The first wave of RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 gaming laptops are hitting the shelves, with MSI's roster of Titan, Raider, Vector, and Stealth machines making their way to the pre-order bench in both the US and UK. All four rigs are now available to pre-order with Nvidia's latest GPU in tow, ready for shipping ahead of their March 31 release date.
These pre-orders will remain live right up until launch day, but us laptop folk have it easier than others. RTX 5080 stock and RTX 5090 stock has been running off the shelves pretty quickly. I've seen both solo GPUs and prebuilt PCs being snatched off the shelves, but the mobile market doesn't quite operate in the same way. I'm not expecting these to be difficult to find at launch, but some of these rigs are contenders for my roster of the best gaming laptops on the market, so I will update if that changes.
I'm seeing a selection of MSI gaming laptops spanning RTX 5070 Ti models from $1,599.99 all the way through to RTX 5090 behemoths at just a hair under $5,000. If you've been saving up for the new generation this is your first shot at a 2025 system.
MSI Titan 18 HX
The MSI Titan 18 HX is the highest-spec machine in today's pre-orders. I reviewed last year's model, featuring the same (at least on paper) 4K 120Hz Mini LED display, but 2025's iteration packs an Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processor and up to RTX 5090 graphics power. Throw in dedicated PCle Gen 5 SSD cooling and Thunderbolt 5 and this is a real next-gen device.
MSI Raider
The MSI Raider series looks a lot like the Titan, but swaps those blue accents for red. This year's selection still packs a punch (the 2024 MSI Raider 18 HX remains the most powerful gaming laptop I've tested to this day), with AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D or Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processors and up to an RTX 5090 GPU. Interestingly, the Raider beat last year's MSI Titan 18 HX in my testing, so this is certainly one to watch.
MSI Vector
The MSI Vector is one for those after a gaming laptop that doesn't look like a gaming laptop. Yes, you're still getting those brightly colored keys and the MSI logo on the back, but the sleek black build can blend a little better into more than one scenario. This is a rig for creators who game, but that doesn't mean you're dropping the specs. While you'll likely draw less from those RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 GPUs due to the slimline design, these machines still benefit from the full Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX / AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX treatment.
MSI Stealth
In my testing, last year's MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio underperformed in its class, but it's still a slimline travel laptop worth taking note of if you want next-generation power on the go. It takes advantage of the same brand new components as its beefier siblings, with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor option, but adds an AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series option into the mix as well.
If you're shopping between brands, I'm also rounding up all the best Alienware laptops on the market and the best Asus gaming laptops available. Or, for that luxury feel, check out the best Razer laptops I've tested so far.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
