The Gaming Laptop Trends of CES 2025

CES 2024 showcased a plethora of gaming laptops, revealing key trends shaping the market. This overview highlights the most significant developments.

Diverse Design Language

While gaming laptops have always offered stylistic variety, this year felt particularly distinct. Manufacturers like Gigabyte and MSI are blurring the lines between productivity and gaming aesthetics. High-end models are increasingly emphasizing design elements beyond raw hardware specifications.

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

RGB lighting remains a staple, with innovative implementations like wrap-around lighting, illuminated keyboards, and even trackpad lighting. Asus ROG Strix Scar's AniME Dot Matrix LED display, capable of displaying text and animations, is a noteworthy example.

Expect a continuation of this trend, with both familiar form factors (large and heavy to thin and light) and innovative designs.

AI Integration Takes Center Stage

AI assistance in laptops gained traction last year, but integrations often fell short. This year, several vendors showcased more refined AI assistants designed for seamless PC control without requiring dedicated software.

One MSI demonstration showcased an AI assistant automatically optimizing performance settings based on the specified game. While the practicality and speed advantage over manual adjustments remain to be seen, the potential for offline operation is promising.

Mini-LED, Rollable Screens, and Other Innovations

Mini-LED technology is finally gaining significant traction in gaming laptops. Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte all presented Mini-LED models with high-end specifications. These laptops boast over 1,100 local dimming zones, resulting in superior contrast, brightness, and color accuracy. While OLED retains a contrast advantage, Mini-LED's lack of burn-in risk and higher sustained brightness make it a compelling alternative.

Novelties also emerged. The ASUS ROG Flow X13 returned with USB4 eGPU support, eliminating proprietary connections. Asus showcased compatibility with a new eGPU offering up to an RTX 5090. Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, while not strictly a gaming laptop, introduced a rollable OLED display, expanding screen real estate with a button press. While the design and durability remain areas for improvement, it represents a significant step forward in display technology.

Ultrabooks Continue Their Ascent

Ultrabook designs are prevalent even in gaming laptop lineups. Major manufacturers offer thin, light, and minimalist gaming laptops, exemplified by Gigabyte's revamped Aero series.

These Ultrabooks cater to users who don't require maximum settings in the latest games. They offer a balance of portability and gaming capability, and can even be paired with dedicated graphics cards (as demonstrated by the Asus TUF Gaming A14). Furthermore, powerful integrated graphics from AMD and Intel, coupled with upscaling technologies like AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution and Intel XeSS, enable playable performance in many demanding titles, potentially reducing the reliance on dedicated low-performance GPUs like the RTX 4050M. Cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now further enhance this versatility.

CES 2024 delivered exciting advancements in gaming laptops. The year ahead promises further exploration of these trends.