In a move that could significantly impact the gaming community, MSI revealed an impressive lineup of AMD-powered laptops at CES 2025, signaling a shift away from their historically exclusive partnership with Intel processors. This development highlights the competitive landscape in mobile gaming, where advanced technology and user preferences shape industry trends and product innovations.
A Strategic Pivot
Historically, MSI gaming laptops have been firmly associated with Intel processors, a relationship so entrenched that all reviewed MSI gaming laptops consistently featured Intel chips. This pattern persisted even as MSI began to dabble in incorporating AMD processors into their lineup. However, the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas marked a significant departure from this tradition. With AMD chips prominently embedded in nearly all new MSI laptop displays, the company has clearly made a strategic decision to diversify its hardware offerings.
AMD’s Technological Advancements
MSI representatives at CES 2025 explained that this shift was a response to AMD’s recent advancements in mobile chip technology, making them a viable alternative across a broader spectrum of products. The spotlight was firmly placed on the AMD Ryzen X3D processor, renowned for its ability to deliver higher frame rates and seamless gameplay experiences in demanding AAA games. This cutting-edge processor is now a key feature in MSI’s high-end Raider series. The inclusion of AMD’s powerful technology reveals MSI’s intent to deliver top-tier performance for avid gamers, emphasizing a blend of quality and versatility.
Expanded AMD Configurations
In addition to the Raider series, MSI rolled out several new laptop configurations at CES 2025, all integrating AMD chips. These included the remarkable AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D for the Raider series, the powerful Ryzen 9 9955HX for the Vector, the innovative Ryzen AI 7 350 for the Pulse, and the robust Ryzen 9 8945HX for the Crosshair. This broad adoption of AMD processors marks a stark contrast to the previous year’s lineup, which exclusively spotlighted Intel’s 14th-gen or Core Ultra processors.
Diversification in Product Lines
In a notable diversification, the Cyborg laptop, previously available solely with Intel chips, now offers a top-spec option with an AMD Ryzen 7 260 chip. New models such as the Katana and Stealth series are also showcasing impressive AMD options, featuring the Ryzen 9 8945HS and Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, respectively. The only MSI gaming laptop that has yet to feature an AMD configuration is the limited edition Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Norse Myth. This extensive expansion in product choices is a game-changer for consumers, delivering a variety of configurations to match different performance needs and budget considerations.
A Challenge to Intel’s Dominance
MSI’s move to embrace AMD chips in their gaming laptops not only broadens consumer options but also challenges Intel’s longstanding dominance in the mobile gaming processor market. This shift aligns with a wider industry trend of AMD gaining significant ground on Intel, especially after AMD’s substantial progress in mobile gaming technology. Meanwhile, Intel has faced hurdles maintaining its competitive edge, making this strategic pivot by MSI even more consequential.
MSI’s Commitment to Innovation
In a notable move set to significantly impact the gaming community, MSI unveiled an impressive lineup of laptops powered by AMD at CES 2025. This strategic shift marks a departure from their long-standing exclusive partnership with Intel processors. The introduction of AMD-based laptops by MSI not only underscores the dynamic nature of the competitive landscape in mobile gaming but also reflects broader industry trends where technology advancements and evolving user preferences drive innovation.
Bringing AMD into the mix, MSI is responding to the growing demand for diversity in processing options. Their decision will likely spark more competition around performance, price, and features among gaming laptops. AMD has been gaining traction in the gaming world due to its highly efficient and powerful processors, making this collaboration with MSI a game-changer. It suggests that the mobile gaming sector might see more brands following suit, opting for AMD solutions in the future to meet gamers’ high expectations. This move by MSI could pave the way for more advanced and user-oriented innovations in the industry.
