I’m a big fan of MSI laptops. My first real gaming laptop was a 17-inch MSI behemoth with a GTX 1070, so we’re going back a few years—but it’s still going strong to this day. It’s not so hot for gaming, mind, but it’s great for everything else.
That’s why I’m excited for MSI’s new and updated Prestige series, featuring the Prestige 14 AI and Prestige 16 AI, packed with Intel’s latest Core Ultra 3 processors, massive batteries, and what should be fairly decent gaming performance from the integrated Intel Arc B390 GPU.
Better still, they look good while packing in all that tech, making them an excellent choice for work and play.
MSI’s new Prestige 14 AI and 16 AI pack in all the tech you want
And they’re surprisingly slimline with all that going on
MSI has given its Prestige laptop line a big overhaul, upgrading its core models with all the latest tech you could hope for in a portable.
Both are now powered by Intel’s shiny new Core Ultra Series 3 processors, which promise to be more power-efficient and powerful than the previous generation. It’s a big upgrade to Intel’s processors, and it makes sense that MSI is upgrading its laptop lines. The new chips promise faster AI processing, too, with their NPU 5 rated at up to 50 TOPS, along with support for Wi-Fi 7, the all-new Bluetooth 6 standard, and Thunderbolt 4 and 5.
But what I like about this is that it reinforces that MSI isn’t just a gaming brand anymore. At 11.9mm thickness and weighing just 1.32kg, the Prestige is now an ultra-slim portable option, and when combined with the 81Wh battery, super-fast charging (50 percent in 30 mins!) and USB PD 3.0 (100W charging support), you see how it all adds up.
With all of that, MSI has taken some of its gaming chops and slotted them into the Prestige. I know, I said it wasn’t all about gaming, but good tech is good tech, and the Prestige series now comes with a dual vapor chamber cooling system to keep all that lovely hardware fresh. Cooler hardware means longer lifespans, and that’s something we can all get behind.
There are also the Prestige Flip variants, which introduce the 2-in-1 form factor to the range and offer some extra flexibility for those who want to use the MSI Nano Pen.
Now, the other key feature you need to know about, and one I’m really impressed by, is the 2.8K 120Hz OLED Corning Gorilla Glass display, with a 120Hz variable refresh rate. I have a similar display to this on my laptop, and it is so easy on the eyes, in both regards, and it really makes a big difference.
Okay, it is also about the gaming laptops
MSI’s new Raider 16 Max HX and Raider 16 HX pack a punch
Raider is one of MSI’s longest-running laptop ranges, and it’s also receiving a significant upgrade at CES 2026. The new models can make full use of their 300W total power, meaning all of the hardware can run as it should, rather than being quietly throttled in the background.
While they haven’t been updated with Intel’s latest processors, they still deliver some serious hardware, with the 200W Intel Core Ultra 200HX and an RTX 5080 or 5090, which will eat up any game you throw at it.
Similar to the Prestige, the Raider series has also received a hefty upgrade to its cooling systems, now featuring MSI’s Cooler Boost Trinity. This is a triple-fan cooling system with five exhausts and an Intra Flow design to keep the laptop cool during long gaming sessions.
Again, the displays on the Raider 16 Max HX and 16 HX are worth noting, featuring 2.5K QHD+ OLEDs with a 240Hz refresh rate, Eye Care Display, and True Color Technology. Oh, and of course, it wouldn’t be a gaming laptop without a splash of RGB, which both Raider laptops have in spades.
Interestingly, the new Raider models both feature a quick-access panel at the bottom, allowing you to upgrade your memory and storage. I like this thoughtfulness from MSI, as it’s infuriating to read that opening your laptop will invalidate the warranty (but I understand why those policies are in place), and this makes the whole process much easier. Not that anyone will be upgrading their RAM in this climate!
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Shiny new Stealth and Modern laptops, too
It’s a bumper year for MSI
Credit: Gavin Phillips / MakeUseOf
MSI’s Stealth line is all about style and performance, and the Stealth 16 AI is one of its best models yet. The 16-inch laptop manages to be wonderfully slimline at 16.6mm and weighs less than 2kg, yet manages to come equipped with Intel’s newest 16-core Core Ultra 300H chip, an RTX 50-series GPU, and a massive 90Wh battery, not to mention two USB-A, two Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and my favorite bit: an RJ-45 LAN port.
The screen has also received a tidy upgrade, now featuring a similar screen to the Raider’s 2.5K QHD+ OLED 240Hz refresh rate. And, true to form, the Stealth also receives upgraded cooling to help you make the most of all that hardware, with its Tri-Path Intra Flow cooling system.
MSI is revamping another of its long-standing laptop series, bringing similar upgrades across the whole Modern lineup. The Modern 14S and 16S both receive upgrades to Intel Core Ultra Series 3, along with boosts to memory, battery life, and more.
What I also like about the Modern series is that MSI has incorporated a stronger metal chassis to deliver a stronger build quality. The new models are decked out in a refreshed aluminum chassis with smoother edges for a modern design.
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MSI smashes out the laptops at CES 2026
I’ve seen all of MSI’s new laptops at CES 2026, and it’s clear that it’s embracing a new focus with its portable range. The strong focus on gaming is still there, of course, but MSI is bringing a new, stronger focus to its consumer laptop range.
