CES 2025: Top Gaming Laptop Trends

CES 2024 showcased a stunning array of gaming laptops, revealing several key trends shaping the future of mobile gaming.

A Diverse Landscape of Designs

While gaming laptops have always boasted a variety of styles, this year felt different. Brands like Gigabyte and MSI are blurring the lines between productivity and gaming, pushing high-end models to offer more than just raw power. This translates to a broader range of designs. Laptops like the Gigabyte Aero series exude sleek elegance, suitable for even the most professional settings. Conversely, machines like the MSI Titan 18 HX AI Dragonforged Edition proudly display their gaming pedigree with bold graphics.

RGB lighting remains a prominent feature, with laptops showcasing wrap-around rings, illuminated keyboards, and even trackpad lights. The Asus ROG Strix Scar series impressed with its AniME Dot Matrix LED display, capable of displaying text and animations on the lid. While not revolutionary, expect a mix of familiar designs alongside innovative novelties, ranging from large and powerful to thin and light models with diverse hardware configurations.

The Rise of AI Assistants

AI integration in laptops advanced significantly. Several vendors demonstrated AI assistants capable of controlling PC settings without manual software adjustments. One MSI demo showcased an AI assistant automatically optimizing performance settings based on the selected game. While promising, the practical benefits and offline functionality remain to be seen. Further testing is needed to determine whether these AI assistants offer a significant speed advantage over manual adjustments.

Mini-LED, Rollable Screens, and Other Innovations

Mini-LED technology is gaining traction in gaming laptops. Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte showcased models featuring flagship specifications and prices. These laptops boast over 1,100 local dimming zones for enhanced contrast and brightness, delivering vivid colors. While OLED still offers superior contrast, Mini-LED's lack of burn-in risk and higher sustained brightness make it a compelling alternative.

The ASUS ROG Flow X13 returned with eGPU support via USB4, eliminating proprietary connections. Asus demonstrated it with a new eGPU featuring up to an RTX 5090.

Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, although not strictly a gaming laptop, deserves mention. This innovative device features a rollable OLED display, expanding from 14 inches to 16.7 inches with a button press. While its durability remains a concern as a first-generation product, it represents a significant step forward in display technology.

The Ultrabook Gaming Trend

Ultrabook gaming laptops are gaining popularity. Major manufacturers offer thin, light, and premium designs that prioritize portability without sacrificing gaming capabilities. Gigabyte’s updated Aero lineup exemplifies this trend. These machines are ideal for gamers who don't require maximum settings in the latest games. The ability to add dedicated graphics cards to some Ultrabooks further enhances their versatility.

High-performance integrated graphics from AMD and Intel, coupled with features like AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution and Intel XeSS, enable playable frame rates in demanding games. Cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now offer another compelling option, allowing for high-quality gaming experiences without needing a dedicated gaming laptop.

The future of gaming laptops is bright, with exciting advancements on the horizon. We'll continue to cover these developments throughout the year. What trends caught your attention? Share your thoughts in the comments below!