In an exciting technological breakthrough, Asus has just announced the 2025 XG Mobile, marking it as the world’s first Thunderbolt 5 external graphics processing unit (eGPU). This innovative device, encased in a sleek smoky black translucent shell, is not just another gaming PC; it is shaping up to be the ultimate single-cable portable docking station.

When connected to your laptop or handheld device, the Asus XG Mobile promises to unleash the extraordinary power of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5090 mobile chip. But it doesn’t stop there! This powerhouse also delivers up to 140 watts of electricity, supports dual monitor outputs, and provides a USB and SD-card reading hub—all while maintaining a 5Gbps ethernet connection, all through a single cable!

What sets this eGPU apart is its pioneering use of the new Thunderbolt 5 technology, which boasts an incredible bidirectional link speed of 80 gigabits per second. This level of connectivity allows for unprecedented capabilities, far surpassing anything we’ve encountered with previous connection standards.

While Asus’ previous XG Mobile model supported up to an Nvidia 4090 chip, it was limited to a proprietary port found only on specific Asus devices. In contrast, this new generation opens up opportunities for wider compatibility, as it is the first standards-based portable eGPU to house an Nvidia graphics chip. While desktop graphics could still trump this device in terms of sheer power, Asus assures that the Thunderbolt 5 link provides up to 64Gbps of bandwidth for the Nvidia graphics—setting it on par with USB4 and giving tough competition to Oculink.

In a surprising feat of engineering, Asus has managed to integrate a 350W power supply without the need for an external brick and slimmed down the eGPU to under 2.2 pounds. It is also 25% lighter and 18% smaller than its predecessor. The new model features HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 for seamless video output, as well as a pair of 10Gbps USB-A ports for enhanced connectivity.

Mark your calendars! The high-end XG Mobile, featuring the RTX 5090 chip, is set to hit the shelves in Q1 with a price tag of $2,199.99. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, Asus will also introduce a variant equipped with the Nvidia mobile RTX 5070 Ti for $1,199.99. It's essential to note that while you may find more cost-effective stationary solutions, the compact architecture and portability of the XG Mobile are geared toward users who prioritize performance on the go.

This groundbreaking eGPU is designed to work seamlessly with any Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 laptop or handheld, including Asus’ own ROG Ally X. However, to truly unleash its full potential, users will want to secure a Thunderbolt 5 compatible device. As we approach 2025, it may become easier to find lightweight laptops that can double as powerful travel desktops, hence taking full advantage of the XG Mobile’s capabilities.

Stay tuned as the world of portable gaming and computing evolves with the introduction of this groundbreaking eGPU! Don’t miss the chance to elevate your mobile workstation to new heights.