CES 2024 showcased a stunning array of gaming laptops, revealing several key trends shaping the future of mobile gaming.
A Diversified Design Landscape
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 exude sleek elegance, suitable for even the most professional settings, while others, such as the MSI Titan 18 HX AI Dragonforged Edition, boldly flaunt their gaming pedigree with eye-catching graphics.
RGB lighting remains a staple, with innovative implementations like wrap-around rings, illuminated keyboards, and even trackpad lighting. The Asus ROG Strix Scar series impressed with its AniME Dot Matrix LED display, showcasing text and animations on the lid. While not revolutionary, expect a blend of familiar form factors—from large and powerful to thin and light—alongside some intriguing new designs.
The Rise of AI Assistants
AI integration in laptops gained significant traction last year, but implementations often fell short. This year, however, several vendors showcased AI assistants capable of controlling PC functions without requiring manual software interaction. An MSI demonstration showed an AI assistant automatically optimizing performance settings based on the selected game. While the practicality and offline capabilities of these systems require further evaluation, their potential to streamline gaming is undeniable.
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 boasting flagship specifications and prices. These laptops, featuring over 1,100 local dimming zones, delivered exceptional brightness, vivid colors, and reduced blooming. While OLED still excels in contrast, Mini-LED offers a compelling alternative with higher sustained brightness and no burn-in risk.
The ASUS ROG Flow X13 returned with USB4 eGPU support, eliminating proprietary connections. Asus showcased it paired with a new eGPU offering up to an RTX 5090.
Lenovo unveiled the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, the first notebook with a rollable OLED display. Its 14-inch screen expands by 2.7 inches with the press of a button. While its initial iteration presents 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 adopting this thin, light, and premium design, exemplified by Gigabyte's revamped Aero series. These Ultrabooks offer a compelling balance of portability and gaming capabilities. As demonstrated by the Asus TUF Gaming A14, external GPUs can enhance performance without compromising portability.
Furthermore, advancements in integrated graphics from AMD and Intel, coupled with technologies like AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution and Intel XeSS, allow for surprisingly capable gaming performance, even without a dedicated graphics card. Cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now offer additional options for enjoying games on less powerful hardware.
CES 2024 highlighted significant advancements in gaming laptops. We’ll continue to cover these developments throughout the year. What trends stood out to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
