MSI Stealth 16 AI Plus Debuts at CES 2026
MSI has unveiled the Stealth 16 AI Plus, a laptop designed to balance gaming power with creator-friendly features. At CES 2026, the company showcased this part-gaming, part-creator machine, highlighting its thinner, lighter design and sleek aesthetic. Many are asking: how does it compare to traditional gaming laptops? MSI answers with a 240Hz OLED display, Intel Panther Lake CPU, and Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU, starting at $2,099, with higher-end RTX 5090 configurations available. The Stealth 16 AI Plus is scheduled for a March release, making it one of the first thin-and-light gaming laptops hitting 2026.
Design That Prioritizes Subtlety
MSI toned down its signature dragon branding for a more discreet look, perfect for cafes or co-working spaces. At just 19.9mm thick, the Stealth 16 AI Plus packs a larger trackpad and a refined chassis reminiscent of premium business laptops. While it’s thin, MSI ensured the laptop maintains performance features including two DDR5 RAM slots, dual M.2 SSD slots, and a 90Wh battery. Subtle RGB lighting keeps the flair without overpowering the professional look. For creators and casual users, the design strikes a balance between style and functionality.
Gaming Performance Meets Efficiency
Unlike traditional high-wattage gaming laptops, the Stealth 16 AI Plus throttles its Nvidia GPUs to 100W. This decision favors heat efficiency and battery life, catering to users who value portability as much as gaming performance. While it may not rival full-throttle gaming rigs like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16, the Stealth 16 AI Plus delivers respectable performance for most modern games and creative applications. It’s ideal for hybrid users who need a laptop for both work and play.
Ports, Expandability, and Battery Life
MSI didn’t compromise on connectivity despite the slim frame. The Stealth 16 AI Plus includes plenty of ports, Ethernet, and multiple upgrade slots for RAM and SSDs. Its 90Wh battery, though slightly smaller than its predecessor, still offers long usage hours, making it a solid choice for on-the-go productivity. This combination of thin design and robust expandability positions the laptop as a versatile option for creators, students, and traveling professionals alike.
Display and Visual Experience
The laptop’s 240Hz OLED display promises crisp visuals, smooth motion, and vibrant colors—essential for both gaming and creative work. Some regions may offer IPS displays as an alternative, but the OLED option ensures a premium experience for those who want true-to-life graphics. Whether editing videos, streaming content, or gaming, the Stealth 16 AI Plus caters to users who demand high-quality visuals without the bulk of traditional gaming laptops.
A New Era for Thin-and-Light Gaming
MSI’s Stealth 16 AI Plus reflects a growing trend: laptops that merge gaming and productivity without sacrificing portability. With Intel Panther Lake processors, Nvidia RTX graphics, and a professional design, this laptop is positioned to appeal to both gamers and creators. Early demos suggest it could challenge rivals in the thin-and-light segment, offering a compelling alternative for those seeking power and discretion in one sleek package.
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