair and more like an extension of your workflow.
At the core of this experience is its one-touch adjustment system, which simplifies what is usually a frustrating process. Most ergonomic chairs rely on multiple levers and knobs, requiring trial and error to get right. Here, adjustments are intuitive and immediate.
You can modify seat depth, tilt, and height in seconds, without interrupting your work. For someone constantly switching between tasks—editing, writing, reviewing – that ease of adjustment makes a noticeable difference.
Comfort becomes automatic, not something you have to actively manage.
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Dynamic Lumbar Support That Keeps Up With You
If there’s one area where most chairs fail, it’s lumbar support. Many models offer fixed support that assumes you’ll stay perfectly upright all day. In reality, that never happens. As soon as you shift, that support becomes ineffective.
The S9 Pro takes a different approach. Its dynamic lumbar support system adjusts as you move, maintaining consistent support regardless of your position. Whether you’re leaning forward into your desk or reclining slightly during a break, it continues to support the natural curve of your spine.
For editors and desk-bound professionals, this is where the chair proves its value. Instead of ending the day with that familiar lower back fatigue, you notice something unusual – there’s less strain. Less need to stretch constantly. Less discomfort building up over time. It doesn’t eliminate fatigue entirely, but it reduces it enough to matter.
6D Armrests: Precision Where It Counts
Arm support is one of the most overlooked aspects of ergonomics. Yet for anyone working on a keyboard and mouse for hours, it plays a critical role in preventing shoulder and wrist strain.
The S9 Pro includes 6D fully adjustable armrests, allowing movement in six directions. This means you can fine-tune the position based on your activity—typing, editing, gaming, or simply resting.
In practical terms, this translates to better alignment and reduced tension in the upper body. Your shoulders don’t feel as tight. Your wrists stay in a more neutral position. Over long sessions, these small adjustments add up. It’s not a flashy feature, but it’s one you’ll appreciate daily.
Breathable Materials For Real-World Comfort
Comfort isn’t just about structure – it’s also about materials. Traditional cushioned chairs tend to trap heat, especially during extended use. Over time, this leads to discomfort, particularly in warmer environments or during intense work sessions.
The S9 Pro uses German-imported breathable mesh, designed to maximize airflow and maintain a consistent temperature. The result is a chair that feels cool even after hours of use.
This might sound like a minor detail, but in practice, it makes long sitting sessions far more manageable. Combined with its high-back design and adjustable headrest, the chair provides full-body support while maintaining a lightweight, modern feel.
Built For Stability And Longevity
Durability is where the S9 Pro reinforces its value proposition. The chair is built with a reinforced aluminum alloy base and supports users up to 330 lbs (150 kg). This ensures stability across a wide range of body types and use cases.
It also features an SGS-certified Class-4 gas lift, which provides safe and reliable height adjustment. These components are not just about specifications – they directly impact how secure and long-lasting the chair feels. In day-to-day use, this translates to confidence. The chair doesn’t creak, wobble, or feel fragile. It feels built for consistent, long-term use.
Mobility And Flexibility In Modern Workspaces
Modern work setups are rarely static. You move between desks, reposition frequently, or adjust your setup throughout the day. The S9 Pro supports this with silent 360-degree mobility, thanks to premium 65mm PU casters. Movement feels smooth and controlled, without the noise or resistance that cheaper wheels often introduce.
Additionally, the chair includes a reclining backrest and built-in footrest, allowing it to transition from a work-focused setup to a more relaxed position.
For editors and creatives, this versatility is surprisingly useful. After hours of focused work, being able to lean back and decompress without leaving your workspace adds an extra layer of comfort.
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High-End Features Without The Premium Price
One of the most compelling aspects of the S9 Pro is its pricing strategy. Chairs with similar feature sets – dynamic lumbar support, multi-directional armrests, premium materials – often come at significantly higher price points. Welax manages to keep the S9 Pro competitive by leveraging in-house manufacturing and streamlined production.
For users, this means access to high-end ergonomic features without the typical premium markup. It positions the chair as not just an upgrade, but a practical investment.
Designed For A Modern, Demanding Lifestyle
The S9 Pro is clearly built with modern users in mind. Whether you’re working from home, managing a hybrid setup, gaming, or creating content, the chair adapts to a wide range of environments. Its design balances functionality with aesthetics, making it suitable for both professional and personal spaces.
For editors specifically, it addresses one of the most persistent issues – long hours of uninterrupted sitting. It doesn’t promise perfection. But it delivers meaningful improvement.
Final Thoughts: A Chair That Understands Real Work
The Welax S9 Pro Ergonomic Chair doesn’t rely on gimmicks. It focuses on solving real problems – posture fatigue, lack of adjustability, and discomfort during long sitting sessions.
By combining dynamic lumbar support, intuitive controls, breathable materials, and robust construction, it creates an experience that feels noticeably better over time. For editors, creators, and anyone tied to a desk, this isn’t just about comfort. It’s about sustainability – being able to work longer, better, and with less physical strain.
Because in a world where sitting has become unavoidable, the way you sit matters more than ever.
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