Unveiling the Future: Top Gaming Laptops of 2025 Showcased at CES
CES 2025 showcased an unprecedented surge in innovation for high-performance computing, particularly within the gaming laptop segment. With numerous leading manufacturers unveiling their next-generation devices, gamers can anticipate significant advancements in power, efficiency, and user experience. This year’s models, many featuring the latest NVIDIA RTX 50 series GPUs and cutting-edge AMD and Intel processors, promise a dramatic leap forward for gaming laptops in 2025. As highlighted in the video above, a multitude of exciting changes are on the horizon, from enhanced cooling systems and revolutionary display technologies to unprecedented upgradeability and sleek new designs.
The landscape of high-performance portable gaming is rapidly evolving, with each brand pushing boundaries to deliver the ultimate experience. Let us delve deeper into the standout innovations and advancements from the industry’s leading manufacturers, exploring how these new gaming laptops are set to redefine expectations for performance, design, and user-centric features in the coming year.
ASUS: Redesigned Powerhouses and Unmatched Flexibility
ASUS has consistently been at the forefront of gaming innovation, and CES 2025 was no exception. The brand introduced completely redesigned Strix Scar 16, Scar 18, Strix G16, and G18 **gaming laptops**. These models now feature extensive 360-degree RGB lighting, creating a captivating and immersive aesthetic that truly stands out. A notable return is the 2023 G14’s lid lighting, now integrated into the new Scar models, further enhancing their unique visual identity.
Beyond the striking visuals, ASUS has prioritized user convenience with an innovative easy-access panel. This magnetic latch allows for toolless access to the two M.2 storage slots and two RAM slots, making upgrades remarkably straightforward. This design choice significantly improves user experience, enabling quick customization and future-proofing for these powerful machines. Furthermore, the 2024 Strix G16 and G18 chassis receive a significant refresh, integrating AMD’s latest Ryzen 9 9955HX3D processor. This combination of 3D V-Cache with Zen 5 architecture promises exceptional gaming performance, although these models cap out at RTX 5070 Ti graphics. For many gamers, the 3D V-Cache technology, which offers additional high-speed cache directly on the CPU, can provide a substantial boost in frame rates, particularly in CPU-intensive games.
Zephyrus & Flow Series Innovations
The popular Zephyrus G14 and G16 series also received notable enhancements. The G14 now features a Zen 5 CPU, while both models benefit from more powerful RTX 50 series GPUs, increased RAM capacity for the Intel G16 variant, and faster Wi-Fi. It is important to note that the AMD-based Zephyrus G16 maximizes at RTX 5070 graphics; higher-tier GPU options are available in the Intel versions.
The ASUS Flow Z13 makes a remarkable comeback, powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor. This 13-inch tablet device boasts integrated graphics that reportedly rival the performance of an RTX 4060, a truly impressive feat for its form factor. This level of integrated graphical power opens up new possibilities for portable gaming without needing a dedicated GPU. The Z13’s versatility is further expanded by its compatibility with the ASUS XG Mobile, a portable eGPU solution. The 2025 XG Mobile now supports up to the RTX 5090 laptop graphics at full power limits and, crucially, transitions to Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. This adoption of a universal standard means the XG Mobile can now be utilized with any compatible laptop, vastly increasing its utility and appeal.
Acer: Slimming Down and Powering Up
Acer introduced their new Helios 18 AI and Helios Neo 16S AI **gaming laptops**, demonstrating a clear focus on performance and refined design. The “S” in Neo 16S signifies “slim,” and this model is notably thinner and lighter than its predecessor. This reduction in bulk is a significant improvement, considering the previous Helios Neo 16 was among the heaviest 16-inch gaming laptops. Despite its more svelte profile, the Neo 16S now offers an OLED screen option and graphics up to RTX 5070 Ti, a substantial upgrade from the RTX 4070 maximum of the last generation, paired with an impressive 50% increase in VRAM. This extra VRAM is crucial for running modern games at higher resolutions and settings, ensuring smoother textures and more complex environments.
The larger Acer Helios 18 expands its capabilities with up to RTX 5090 graphics, a new RGB light bar on the front, and significantly increased upgrade potential. It now features four memory slots (up from two) and three M.2 storage slots (up from two), with one slot supporting the faster PCIe Gen 5 storage standard. For display options, the Helios 18 retains its 2560×1600 Mini-LED screen and introduces a revolutionary 4K Mini-LED screen with dual resolution. This innovative feature allows users to switch between 1080p at 240Hz for competitive gaming and a sharp 4K at 120Hz for cinematic experiences, offering unparalleled flexibility. The cooling system has also been upgraded, alongside faster ports and improved speakers, positioning the Helios 18 to transition from a more budget-friendly 18-inch option to a higher-end contender.
