CES never disappoints when it comes to showcasing the latest in laptops, and this year's event was a testament to that, especially in the realm of gaming laptops. I explored the bustling show floor and various packed suites and showrooms to uncover the prevailing trends shaping the gaming laptop landscape in 2025. Here are the key themes that dominated the show:

A Huge Diversity of Designs

Gaming laptops have always boasted a variety of designs, but 2025 has taken this to another level. This year, brands like Gigabyte and MSI are not only pushing the boundaries between productivity and gaming but also ensuring that high-end gaming laptops offer more than just powerful hardware.

Expect to see a broader spectrum of designs this year. For instance, the Gigabyte Aero series epitomizes elegance and professionalism, making it suitable even for business environments. In contrast, the MSI Titan 18 HX AI Dragonforged Edition boldly showcases its gaming prowess with striking graphics on its lid.

RGB lighting continues to be a staple in many gaming laptops, with innovations like wrap-around lighting rings, illuminated mechanical keyboards, side-lights, rear-lights, and trackpad lights. The Asus ROG Strix Scar series, in particular, impressed with its AniME Dot Matrix LED display, which can animate text and images across white LEDs on the lid.

While the core design elements remain familiar, look forward to some novel twists alongside the traditional range from bulky powerhouses to sleek, lightweight models equipped with diverse hardware.

AI Assistants are Coming

Last year saw AI being touted as a feature in laptops, but the integration often fell short. This year, however, multiple vendors unveiled AI Assistants designed to enhance user control over their PCs without needing to manually open software.

In one demonstration, an MSI representative showed how the AI chatbot could adjust performance settings based on the type of game being played. While I remain skeptical about the real-time benefits compared to manual adjustments, especially if these systems are intended to operate offline, we will need to see how these features evolve and perform in real-world scenarios.

Mini-LED, Rollable Displays and Other Novelties

Mini-LED technology is making significant strides in the gaming laptop market. Brands like Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte showcased Mini-LED laptops with top-tier specifications and pricing. These displays, featuring over 1,100 local dimming zones, offer reduced blooming, enhanced contrast, and vibrant colors. While OLED still leads in contrast, Mini-LED's higher sustained brightness and immunity to burn-in make it a promising choice for future models.

Novelties also captured attention. The ASUS ROG Flow X13, returning after a hiatus, now supports eGPUs via USB4, eliminating the need for proprietary connections. It was showcased alongside a new eGPU with an RTX 5090. Meanwhile, the Asus Zenbook Duo impressed with its dual-screen productivity focus, though Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable stole the spotlight. This innovative laptop features a rollable OLED display that extends from 14 inches to an additional 2.7 inches, offering more screen real estate. Despite concerns about the durability of the extension mechanism, it's a groundbreaking product that's set to hit the market.

Ultrabooks Continue to Rise, Even for Gaming

The rise of Ultrabooks is undeniable, and they're increasingly infiltrating gaming line-ups. Major manufacturers have embraced this trend, with models like Gigabyte's revamped Aero series showcasing the sleek, lightweight design characteristic of Ultrabooks.

This trend makes sense for gamers who prioritize portability and productivity. My review of the Asus TUF Gaming A14 last year highlighted how these machines can include dedicated graphics cards without compromising their on-the-go capabilities. Moreover, with the latest AMD and Intel processors, even integrated graphics can handle gaming well, especially with technologies like AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution and Intel XeSS, which enhance performance and enable frame generation.

For those willing to adjust settings, the need for lower-end dedicated GPUs like the RTX 4050M might soon become obsolete. Additionally, cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now offer a compelling alternative, allowing you to enjoy gaming without a dedicated gaming laptop.

This year's CES showcased a plethora of exciting developments in gaming laptops, and we'll continue to cover them as the year unfolds. What trends caught your eye? Share your thoughts in the comments below!