MSI used CES 2026 to showcase a strategic shift: while gaming laptops received updates, the real emphasis was placed on revamped Prestige business laptops. This signals a move to broaden MSI’s market appeal beyond hardcore gamers, tapping into the growing demand for portable, high-performance work machines.
Prestige Laptops: Slimmer Designs, Enhanced Serviceability
MSI’s Prestige 14 AI Plus and Prestige 16 AI Plus have been redesigned with rounded edges and a more refined aesthetic. These laptops prioritize key features for professionals: battery life, portability, and ease of maintenance. Both models now feature user-serviceable designs, allowing owners to upgrade or replace components themselves, a rare but increasingly valuable feature in the sealed-off world of modern laptops.
The Prestige 16 AI Plus boasts a superior 2,880×1,800 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Prestige 14 AI Plus offers a 1,920×1,200 OLED screen. Both are protected by Gorilla Glass. Battery life is a standout, with the 14-inch model providing up to six hours more uptime than its larger sibling. Internally, both can be configured with up to an Intel Core Ultra X9 processor, 64GB of RAM, and PCIe Gen5/Gen4 SSD storage.
Stealth 16 AI Plus: Sleeker, Lighter, and Faster
The Stealth series has been streamlined, moving away from larger 18-inch models in favor of a more portable design. The new Stealth 16 AI Plus is notably lighter than its predecessor, shedding around a pound while adding two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports.
This laptop features a 2,560×1,400 OLED display with a 240Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it now runs on Intel Core Ultra 300H processors instead of AMD Ryzen, paired with Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series GPUs, up to 128GB of RAM, and dual PCIe Gen4 SSDs.
Raider & Crosshair Series: Gaming Power with a Twist
MSI also updated its higher-end gaming laptops. The Raider 16 Max HX boasts a striking design with a dragon motif and RGB lighting. Its key feature is a removable back panel for easy RAM and SSD access, mirroring the serviceability focus of the Prestige line.
The Crosshair 16 Max HX offers a more subdued aesthetic, with a cleaner design and a 24-zone keyboard lighting system. Both Raider and Crosshair models can be configured with Intel Core Ultra 200 HX CPUs, Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series GPUs, and up to 128GB of RAM.
MSI’s move to highlight business laptops alongside gaming updates indicates a broader strategy to capture a wider range of consumers. The emphasis on serviceability across multiple lines also suggests a growing awareness of the need for repairable, user-friendly devices in a market dominated by disposable tech. Pricing details remain undisclosed, but these laptops are expected to release later this year.