HP: Intelligent Cooling and Enhanced Customization
HP showcased its new Omen Max 16, their most powerful **gaming laptop** for 2025. This machine is equipped with up to RTX 5090 graphics and an impressive OLED screen, promising vibrant visuals and deep blacks. A key innovation lies in its cooling system, developed in collaboration with Intel. This system features fans that periodically reverse direction (approximately every 4 hours during non-gaming use) to actively remove dust buildup, ensuring optimal long-term performance and thermal efficiency. Furthermore, HP is utilizing a new Cryo Compound, similar to liquid metal but with increased viscosity, designed to prevent leakages and enhance component longevity.
The Omen Max 16 also introduces an “Unleashed” performance mode, providing users with more control over power limits and overclocking capabilities than previous generations. This level of customization empowers enthusiasts to fine-tune their system for maximum performance. A distinctive aesthetic feature returning are the pudding-style keyboard caps, previously seen on the Omen Transcend 14, adding a unique visual flair. Overall, the Omen Max 16 maintains the signature Omen design with an all-black metal chassis and a clean finish, blending high performance with a sophisticated look.
XMG: Modular Design and Premium Features
XMG’s Neo 16 takes modularity to a new level with separate CPU and GPU boards. While this design does not allow for individual CPU or GPU upgrades, it significantly increases the brand’s ability to offer diverse configurations, including both AMD’s Fire Range and Intel’s Arrow Lake processors. This approach also enhances the laptop’s repairability. The Neo 16 now offers an optional Mini-LED screen, addressing a previous gap in premium display options. Mini-LED technology delivers superior contrast and brightness compared to traditional LED panels, providing a more vibrant and immersive visual experience for gaming.
Numerous other improvements have been implemented, including PCIe Gen 5 SSD support for ultra-fast storage, enhanced air cooling, and a more secure liquid cooler connection with a quieter pump. The laptop also benefits from a sturdier hinge with reduced screen wobble, faster USB and SD card speeds, the addition of Mini DisplayPort 2.1, higher wattage Type-C charging, and an improved keyboard feel. Perhaps most noticeable for many is the inclusion of a larger RGB light bar on the front, adding to its aggressive gaming aesthetic.
Gigabyte: Display Upgrades and Enhanced Capacity
Gigabyte made a strong statement at CES with their new Aorus Master 16 and 18 **gaming laptops**. The Aorus Master 18 is presented as a formidable machine, featuring the latest CPU and GPU specifications. Crucially, it provides extensive upgrade room with four RAM slots and three SSD slots, mirroring the Acer Helios 18 in its capacity for expansion. This allows users to equip their system with substantial memory and storage, crucial for demanding games and creative tasks. A new RGB light bar on the front further accentuates its gaming pedigree.
A significant highlight for Gigabyte is the adoption of advanced display technologies. The larger 18-inch Aorus Master 18 boasts a Mini-LED screen, while the 16-inch Aorus Master 16 features an OLED screen. This marks a substantial upgrade for Gigabyte, as neither panel technology has been widely used in their gaming laptops previously. The Aorus Elite 16 was also on display, appearing to be a refreshed version of the Aorus 16X from the previous generation, updated with a new CPU, GPU, and an OLED screen. These display enhancements promise superior color accuracy, deeper blacks, and impressive contrast ratios, elevating the visual quality of gaming significantly.
MSI: Processor Prowess and Thoughtful Trade-offs
MSI’s presence at CES 2025 focused heavily on their flagship Titan 18 **gaming laptop**. As expected, it receives upgrades to the latest specifications, including up to RTX 5090 graphics. Notably, the Titan 18 stands out by utilizing Intel’s new Core Ultra 9 285HX processor, a slightly higher-tier option compared to the more common 275HX found in much of the competition. While the 100MHz difference may seem minor, it positions the Titan 18 as technically having a superior processor among many contenders. In a strategic move, MSI has reduced the Titan 18’s memory slots from four to two, prioritizing higher memory speeds over maximum capacity. This is because fewer memory sticks can often run at faster clock speeds, which can translate to better overall system responsiveness in certain scenarios. However, it returns to offering four M.2 storage slots, an excellent feature for extensive game libraries and applications.
