Asus ROG NeoCore: Concept WiFi 8 router promises lag-free gaming

While WiFi 7 routers are still in the process of hitting the mass market, Asus has already demonstrated a device for the next-generation wireless standard at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. The so-called Asus ROG NeoCore concept is supposed to showcase the capabilities of WiFi 8 or IEEE 802.11bn. The focus is not necessarily on increasing the theoretical maximum speed, which remains identical to WiFi 7 at 46Gbps for the time being, but on reliability and stability in everyday use cases.

WiFi 8 is expected to be particularly beneficial in densely populated areas with many competing wireless networks. Thanks to an intelligent spectrum management and better coordination between multiple access points, Asus promises significant improvements in these scenarios. In initial practical tests, the router achieved up to twice the throughput over a medium range compared to WiFi 7 as well as a more stable connection for smart home devices. Furthermore, gamers could be looking forward to a lower P99 latency, which refers to the extreme outliers in ping and is expected to be up to six times lower.

Visually, the Asus ROG WiFi 8 router doesn’t sport an extravagant antenna design but looks like a more or less simple polyhedron with a hollow base. Asus plans to release the first market-ready WiFi 8 routers and mesh systems during 2026, even though the final ratification of the standard by the IEEE is not expected until 2028. However, Asus is often ready to adopt new wireless standards with significantly earlier than other manufacturers.