New MSI Gaming Laptops announced at CES 2025
MSI has once again raised the bar for gaming laptops with its latest lineup unveiled at CES 2025. The newly launched models—Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Norse Myth, Raider A18 HX, Stealth 18 HX AI, Vector A18 HX, and Crosshair 18 HX—are designed to cater to a wide spectrum of gamers and creators.
While we are still waiting for the official availability and prices of these new hero gaming laptops by MSI, allow us to give you a guide on what you should know about each laptop and then see which one is suitable for your needs.
A Lineup for Every Gamer’s Budget
One of the standout aspects of MSI’s CES 2025 lineup is its inclusivity across different price points. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, MSI has something for everyone. The Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Norse Myth represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance, while the Crosshair 18 HX provides a more accessible entry point into high-performance gaming. The Raider A18 HX and Vector A18 HX sit comfortably in the middle, offering robust performance without reaching the extravagant price tags of flagship models. This approach ensures that gamers with varying budgets can access cutting-edge technology without compromise.
Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Norse Myth: Over-the-Top Excellence
The Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Norse Myth is undoubtedly the crown jewel of this lineup. Featuring an intricate hand-drawn dragon design inspired by Norse mythology, this laptop is as much a work of art as it is a technological marvel. Powered by an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPU and Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, it delivers up to 270W of system power through MSI’s OverBoost Ultra Technology.
However, it’s clear that this machine is not for everyone. Priced at the absolute high end, it’s tailored for those who demand nothing short of perfection in gaming and content creation. Having tried the previous Titan model, I can attest that its sheer power is overkill for most users—including myself. While it’s an impressive showcase of MSI’s capabilities, its size, weight (3.6 kg), and price make it impractical for everyday use unless you’re a professional gamer or creator who needs top-tier performance.
Stealth 18 HX AI: The Perfect Balance
For my needs, the Stealth 18 HX AI strikes the perfect balance between power, portability, and features. This laptop is equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPU (or lower configurations like RTX 5080 or RTX 5070 Ti) and an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, making it ideal for both gaming and professional tasks. Its lightweight design (2.89 kg) and sleek magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis make it one of the most portable options in the lineup.
What truly sets the Stealth series apart is its AI integration. Powered by AMD Ryzen AI processors in some configurations, it supports advanced AI tasks like generative workflows using tools like ComfyUI or video editing in DaVinci Resolve. With up to 96GB DDR5 RAM and fast SSD storage options, this laptop can handle demanding creative workloads while maintaining excellent thermal performance thanks to MSI’s innovative cooling solutions.
For someone like me who dabbles in both gaming and creative work, the Stealth 18 HX AI offers just the right amount of power without going overboard.
Ranking MSI’s New Laptops by Power and Performance
I know that some of you are probably thinking about which product fits your needs. Here’s how I would rank these laptops based on their raw power and performance. You may use this as your quick buyer’s reference, but if you want to know more, check out this link for full specs and informaion:
Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Norse Myth
- Best-in-class specs with RTX 5090 GPU and up to 270W system power.
- Ideal for extreme gamers or creators who need desktop-level performance.
Raider A18 HX
- Similar high-end specs as the Titan but with slightly reduced aesthetics and features.
- A great choice for those who want top-tier performance without paying for luxury design elements.
Stealth 18 HX AI
- Balances portability with power; excellent for gamers and creators who value mobility.
- Features advanced AI capabilities for creative professionals.
Vector A18 HX
- Slightly less powerful than the Raider but still capable of handling demanding games and creative tasks.
- Offers good value for those looking for high performance without breaking the bank.
Crosshair 18 HX
- Entry-level model in this lineup; still delivers strong gaming performance but lacks some premium features.
- Perfect for budget-conscious gamers.
Which MSI Laptop Should You Choose?
Choosing the right laptop depends on your specific needs:
- For Hardcore Gamers:
If you’re looking for unmatched gaming performance and don’t mind spending top dollar, go for the Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Norse Myth or Raider A18 HX. These laptops are designed to handle the most demanding games at ultra settings. - For Creators Who Game:
The Stealth 18 HX AI is your best bet if you want a versatile machine capable of handling video editing, AI workflows, and high-end gaming—all while being portable enough to carry around. - For Balanced Performance:
The Vector A18 HX offers a great middle ground with strong specs at a more affordable price point than the flagship models. - For Budget Gamers:
The Crosshair 18 HX provides excellent gaming capabilities without unnecessary frills, making it ideal for those who want solid performance on a tighter budget.
Final Thoughts
MSI’s CES 2025 lineup shows their commitment to innovation and meeting diverse user needs. While each model has its strengths, my personal favorite remains the Stealth 18 HX AI due to its balanced approach to power, portability, and features tailored for both gamers and creators like me. Whether you’re looking for luxury in design or simply raw gaming power at a reasonable price point, MSI’s new laptops ensure there’s something for everyone in this exciting new lineup.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
