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With the start of 2025, every major brand has revamped gaming laptops to take the performance, design, and innovation levels to new heights. From cutting-edge processors to toolless upgrade designs, the design has set high standards for manufacturers. Let’s take a look at the top features and updates on the best gaming laptops to be launched at CES 2025.
ASUS: Gaming meets innovation
ASUS has kicked off the year off to a great start with exciting updates to its Strix Scar and Zephyrus lineups, as well as its unique Flow Z13 tablet. These new releases are all about enhancing the user experience through innovation and performance.
Key highlights:
RGB overhaul: The Strix Scar series now features 360-degree RGB lighting, including eye-catching lid accents reminiscent of the Zephyrus G14.
Toolless upgrades: The Strix models introduce an easy-access magnetic bottom panel, allowing for quick upgrades to RAM and storage without any tools.
Zen 5 processors and RTX GPUs: The Strix G16 and G18 models are equipped with up to the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D CPU and RTX 5070 Ti GPU. Meanwhile, the Zephyrus G14 and G16 models upgrade to Zen 5 CPUs and higher-end RTX 50-series GPUs. Flow Z13: This compact gaming tablet now includes AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395, which offers integrated graphics capable of rivaling the RTX 4060.
Specs Snapshot:
| Model | Processor | GPU | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strix Scar 18 | Ryzen 9 9955HX3D | RTX 5070 Ti | Toolless bottom panel |
| Zephyrus G14 | Ryzen 9 Zen 5 | RTX 50 Series | Compact, powerful design |
| Flow Z13 | Ryzen AI Max+ 395 | Integrated (4060-level) | Thunderbolt 5 eGPU support |
Acer: Slimmer, Smarter, and More Powerful
Acer has revamped its Helios lineup with a focus on AI-infused features and slimmer designs, making it a top contender in the gaming laptop market.
Key highlights
Helios Neo 16s: This variant is lighter and thinner than its predecessor and now adds an OLED screen and graphics up to the level of the RTX 5070 Ti.
Helios 18: It features a dual-resolution Mini LED display that allows switching between 1080p at 240Hz and 4K at 120Hz. Improved cooling, four RAM slots, and three M.2 storage slots with PCIe Gen 5 support make it a powerhouse.
Specs Snapshot:
| Model | GPU | Display Options | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helios 18 | RTX 5090 | 1080p/240Hz, 4K/120Hz Mini LED | Four RAM slots, improved cooling |
| Neo 16S | RTX 5070 Ti | OLED | Lightweight, AI-enhanced design |
HP: Omen Max 16 Brings Maximum Power
HP’s Omen Max 16 takes the spotlight as their most powerful gaming laptop yet, designed to push the limits of what’s possible in gaming performance.
Key Features:
RTX 5090 Graphics: Delivering top-tier performance for the most demanding games.
Dust-free cooling: Fans switch direction every four hours to clear dust build-up, ensuring longevity and reliability.
Unleashed mode: Allows customizable power limits and overclocking for optimal performance.
Unique design: Features pudding-style keyboard caps and a sleek black metal finish, combining aesthetics with functionality.
XMG: Next-level customization
XMG’s Neo 16 sets a new standard in modularity with support for water cooling and swappable configurations, offering unmatched customization.
Key features:
Custom configurations: Available with AMD Fire range or Intel Arrow Lake processors.
Improved liquid cooling: Features a quiet pump and secure connection, which enhances the efficiency of the cooling system.
Enhanced RGB: The large light bar will give an aesthetic gamer touch
GIGABYTE: Upgrade your way to excellence
Gigabyte’s Aorus Master 16 and 18 models are all about future-proofing, with plenty of upgrade options to make your investment stand the test of time
Key highlights:
Room for growth: Four slots for RAM memory and three slots of SSD with Gen 5 PCIe
Premium displays available: 18-inch Mini LED and 16-inch OLED options for the best display.
MSI: Titan and Raider get great updates
MSI’s Titan 18 and Raider 18 are high-performance giants that stand out with their great power and unique features.
Key features:
Titan 18: Equipped with an exclusive Core Ultra 9 285HX processor and a custom Norse myth theme, limited to 1000 units.
Raider 18: Powered by Ryzen 9 9955HX3D CPU with RTX 5090 graphics for unmatched gaming performance.
Razer: Sleeker Blade
Razer’s Blade 16 has become thinner and more efficient, now featuring AMD processors to enhance its performance and portability.
Key Features:
Slim and Light: 30% thinner and 14% lighter, making it highly portable.
Ryzen AI 9 Processor: Contributes to the thinness of the laptop along with soldered LPDDR5X memory, ensuring high performance in a compact form.
Lenovo: Legion Pro Series Update
Lenovo has introduced new Legion Pro 7i and 5i models, focusing on OLED display and RGB light bar to improve the gaming experience.
Alienware: The Return of Area 51
The iconic Area 51 series is back with 16-inch and 18-inch models, though it’s made the upgrade for a more streamlined design.
Final Thoughts
2025 is going to be a milestone for gaming laptops, with each brand coming up with something unique and exciting. Whether you prefer great portability, upgradeable design, or raw power, there’s a great gaming laptop waiting for you this year.
Which Gaming laptops are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
FAQs About the Best Gaming Laptops of CES 2025
1. What are the key features of ASUS Strix Scar and Zephyrus gaming laptops?
Strix Scar: 360-degree RGB lighting, toolless upgrades. Zephyrus: Zen 5 CPUs, high-end RTX 50-series GPUs.
2. Why is the Acer Helios 18 a standout for gamers?
Dual-resolution Mini LED display, 4 RAM slots, improved cooling.
3. What makes HP’s Omen Max 16 special among gaming laptops?
RTX 5090 graphics, dust-free cooling, customizable power limits.
4. How does XMG’s Neo 16 stand out in the gaming laptop market?
Modular design with water-cooling support, AMD or Intel processors.
5. What are the improvements in the Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop?
30% thinner, Ryzen AI 9 Processor, high performance and portability.
