In summary, our study shows the design principles involved in the development of NP-based oscillators and ex- tends beyond the conventional approach of regarding selfassemblies as static end products, instead aiming to use them as starting points to generate dynamic states. We systematically employ a combination of DNA-coated AuNPs that exhibit temperature-dependent self-assembly behaviour, coupled with the ability of photothermal heating to induce an oscillating response. Our design ensures that the selfassembled state can preferentially interact with the laser, thereby showing asymmetry which is recognized as a crucial feature in non-equilibrium systems. We foresee coupling the oscillating response to NP catalysis and amplifying the oscillating response. Also, our results open up the possibilities for constructing larger and finely tuned reaction cycles to achieve oscillating self-assemblies. Finally, our study positions AuNPs as compelling and attractive models for studying non-equilibrium systems and usher the realization of exciting properties under non-equilibrium conditions.