This week's CES 2025 event at Las Vegas was a feast for gaming enthusiasts, with Nvidia's new RTX 50 series GPUs taking centre stage. These graphics cards promise an unprecedented leap in performance, enhanced ray tracing, and AI-driven gaming capabilities. Rollouts of these next-gen laptops start in March, but here are the standout models you should know about if you're looking to upgrade your setup this year:
Razer Blade 16 (2025 Edition)
Specs: Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU, AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX, 16-inch QHD+ dual-mode display (240Hz), 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD.
Razer’s latest Blade 16—their thinnest laptop yet—marks a significant shift as the brand replaces Intel processors with AMD's powerhouse Ryzen chips. Known for its sleek and portable design, this laptop doesn’t compromise on performance. The dual-mode display switches between a buttery-smooth 240Hz refresh rate for gaming and vivid colour accuracy for creators. With the RTX 5090 GPU at its core, it’s built for gaming at the highest settings while maintaining the portability the Blade series is celebrated for.
HP Omen AI MAX 16
Specs: Nvidia RTX 5080 GPU, Intel Core i9-14900HX, 16-inch QHD+ display (165Hz), 32GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD.
HP’s Omen AI MAX 16 introduces intelligent gaming, leveraging AI to optimise performance based on usage patterns. Paired with the Nvidia RTX 5080, this laptop delivers cutting-edge visuals and smooth gameplay even in graphically intensive titles. The AI-driven cooling system adjusts dynamically to keep temperatures in check during marathon gaming sessions. While purists may prefer manual controls, it'll be fascinating to see if HP's AI-based push for performance will resonate with gamers.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025 Edition)
Specs: Nvidia RTX 5070 GPU, AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS, 14-inch Mini LED display (165Hz), 1TB SSD, 90Wh battery.
Compact and powerful, the ROG Zephyrus G14 has once again redefined ultraportable gaming laptops. Its Mini LED display ensures vivid visuals with HDR support, while the RTX 5070 GPU balances performance and efficiency for everyday gaming. The Ryzen 7 processor ensures multitasking prowess, and its excellent battery life makes it ideal for gaming on the go. Asus has also improved its cooling system, ensuring quiet operation even under load.
Acer Predator Helios (2025 Edition)
Specs: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia RTX 5080 GPU, 16-inch Mini LED display (240Hz), up to 32GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD.
Acer’s Predator Helios series pushes boundaries with AI-powered features aimed at enhancing gaming performance—along with Acer's trademark (expected) value for money. Equipped with a Mini LED display offering a stunning 240Hz refresh rate, this laptop delivers vivid visuals and ultra-smooth gameplay. The Nvidia RTX 5080 GPU and Intel Core Ultra processors ensure top-tier performance for the most demanding games. Acer’s proprietary AI software dynamically adjusts system performance, thermals, and fan speed to optimise gaming sessions. Additionally, connectivity is a highlight with Wi-Fi 7 support, multiple USB-C and USB-A ports, and HDMI 2.1.
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (2025 Edition)
Specs: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU, 16-inch QHD+ display (165Hz), 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD.
Lenovo’s newly redesigned Legion Pro series caters to both high-ranked competitive gamers and serious enthusiasts. The Pro 7i is engineered for those who demand peak performance, with advanced cooling powered by Legion Coldfront Vapor and Hyperchamber technology to handle a staggering 250W TDP. All models feature Lenovo AI Engine+, which dynamically optimises CPU and GPU wattage based on your activity, ensuring buttery-smooth framerates during intense gaming. With Intel and AMD configurations, these laptops offer a powerful and customisable gaming experience.
MSI Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Norse Myth
Specs: Nvidia RTX 5080 GPU, Intel Core i9-14980HX, 17-inch 4K Mini LED display (144Hz), 32GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD.
MSI’s flagship Titan continues to set a high standard for performance laptops. It combines an RTX 5080 GPU with Intel’s latest i9 processor, delivering unparalleled gaming power and multitasking capabilities; though this special edition knocks the desirability quotient up a notch with nordic runes and a badass dragon-themed backplate that's handcrafted for each model. The Mini LED display offers incredible contrast and vibrant colours, making it a treat for gamers and creators alike. With customisable RGB lighting, quality Cherry MX key switches and an advanced cooling system, this laptop screams performance and style—although we're expecting it to come with a hefty price tag.
Alienware Area-51m (2025 Edition)
Specs: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU, 16-inch or 18-inch QHD+ display (165Hz), up to 64GB DDR5 RAM, 4TB SSD.
The Alienware Area-51m returns with a vengeance, offering a futuristic design and desktop-class power in a portable form. Available in 16-inch and 18-inch variants, these laptops feature Alienware's Cryo-Tech cooling and Element 31 thermal paste to manage heat during high-intensity gaming. The customisable RGB lighting on the chassis and keyboard adds flair, while the RTX 5090 ensures top-tier graphics performance. For those looking for cutting-edge ping rates for competitive play, the 18-inch model ups the ante with a faster Intel Killer E3100 2.5G Ethernet card and Killer E5000 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port for ultra-fast wired networking.
