CES never disappoints when it comes to showcasing the latest in laptop technology, and this year was no different. I explored the bustling show floor, suites, and showrooms to uncover the top trends in gaming laptops for 2025. Here are the key themes that are shaping the future of gaming laptops.
A Huge Diversity of Designs
Gaming laptops have always been diverse in style, but 2025 stands out with an even broader range of designs. Brands like Gigabyte and MSI are pushing the boundaries, blending productivity and gaming aesthetics. High-end gaming laptops are expected to offer more than just raw power, adding unique design elements to stand out.
You'll find laptops like the Gigabyte Aero series, which boast a sleek, professional look suitable for business environments. On the other end of the spectrum, the MSI Titan 18 HX AI Dragonforged Edition features bold graphics on its lid, making a statement about its top-tier performance.
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 impressed with its AniME Dot Matrix LED display, which can showcase text and animations on the laptop's lid.
While the core design principles remain unchanged, expect to see some novel designs alongside the traditional range of gaming laptops, from heavy-duty machines to sleek, lightweight models.
AI Assistants are Coming
Last year, AI was a buzzword in the laptop industry, but the implementations were often underwhelming. This year, however, multiple vendors showcased AI Assistants designed to enhance user experience by allowing control of the PC without opening additional software.
For instance, an MSI representative demonstrated how their AI chatbot could adjust performance settings based on the type of game being played. While these systems are intended to work offline, I remain skeptical about their efficiency compared to manual adjustments. We'll need to see how these features perform in real-world scenarios.
Mini-LED, Rollable Displays and Other Novelties
Mini-LED technology is finally making a significant impact in the gaming laptop market. Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte showcased Mini-LED laptops with top-tier specifications and pricing. These displays feature over 1,100 local dimming zones, reducing blooming and enhancing contrast, with impressive brightness and color accuracy. While OLED still leads in contrast, Mini-LED's resistance to burn-in and higher sustained brightness make it an exciting prospect for future models.
Innovative designs were also on display. The ASUS ROG Flow X13, returning after a year's hiatus, now supports eGPUs via USB4, offering a versatile gaming solution. Asus also showcased the Zenbook Duo, a dual-screen productivity laptop, but Lenovo stole the show with the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable. This unique laptop features a rollable OLED display that extends from 14 inches to 16.7 inches at the push of a button. While the first-generation product raises durability concerns, it's a promising start for rollable display technology.
Ultrabooks Continue to Rise, Even for Gaming
Ultrabooks are increasingly popular, even within gaming line-ups. Major manufacturers are embracing the thin, light, and premium design ethos, with Gigabyte's revamped Aero series as a prime example. These laptops offer a perfect balance of portability and productivity, ideal for gamers who don't need to run the latest titles at maximum settings.
As demonstrated in my review of the Asus TUF Gaming A14, it's possible to integrate dedicated graphics cards into these ultrabooks without compromising their portability. Moreover, the latest AMD and Intel processors are surprisingly capable for gaming, thanks to features like AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution and Intel XeSS, which can enhance performance and make even demanding games playable.
For those looking to save on hardware costs, cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now offer a viable alternative, allowing for a great gaming experience without the need for a dedicated gaming laptop.
The world of gaming laptops is evolving rapidly, and we'll continue to cover these exciting developments throughout the year. What trends caught your eye? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
