CES 2025 Unveils Latest Gaming Laptop Trends

CES never disappoints when it comes to showcasing the latest in laptops, and this year's event was no different. I spent countless hours navigating the bustling show floor and exclusive suites to bring you the most significant trends shaping gaming laptops in 2025. Here are the key themes that defined this year's gaming laptop landscape.

A Huge Diversity of Designs

Gaming laptops have always been diverse in style, but 2025 brought an even more pronounced variety. Brands like Gigabyte and MSI are pushing the boundaries by blending productivity with gaming aesthetics. 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 striking, such as the MSI Titan 18 HX AI Dragonforged Edition, with its eye-catching graphics on the lid.

RGB lighting continues to be a staple, with innovations like wrap-around lighting rings, illuminated mechanical keyboards, and even trackpad lights. The Asus ROG Strix Scar series, with its AniME Dot Matrix LED display, particularly stood out, showcasing text and animations on its lid.

While the core designs remain familiar, expect to see unique novelties alongside the traditional spectrum of bulky powerhouses to sleek, portable machines equipped with top-tier hardware.

AI Assistants are Coming

Last year, AI was touted as a feature for many laptops, but the integration often fell short. This year, several vendors showcased AI Assistants designed to control your PC without the need for manual software adjustments.

For instance, an MSI representative demonstrated how the chatbot could optimize the laptop's performance mode based on the desired gaming experience. However, I remain skeptical. These systems are intended to work offline, yet I'm not convinced they're faster than manually adjusting settings. We'll need to see how these AI assistants perform in real-world scenarios.

Mini-LED, Rollable Displays and Other Novelties

Mini-LED technology is making a significant impact on gaming laptops. Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte all displayed Mini-LED models boasting flagship specs and premium pricing. These laptops featured over 1,100 local dimming zones for reduced blooming, enhanced contrast, and vivid colors. While OLED still excels in contrast, Mini-LED's higher sustained brightness and no risk of burn-in are exciting developments to watch.

Innovative products were also on display. The ASUS ROG Flow X13, returning with eGPU support via USB4, was shown connected to a new eGPU featuring up to an RTX 5090. Meanwhile, Asus's Zenbook Duo showcased dual-screen productivity, but Lenovo stole the show with the non-gaming Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, the first laptop with a rollable OLED display. Though the concept seems awkward and raises durability concerns, it's a promising start for rollable screen technology.

Ultrabooks Continue to Rise, Even for Gaming

Ultrabooks are increasingly prevalent, even within gaming line-ups. Major manufacturers now offer thin, light, and premium gaming laptops, such as Gigabyte's revamped Aero series. These machines strike a balance between gaming performance and portability, perfect for users who don't need to run the latest games at max settings.

As seen with the Asus TUF Gaming A14, it's possible to include dedicated graphics without compromising on-the-go productivity. Additionally, the latest AMD and Intel processors are proving capable for gaming, especially with features like AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution and Intel XeSS. This makes it feasible to enjoy gaming without the need for high-end GPUs like the RTX 4050M.

Cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now further enhance the appeal of these ultrabooks, allowing for a robust gaming experience without the need for a dedicated gaming laptop.

As the year progresses, we'll keep you updated on all these exciting developments in the gaming laptop space. What trends caught your eye? Share your thoughts in the comments below!