CES never disappoints when it comes to showcasing the latest in laptops, and this year's event was particularly rich with innovations in gaming laptops. After exploring the expansive show floor and numerous packed suites and showrooms, I've identified the key trends that are shaping the future of gaming laptops in 2025.
A Huge Diversity of Designs
Gaming laptops have always boasted a variety of styles, but this year's CES revealed an even greater diversity. Brands like Gigabyte and MSI are increasingly blurring the lines between productivity and gaming, offering laptops that excel in both arenas. High-end gaming laptops are now expected to offer something beyond just superior hardware.
This year, you'll find gaming laptops ranging from the sleek and professional, like the Gigabyte Aero series, to the bold and visually striking, such as the MSI Titan 18 HX AI Dragonforged Edition, with its distinctive graphics on the lid.
RGB lighting remains a staple, with innovations like wrap-around lighting rings, illuminated mechanical keyboards, and even trackpad lights. The Asus ROG Strix Scar series stood out with its AniME Dot Matrix LED display, capable of showcasing text and animations on the lid.
While the core designs aren't revolutionary, expect to see a mix of traditional bulky models and sleek, lightweight options, all equipped with a broad spectrum of hardware.
AI Assistants are Coming
Last year, AI integration in laptops was a buzzword, but the implementations were often underwhelming. This year, multiple vendors showcased AI Assistants designed to streamline PC control without the need for manual software navigation.
For instance, an MSI demo featured a chatbot that adjusted performance settings based on the user's game preferences. While the promise of offline operation is appealing, I remain skeptical about its efficiency compared to manual adjustments. We'll need to see how these AI capabilities evolve in the coming months.
Mini-LED, Rollable Displays and Other Novelties
Mini-LED technology is finally making significant inroads into the gaming laptop market. Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte showcased Mini-LED laptops with top-tier specs and prices. These models boasted over 1,100 local dimming zones for reduced blooming, increased contrast, and vibrant colors. While OLED still offers superior contrast, Mini-LED's lack of burn-in risk and higher sustained brightness make it an exciting development.
Among the novelties, the ASUS ROG Flow X13 returns with eGPU support via USB4, promising powerful performance. Asus also displayed the Zenbook Duo, a dual-screen productivity laptop. However, Lenovo stole the show with the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, the first laptop to feature a rollable OLED display. This innovative design extends the screen by 2.7 inches at the push of a button, though concerns about durability persist.
Ultrabooks Continue to Rise, Even for Gaming
Ultrabooks are increasingly prevalent in gaming line-ups, with major manufacturers offering sleek, lightweight models designed for both gaming and productivity. Gigabyte's revamped Aero series exemplifies this trend, delivering impressive performance in a portable package.
For gamers who don't need the highest settings, these Ultrabooks provide a versatile solution. My review of the Asus TUF Gaming A14 last year highlighted how these machines can incorporate dedicated graphics without compromising portability.
Moreover, with the latest AMD and Intel processors, even integrated graphics can handle demanding games when paired with technologies like AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution and Intel XeSS. This makes dedicated low-end GPUs like the RTX 4050M less essential for casual gamers.
Cloud gaming services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now further enhance the appeal of these ultrabooks, offering high-quality gaming experiences without the need for a dedicated gaming laptop.
The world of gaming laptops is brimming with exciting developments, and we'll continue to cover these trends throughout the year. What caught your eye at CES? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
