CES 2025 Unveils Latest Gaming Laptop Trends

CES never disappoints when it comes to showcasing the latest in laptop technology, and this year's focus on gaming laptops was no exception. After a thorough exploration of the show floor, packed suites, and showrooms, I've identified the key trends that are shaping the gaming laptop market this year. Here's a breakdown of the major themes we observed:

A Huge Diversity of Designs

The variety in gaming laptop designs has always been impressive, but this year's offerings felt particularly expansive. Brands like Gigabyte and MSI are increasingly blending productivity with gaming, pushing the boundaries to offer more than just raw power. This trend suggests that gaming laptops will showcase a broader spectrum of aesthetics and functionalities this year.

For instance, the Gigabyte Aero series stands out with its sleek, professional design, making it suitable for business environments. On the other end of the spectrum, the MSI Titan 18 HX AI Dragonforged Edition boasts bold graphics on its lid, clearly signaling its high-end gaming capabilities.

RGB lighting remains a staple, with innovations like wrap-around lighting rings, illuminated mechanical keyboards, and trackpad lights. The Asus ROG Strix Scar series particularly caught my eye with its AniME Dot Matrix LED display, which can show text and animations via white LEDs on the lid.

While the core designs aren't revolutionary, expect to see a mix of traditional heavyweights and sleek, lightweight options, all equipped with a diverse range of hardware.

AI Assistants are Coming

Last year, AI integration in laptops was more of a promise than a reality. This year, however, several vendors showcased AI Assistants that promise to streamline PC control. In one demo, an MSI representative used a chatbot to adjust performance settings for a specific game automatically.

While these systems are designed to work offline, I remain skeptical about their efficiency compared to manual adjustments. The real test will come with their rollout and the practical capabilities they offer.

Mini-LED, Rollable Displays and Other Novelties

Mini-LED technology is finally gaining traction in gaming laptops. Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte displayed models with flagship specs, showcasing over 1,100 local dimming zones to enhance contrast and reduce blooming. These laptops offer vibrant colors and high brightness, though OLED still leads in contrast without the risk of burn-in.

Innovative designs like the ASUS ROG Flow X13, which supports an eGPU via USB4, and the Asus Zenbook Duo, a dual-screen productivity laptop, were also on display. However, Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable stole the show with its unique rollable OLED display. While it's not a gaming laptop and its initial design raises durability concerns, it's a groundbreaking product that could evolve with future iterations.

Ultrabooks Continue to Rise, Even for Gaming

The rise of ultrabooks in the gaming segment is undeniable. Major manufacturers are now offering slim, lightweight gaming laptops that also excel in productivity. Gigabyte's revamped Aero series exemplifies this trend, offering a stylish, portable option for gamers who also need a versatile machine for work.

These ultrabooks are perfect for gamers who don't need to max out settings, allowing for excellent portability and productivity. As demonstrated in my review of the Asus TUF Gaming A14, even these slim machines can handle dedicated graphics without compromising their on-the-go capabilities.

Moreover, with advancements in AMD and Intel processors, and technologies like AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution and Intel XeSS, you can achieve playable gaming performance without a dedicated GPU. This could challenge the necessity of entry-level graphics cards like the RTX 4050M.

Additionally, cloud gaming services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now provide another avenue for enjoying high-quality gaming on these ultrabooks.

The gaming laptop landscape is evolving rapidly, and we'll keep you updated on these exciting developments throughout the year. What trends caught your eye? Share your thoughts in the comments below!