At CES 2026, HP has executed a significant strategic shift for its gaming hardware, placing its Omen laptop and monitor lineup under the established HyperX brand. This move, following HP's 2021 acquisition of the gaming peripheral maker, signals a consolidation of its gaming ecosystem under a single, more gamer-centric identity. The announcement was accompanied by refreshes for the Omen 15, Omen 16, and flagship Omen Max 16, all promising the latest silicon from Intel and AMD alongside key spec bumps.
A New Era of Branding and Ecosystem Integration
The most immediately visible change across the new Omen lineup is the branding itself. Gone is the HP logo from the lid and screen bezel, replaced by the HyperX name. This strategic rebranding mirrors approaches taken by competitors like Dell with its Alienware subsidiary, aiming to leverage HyperX's strong reputation within the gaming community for peripherals across an entire system portfolio. The change is more than cosmetic; it represents HP's intent to create a unified HyperX ecosystem encompassing everything from mice and keyboards to high-performance laptops and monitors, offering a cohesive brand experience for gamers.
The Omen 15: A New Entry with OLED Options
Replacing the previous Victus 15, the new Omen 15 serves as the entry point to the refreshed lineup. It introduces a 15.3-inch 16:10 aspect ratio display, a welcome modernization from older 16:9 panels, offering more vertical screen real estate. The base configuration starts with a Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) panel, but the standout option is a configurable 3K resolution 120Hz OLED screen, promising deep blacks and vibrant colors for immersive gaming. Under the hood, users can choose between the latest Intel and AMD processors. Graphics duties start with the Nvidia RTX 5050 and can be configured up to an RTX 5070, with both GPUs featuring 8GB of VRAM. The system also debuts a new four-zone RGB keyboard with an 8K polling rate across the new models, aiming for ultra-responsive inputs.
Key Model Specifications at a Glance:
| Model | Display (Max Config) | GPU Options (Start to Max) | Key Feature | Color Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omen 15 | 15.3" 3K 120Hz OLED | RTX 5050 → RTX 5070 (8GB VRAM) | Replaces Victus 15; 8K polling keyboard | Likely Standard |
| Omen 16 | 16" 2.5K 165Hz OLED | RTX 5060 → RTX 5070 (8GB VRAM) | User RAM slots (AMD models only) | Black, White |
| Omen Max 16 | 16" 2.5K 240Hz OLED | RTX 5070 Ti → RTX 5090 | 300W TPP; 460W GaN charger; Top performance claim | Black, White |
The Omen 16: Balancing Performance and Form Factor
Stepping up, the Omen 16 offers a larger 16-inch 16:10 display with similar configuration flexibility. Its screen starts at the same Full HD+ resolution but can be upgraded to a sharper 2.5K 165Hz OLED panel. While its screen-to-body ratio is slightly lower than the Omen 15's, it maintains a modern aesthetic and is available in both black and white color options. Processor choices again include the latest from Intel and AMD, though a note for upgraders: only the AMD-based variants will offer two user-accessible RAM slots. Graphics options are narrowed to the RTX 5060 or 5070, both with 8GB of VRAM, positioning it as a strong contender for high-fidelity gaming at high settings.
The Flagship Omen Max 16 Pushes Performance Boundaries
Crowning the series is the Omen Max 16, designed as the ultimate portable powerhouse in HP's arsenal. It takes the 2.5K OLED screen from the Omen 16 and pushes the refresh rate to a blistering 240Hz, ideal for competitive esports titles. HP claims this display is also brighter and features recessed borders to reduce glare. The real muscle is found in its GPU options, which start at the RTX 5070 Ti and peak with the top-of-the-line RTX 5090, promising desktop-class performance for the most demanding games and creative workloads. The system supports a massive 300W Total Platform Power (TPP) and comes with a 460W GaN charger, with HP boldly claiming it is the fastest non-externally-liquid-cooled gaming laptop available—a claim that will require independent verification.
Processor & Platform Notes:
- All new Omen models offer configurations with the latest Intel and AMD processors.
- Documentation references "next-gen" chips, suggesting future updates beyond initial launch silicon.
- Omen Max 16: Intel configs support up to 64GB DDR5-6400 RAM. AMD configs support up to 48GB DDR5-5600 RAM. Both allow user-replaceable memory.
- Total Platform Power (TPP): Omen 15 (Up to 170W), Omen 16 (Up to 200W), Omen Max 16 (Up to 300W).
Configuration Complexity and Availability
One of the more intriguing, and potentially confusing, aspects of the launch is the wide array of processor options hinted at in HP's documentation. References to "next-gen" Intel and AMD chips, alongside mentions of 14th Gen Core and second/third-gen Core Ultra chips for the Omen 15, suggest a staggered rollout or regional variability in configurations. As of the announcement, concrete pricing and precise launch dates remain under wraps. HP has indicated a vague Spring 2026 release for the Omen Max 16, with the Omen 15 potentially arriving as soon as January 2026 and the Omen 16 following in the spring. Final pricing will be announced closer to each model's launch date.
Conclusion: A Strategic Pivot with Incremental Upgrades
HP's CES 2026 reveal is a story of branding evolution paired with solid, iterative hardware improvements. The shift to the HyperX name is a clear bid for stronger gamer mindshare and ecosystem cohesion. The new Omen laptops themselves offer meaningful upgrades, particularly with the widespread availability of high-refresh-rate OLED displays, the latest CPUs, and powerful RTX 50-series graphics. The flagship Omen Max 16 makes ambitious performance claims that could redefine the high-end laptop segment. However, without final pricing, battery life details, or independent performance reviews, the true value proposition of these rebranded machines remains to be seen. For now, HP has successfully signaled its renewed commitment to the gaming market under the HyperX banner.