TL;DR
MSI unveiled the Stealth 16 AI Plus at CES 2026, a thinner, lighter laptop aimed at creators and everyday users while retaining gaming-capable GPUs. The model starts at $2,099 with an Intel Panther Lake CPU, an Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU, and a standard 240Hz OLED display, and ships in March.
What happened
At CES 2026 MSI introduced the Stealth 16 AI Plus, a redesigned entry that trades some of the brand’s traditional gaming flamboyance for a more restrained, business-like look. The chassis measures about 19.9mm at its thickest point and includes a larger trackpad and a downsized dragon badge tucked into a corner. Configurations begin at $2,099 with an Intel Panther Lake processor and an Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU, with top-end options reaching an RTX 5090. MSI says the laptop comes standard with a 240Hz OLED panel in many regions, though some markets may receive IPS screens initially. To maintain the thinner profile the company limits GPU power to 100W, and the machine packs two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, two M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD bays, a 90Wh battery (reduced from a prior 99Wh pack), multiple ports and even an Ethernet jack. MSI plans a March availability window.
Why it matters
- MSI is positioning the Stealth 16 as a hybrid for creators and general users rather than a pure desktop-replacement gaming rig.
- Limiting GPU power to 100W signals a trade-off between consistent thermals in a thin chassis and maximum gaming throughput.
- Standard inclusion of a high-refresh 240Hz OLED display could appeal to content creators and competitive gamers who prioritize color and refresh rate.
- The slimmer design and subdued styling broaden the laptop’s suitability for work environments where conspicuous gaming aesthetics are undesirable.
Key facts
- Announced at CES 2026 as the Stealth 16 AI Plus.
- Base price: $2,099 with an Intel Panther Lake CPU and Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU.
- GPU options scale up to an Nvidia RTX 5090; GPUs are capped at 100W.
- Ships in March (MSI’s stated availability window).
- Display: standard 240Hz OLED in many regions; some markets may start with IPS panels.
- Chassis thickness: approximately 19.9mm at the thickest point.
- Memory and storage: two internal DDR5 RAM slots and two M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD slots.
- Battery: 90Wh, down from a previous 99Wh capacity on earlier models.
- Includes a larger trackpad, multiple ports and an Ethernet jack; the dragon logo is reduced and relocated.
What to watch next
- Real-world gaming and creative performance with the GPUs limited to 100W — not confirmed in the source.
- Actual battery life under mixed and sustained workloads given the 90Wh pack — not confirmed in the source.
- Which regions will receive OLED versus IPS panels and how that will affect local pricing and availability — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- OLED: A display technology that can produce high contrast and deep blacks by controlling light at the pixel level.
- DDR5: The fifth generation of double-data-rate synchronous RAM, offering higher bandwidth and efficiency than previous DDR generations.
- M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 x4: A common form factor and interface for solid-state drives that supports fast data transfer rates using four PCIe lanes.
- GPU throttling: The practice of limiting a graphics processor’s power or clock speeds to control heat output, power draw, or fit within a device’s thermal design.
Reader FAQ
When will the Stealth 16 AI Plus be available?
MSI says the laptop is due in March.
What does the base configuration include and how much does it cost?
The introductory model is priced at $2,099 and pairs an Intel Panther Lake CPU with an Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU.
Are the laptop’s GPUs running at full desktop power?
No — MSI limits GPU power to 100W to prioritize a thinner chassis and thermal profile.
Does the Stealth 16 include Ethernet and expansion options?
Yes. The design includes multiple ports, an Ethernet jack, two DDR5 RAM slots and two M.2 SSD slots.
TECH GADGETS GAMING The new Stealth 16 laptop from MSI finally looks stealthy (well, a little) MSI’s new part-gaming laptop, part-creator laptop comes with Intel Panther Lake and Nvidia GPUs….
Sources
- The new Stealth 16 laptop from MSI finally looks stealthy (well, a little)
- Stealth A16 AI+ – SLIM SHARP STYLISH
- MSI Stealth A16 AI+ Copilot+PC 16" 240Hz QHD+ OLED …
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