MSI is taking a noticeably different direction at CES 2026 by expanding beyond its well-known gaming laptop portfolio. After making headlines last year with powerful machines like the Titan 18 HX AI, MSI has now unveiled two new thin and light laptop families designed for professionals, creators, and everyday users who value portability and clean design.
The flagship of this new approach is the MSI Prestige AI+ series, which targets users looking for premium ultraportable laptops. The lineup includes 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch models, with the larger sizes also offered in 2-in-1 convertible form factors. These laptops are powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 “Panther Lake” processors and come with OLED displays as standard, highlighting MSI’s focus on visual quality and energy efficiency.
Design plays a major role in the Prestige AI+ lineup. MSI has opted for a minimalist, professional aesthetic that prioritizes thin profiles, lightweight builds, and durability. The laptops are clearly aimed at users who want performance without the aggressive styling commonly associated with gaming hardware. Large trackpads, comfortable keyboards, and color-accurate displays further position the Prestige AI+ models as strong competitors in the premium ultrabook segment.
Alongside the Prestige series, MSI also introduced the Modern series, which is positioned as a more accessible option. Available in 14-inch and 16-inch clamshell designs, the Modern laptops feature Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors as well, but offer a choice between OLED and IPS displays. Battery capacities and hardware configurations are slightly more modest, making them suitable for students, office users, and general productivity tasks.
Hands-on impressions ahead of CES suggest that MSI has successfully created laptops that can compete with other popular thin and light devices on the market. With neutral, MacBook-like designs, vivid screens, and strong everyday performance, MSI appears ready to strengthen its position in the professional and consumer laptop space, not just gaming.