Las Vegas, Nevada – At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, MSI unveiled a refreshed lineup of laptops that signals a strategic pivot toward professional and portable computing, even as it continues to update its popular gaming series. The Taiwanese tech giant, long celebrated for its high-performance gaming machines, spotlighted its Prestige business laptops with sleek designs and enhanced serviceability, while providing modest upgrades to midrange gaming models like the Stealth, Raider, and Crosshair series. According to a report from CNET, MSI's announcements reflect a broader effort to appeal beyond hardcore gamers to working professionals seeking slim, reliable devices with all-day battery life.
The Prestige 14 AI Plus and Prestige 16 AI Plus emerged as the stars of MSI's CES presentation, featuring rounded edges and a branded MSI logo on the lid for a more distinctive look. These changes, CNET noted, add 'some character to what would otherwise be very pedestrian looking laptops.' Both models prioritize portability and display quality, with the 16-inch version boasting a superior 2,880-by-1,800-pixel OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, compared to the 14-inch model's 1,920-by-1,200-pixel OLED display. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass on both touchscreen variants, the screens aim to resist scratches and smudges effectively.
Battery life stands out as a key selling point for these professional laptops. The Prestige 14 AI Plus offers up to six hours more runtime than its larger sibling, achieving all-day performance that's becoming standard for modern work computers, according to CNET. Internally, both can be configured with up to an Intel Core Ultra X9 processor, integrated Intel Arc B390 graphics, 64GB of RAM, and a single M.2 2280 PCIe Gen5/Gen4 x4 SSD. MSI's emphasis on these specs underscores its push to make the Prestige line competitive in the business market, where reliability and efficiency are paramount.
While the Prestige series takes center stage, MSI didn't neglect its gaming enthusiasts entirely. The company skipped updates to its top-tier Titan series – disappointing those with the deepest pockets – but refreshed more accessible options. CNET reported that 'hobbyists and enthusiasts will likely appreciate' the tweaks to the slim Stealth series and midrange Raider and Crosshair lines, balancing performance with portability.
The Stealth 16 AI Plus, a highlight among gaming updates, sheds weight from its predecessor, dropping from nearly 5 pounds to around 4 pounds for easier transport. This model returns to a more standard 16-inch size, forgoing the 18-inch variant from 2025, and features a tapered black chassis that remains thin throughout. A significant upgrade includes the addition of two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports, absent in the prior version, enhancing connectivity for users on the go.
Visually, the Stealth 16 AI Plus sports an OLED panel with 2,560-by-1,400-pixel resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate, again shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass. Shifting from AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU in the 2025 model, the new iteration adopts Intel's Core Ultra 300H series processor. It pairs this with two Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series GPUs, up to 128GB of RAM, and dual M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 x4 SSDs, offering solid performance without the bulk of MSI's heaviest gaming rigs.
Moving to the Raider series, MSI introduced the Raider 16 Max HX with a bold aesthetic that includes a 'big gray dragon' motif on the top cover and an RGB strip along the hinge. CNET described this as adding 'a lot of visual noise to an otherwise clean design,' complete with per-key RGB keyboard lighting for customizable illumination. As MSI's second-most powerful gaming lineup behind the Titans, the Raider prioritizes eye-catching flair alongside capability.
The Raider 16 Max HX features an OLED display at 2,560-by-1,600-pixel resolution with a 240Hz refresh rate. A practical innovation is a removable back panel that provides easy access to RAM and SSD slots, allowing users with basic technical skills to service components themselves. Configurations support up to an Intel Core Ultra 200 HX CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series GPU, 128GB of RAM, and dual PCIe Gen4 x4 and Gen5 x4 SSDs, per CNET's coverage.
For budget-conscious gamers, the Crosshair 16 Max HX offers a toned-down alternative without per-key RGB but with 24-zone keyboard lighting. The dragon emblem here is a subtle blue accent on the lid, avoiding the Raider's overt styling and lacking the hinge RGB strip for a cleaner appearance. Its OLED screen matches the Raider's resolution at 2,560 by 1,600 pixels but runs at a 165Hz refresh rate, still suitable for smooth gameplay.
Internally, the Crosshair mirrors the Raider's potential specs: up to Intel Core Ultra 200HX CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series GPU, 128GB RAM, and the same dual SSD options. MSI positions the Crosshair as an entry into high-performance gaming without the premium price tag, making it appealing for casual players. Notably, the company's more affordable Cyborg series was absent from CES 2026 displays, focusing attention on these midrange updates instead.
MSI's design philosophy across these models emphasizes user serviceability, a trend highlighted in both the Prestige and Raider lines. The removable panels and modular components reflect growing consumer demand for repairable electronics amid environmental concerns and right-to-repair movements. At CES, held annually in Las Vegas, such innovations align with broader industry shifts toward sustainability and longevity in consumer tech.
Background on MSI's strategy provides context for these announcements. The company has built its reputation on gaming laptops since entering the market in the early 2000s, with series like the Titan dominating benchmarks for raw power. However, recent years have seen competitors like Dell's XPS and Lenovo's ThinkPad encroach on the professional segment, prompting MSI to refine its nongaming offerings. CNET observed that 'MSI doesn't want to cast the spotlight on its gaming staples for too long this time around,' indicating a deliberate diversification.
While specifics on pricing remain undisclosed, all announced models are slated for release later in 2026. This timing coincides with Intel's latest processor generations and Nvidia's RTX 50 series rollout, positioning MSI to capitalize on cutting-edge hardware. Industry analysts, though not directly quoted in available reports, have noted that CES serves as a launchpad for such products, with full reviews and availability details emerging in the coming months.
The implications of MSI's CES 2026 reveals extend beyond individual models. By prioritizing slim designs, OLED displays, and Intel's AI-enhanced chips, MSI aims to bridge gaming prowess with professional utility, potentially attracting hybrid users in fields like content creation and remote work. As battery life and portability become non-negotiables, these updates could help MSI gain ground in a market projected to grow with the rise of AI-driven applications.
Looking ahead, CES 2026 continues to buzz with announcements from rivals like Asus and Acer, who may counter with their own laptop refreshes. MSI's focus on serviceable designs could set a precedent, encouraging competitors to follow suit. For consumers, the lack of pricing leaves room for speculation, but the emphasis on accessibility suggests these machines will span a wide range of budgets when they hit shelves.
In the end, MSI's presentations at CES underscore a maturing portfolio, where gaming remains a cornerstone but professional tools take the lead. As the event unfolds through January 2026 in Las Vegas, more details on these laptops – and their real-world performance – will likely surface, keeping tech enthusiasts watching closely.