CES 2024 showcased a stunning array of gaming laptops, revealing several key trends shaping the future of portable gaming.
A Diverse Landscape of Designs
While gaming laptops have always offered diverse styles, this year felt particularly exceptional. Brands like Gigabyte and MSI are blurring the lines between productivity and gaming, demanding that high-end models offer more than just raw power. This translates to a wider range of aesthetics. Laptops like the Gigabyte Aero series boast clean, elegant designs suitable for professional settings, while others, such as the MSI Titan 18 HX AI Dragonforged Edition, proudly display their gaming pedigree with bold graphics.
RGB lighting remains a staple, with designs incorporating 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 blend of familiar form factors—from large and powerful to slim and portable—alongside exciting new design elements.
The Rise of AI Assistants
AI integration in laptops gained momentum last year, but implementations often fell short. This year, several vendors showcased AI assistants designed to control PC functions without requiring manual software interaction. One MSI demo showed an AI assistant automatically optimizing performance settings based on the selected game. While the practicality and offline capabilities require further evaluation, this technology holds potential for streamlining the gaming experience.
Mini-LED, Rollable Screens, and Other Innovations
Mini-LED technology is finally making a significant impact on gaming laptops. Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte all displayed Mini-LED models with high-end specs and prices. These laptops boast over 1,100 local dimming zones, resulting in reduced blooming, enhanced contrast, superior brightness, and vibrant colors. While OLED still leads in contrast, Mini-LED offers a compelling alternative without the risk of burn-in and with higher sustained brightness.
The ASUS ROG Flow X13 returned with USB4 eGPU support, eliminating proprietary connections. Asus showcased its compatibility with a new eGPU featuring up to an RTX 5090.
Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, while not strictly a gaming laptop, stands out as the first notebook with a rollable OLED display. Its 14-inch screen expands by 2.7 inches with the push of a button. While its first-generation design raises durability concerns, it represents a significant step forward in display technology.
The Continued Ascent of Ultrabooks in Gaming
Ultrabooks are increasingly prevalent in gaming lineups. Major manufacturers are embracing the thin, light, and premium design, exemplified by Gigabyte's redesigned Aero series. These laptops offer a compelling balance of portability and gaming capabilities. They are ideal for users who don't require maximum settings in the latest games. As demonstrated by the Asus TUF Gaming A14, external GPUs can enhance performance without sacrificing portability. Furthermore, powerful integrated graphics from AMD and Intel, coupled with technologies like AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution and Intel XeSS, enable playable performance in demanding games, questioning the necessity of lower-end dedicated GPUs like the RTX 4050M. Cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now further enhance the gaming experience on these machines.
CES 2024 unveiled exciting advancements in gaming laptops. We will continue to cover these developments throughout the year. What trends caught your attention? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
