CES 2025 Unveils Future of Gaming Laptops

CES 2024 showcased a plethora of gaming laptops, revealing several key trends. This year's offerings demonstrated a significant evolution beyond raw hardware specifications.

Diverse Design Language

While gaming laptops have always boasted a variety of styles, this year felt particularly diverse. Manufacturers like Gigabyte and MSI are blurring the lines between productivity and gaming machines. High-end models are striving for more than just powerful components; they're aiming for aesthetic appeal.

This translates to a broader range of designs. Sleek, professional-looking laptops like the Gigabyte Aero series coexist with models like the MSI Titan 18 HX AI Dragonforged Edition, which boldly displays its gaming pedigree.

RGB lighting remains prominent, featuring wrap-around rings, illuminated keyboards, and lighting across various surfaces. Asus ROG Strix Scar's AniME Dot Matrix LED display, capable of displaying text and animations, is a standout feature. Expect a wide spectrum of designs, from large and powerful to thin and light, with innovative additions alongside familiar options.

The Rise of AI Assistants

AI integration in laptops is advancing, with several vendors showcasing AI assistants designed for hands-free PC control. One demonstration showed an MSI assistant automatically optimizing performance settings based on the requested game. While the practicality and speed advantages over manual adjustments remain to be seen, this technology warrants further observation.

Innovative Display Technologies and Beyond

Mini-LED technology is gaining traction, with Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte showcasing high-end models featuring over 1,100 local dimming zones for enhanced contrast and brightness. While OLED still holds an edge in contrast, Mini-LED offers superior sustained brightness and avoids burn-in risks.

Novelties also emerged. The ASUS ROG Flow X13 returned with USB4 eGPU support, offering compatibility with a new eGPU featuring up to an RTX 5090. Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, a non-gaming laptop with a rollable OLED display, is a noteworthy innovation, although its durability remains a concern.

Ultrabooks in the Gaming Space

Ultrabook-style gaming laptops are becoming increasingly prevalent. Major manufacturers are embracing this thin, light, and aesthetically minimalist design. Gigabyte's updated Aero line exemplifies this trend. These laptops offer a balance of portability and gaming capabilities, particularly for users who don't demand maximum settings in the latest games. The capability of modern integrated graphics, coupled with upscaling technologies like AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution and Intel XeSS, makes this a viable option for casual gaming. Cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now further enhance the appeal of less powerful hardware.

The future of gaming laptops is brimming with exciting possibilities. The trends observed at CES 2024 point towards a more diverse and versatile landscape.