CES 2026: MSI unveils new laptop line-up with Intel Core Ultra 3 CPUs

We've already covered a number of MSI launches at CES this week. In this article, our attention turns towards new laptops, including new models powered by Intel's new Core Ultra 3 processors, along with Nvidia RTX graphics.

MSI has overhauled its laptop lineup for CES 2026, introducing redesigned business systems, refreshed gaming hardware, and a new colour variant of its Claw handheld. The announcement is led by a major update to the Prestige series, which now adopts a smoother, more rounded design and a full‑aluminium chassis aimed at professionals who want lighter hardware without compromising performance.

The Prestige 14 drops to 1.32kg, while the Prestige 16 comes in at 1.59kg, both powered by Intel’s new Core Ultra Series 3 processors and paired with Intel Arc B390 graphics. MSI claims the 81Wh battery can deliver more than 30 hours of video playback, and the updated cooling system uses a vapor chamber, dual fans, and an Intra Flow design to keep noise below 30dBA.

The Prestige 14 and 16 Flip extend the same hardware into a 2‑in‑1 form factor with touchscreens and stylus support. MSI includes its new Nano Pen, which docks into the chassis for charging and can deliver 45 minutes of use from a 15‑second top‑up. As part of a collaboration with Microsoft, the pen also supports a Copilot press‑to‑talk shortcut for voice input. The Flip models add a larger touchpad with custom gesture zones, enterprise‑grade security features, and an optional 2.8K 120Hz OLED display with DisplayHDR True Black 1000 certification.

For users who prioritise portability, the Prestige 13 AI+ has been updated and now weighs just 899g, making it the lightest 13‑inch magnesium‑aluminium laptop available. It also moves to Intel’s latest processors and retains the same security and connectivity features as the larger Prestige models.

MSI’s mainstream Modern 14S and 16S laptops have also been refreshed with more metal in the chassis and a cleaner design. Both models use Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors and include dual memory slots for easier upgrades. Connectivity covers USB‑A, USB‑C with charging and display support, HDMI, LAN, and a microSD reader. Despite the added metal, the Modern 14S remains portable at 1.3kg and as thin as 11.1mm in its OLED configuration.

On the gaming side, MSI is pushing performance with the new Raider 16 Max HX, which the company says is the first laptop capable of delivering 300W of total system power. It can allocate up to 175W to an RTX 5090 or 5080 GPU while feeding 125W to an Intel Core Ultra 200HX processor. Cooling is handled by a redesigned Cooler Boost Trinity system with three fans, six heat pipes, five exhaust vents, and phase‑change thermal compound. The laptop also includes a quick‑access bottom panel for easier upgrades and a 2.5K 240Hz OLED display.

The Stealth 16 AI+ has been updated with a thinner, lighter chassis while offering higher GPU power limits and improved cooling. It includes a 90Wh battery, dual upgradeable slots, and a full aluminium build under 2kg. The Crosshair 16 Max HX and Crosshair 16 HX round out the gaming lineup with up to 200W system power, optional QHD+ 165Hz OLED displays, and a revised port layout.

MSI also introduced a Glacier Blue edition of its Claw 8 AI+ handheld, offering the same Intel Core Ultra 200V hardware and Arc Xe2 graphics in a new finish.

KitGuru Says: Are you thinking of going with an MSI laptop this year? 

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