For those prioritizing maximum RAM capacity, other 18-inch options like Acer’s Helios 18, Gigabyte’s Aorus Master 18, and potentially models from XMG will continue to offer four RAM slots. The Titan 18 also features a unique custom Norse Myth design theme, adding an exclusive touch, and is limited to just 1,000 units, making it a collector’s item. Furthermore, the MSI Raider 18 sees a compelling update, not only integrating AMD’s Ryzen 9 9955HX3D processor but also offering up to RTX 5090 graphics. This directly contrasts with ASUS’s Strix series, which pairs the same AMD CPU with a maximum of RTX 5070 Ti, positioning the Raider 18 as a strong option for AMD CPU and top-tier GPU enthusiasts.
Razer: Sleeker Profile, Powerful Performance
Razer’s Blade 16 undergoes a significant transformation, emerging up to 30% thinner and 14% lighter than its predecessor. This remarkable feat of engineering is coupled with a major shift: the Blade 16 now features an AMD processor for the first time ever. The new AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor provides 12 cores and 24 threads of processing power, alongside up to 50 TOPS of NPU (Neural Processing Unit) performance. This move to AMD is likely driven by the processor’s generally superior power efficiency, allowing for a slimmer design without compromising performance. Despite its reduced form factor, the Blade 16 still maxes out with NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 graphics, albeit at 155W instead of the full 175W. This minor power reduction is a reasonable trade-off for the incredibly thin 0.59-inch (1.5cm) chassis.
One consequence of the Blade 16’s slim design is the use of soldered memory, which contributes to its thinness and allows for faster LPDDR5X 8000 speeds. It supports up to 64GB of total memory capacity, which is ample for demanding gaming and multitasking. Impressively, even with the reduction in thickness, the keyboard boasts 50% more key travel (now 1.5mm), offering a noticeably improved tactile feel. The redesigned Blade 16 successfully combines high-end performance with a sleek, portable form factor, marking a new direction for Razer’s premium **gaming laptops**.
Lenovo: Design Shifts and OLED Expansion
Lenovo introduced updates to their popular Legion series, including the new Legion Pro 7i. A significant design change for this model involves relocating all rear ports to the sides, making way for a new RGB light bar at the back. While this enhances the aesthetic, it raises questions about cable management convenience, as rear ports traditionally help keep cables tidy. This change is attributed to a motherboard redesign, suggesting a necessary adaptation for next-generation hardware. Currently, the Pro 7i is an Intel-only offering, though discussions hint at potential AMD variants for specific regions later in the year.
The thinner Legion Slim 7i also receives updates to support the latest specifications and now includes an OLED screen option, delivering vivid colors and deep contrasts for a premium visual experience. Furthermore, the Legion Pro 5 and Legion 5 models will also offer optional OLED screens, broadening the accessibility of this high-quality display technology across their product line. These models also feature other minor exterior design changes, providing a refreshed look. The absence of a refreshed Legion 9 at CES indicates Lenovo’s strategic decision to reserve their flagship model for a more substantial innovation cycle, ensuring it differentiates itself with truly unique features beyond a simple spec update.
Dell/Alienware: The Return of Area 51
Alienware is reviving its iconic Area 51 series with new 16 and 18-inch versions. While the name harks back to the 2019 Area 51m with its upgradeable CPU and GPU, these new 2025 models unfortunately do not share that level of component upgradeability. However, they are positioned as Alienware’s top-tier **gaming laptops**, offering extremely high specifications. A notable aesthetic change is the replacement of the classic rear lighting ring with a new translucent design, giving the laptops a modern and distinct look.
These new Area 51 laptops are designed for extreme performance, featuring XMP support for DDR5 7200 memory—one of the highest speeds observed in gaming laptops to date. This high-speed memory contributes significantly to overall system responsiveness and gaming fluidity. Dell’s mid-range gaming laptops are expected to see refreshes later in the year, likely coinciding with the announcement of NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 GPU. The return of the Area 51 name signifies Alienware’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of raw power and premium design in the portable gaming segment.
The array of innovations presented at CES 2025 demonstrates a vibrant and competitive market for gaming laptops 2025. With breakthroughs in cooling, display technology, processor efficiency, and design, the coming year promises an exciting selection for gamers. Be sure to explore the video above for a visual tour and further details on these groundbreaking machines.
