CES 2026 has become the stage for HP to make a bold statement in the high-performance gaming laptop arena. Merging its OMEN and HyperX sub-brands into a unified "master gaming brand" under the HyperX name, the company has unveiled its new flagship, the HyperX OMEN MAX 16. This machine is positioned not just as an incremental update but as a contender for the title of the world's most powerful gaming laptop, boasting a staggering 300W total platform power and next-generation components designed for enthusiasts who refuse to compromise.
The New Flagship: HyperX OMEN MAX 16
The centerpiece of HP's CES 2026 gaming reveal is undoubtedly the HyperX OMEN MAX 16. This laptop represents a significant power leap, offering up to 300W of total platform power—a roughly 20% increase over its predecessor. This headroom is intended to fuel its top-tier configurations, which include a choice between next-generation Intel Core Ultra 200HX series or AMD Ryzen AI HX processors, paired with NVIDIA's forthcoming flagship GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU. Such specs place the MAX 16 firmly in the desktop-replacement category, targeting users who demand maximum performance for sustained gaming sessions and intensive creative workloads like 3D rendering and video editing.
HyperX OMEN MAX 16 Key Specifications:
- Processor: Next-gen Intel Core Ultra 200HX or AMD Ryzen AI HX
- Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU
- Platform Power: Up to 300W
- Display: 16" WQXGA (2560x1600) OLED, 240Hz, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3
- Cooling: OMEN Tempest Cooling Pro with 3 fans & Fan Cleaner tech
- Memory: Up to 64GB DDR5
- Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Starting Price: USD 1,699.99
- Availability: Coming months (Feb-Mar 2026 timeframe)
Advanced Cooling and Display Technology
Harnessing this immense power requires a sophisticated thermal solution. HP has completely redesigned the cooling system, introducing the OMEN Tempest Cooling Pro. This new design incorporates a third fan to improve airflow and heat dissipation. A notable addition is the Fan Cleaner technology, which periodically reverses fan rotation to help dislodge and expel dust, aiming to maintain cooling efficiency over the laptop's lifespan. For the visual experience, the MAX 16 offers a 16-inch WQXGA (2560x1600) OLED display as its premium option. This panel boasts a 240Hz refresh rate, a 3ms response time, HDR support with 500 nits brightness, and covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it suitable for both fast-paced gaming and color-accurate content creation.
The Balanced Performer: Updated OMEN 16
Sitting below the MAX in HP's refreshed lineup is the updated OMEN 16, designed for users seeking a balance between potent performance and relative portability. It supports a wide array of processors, including AMD's Ryzen AI 9, 7, and 5 chips with up to 50 NPU TOPS for AI acceleration, as well as Intel Core Ultra H-series and 14th-gen HX options like the Core i9-14900HX. Graphics options scale up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050. The laptop features various 16-inch display choices, with the top model being a WQXGA IPS panel with a 240Hz refresh rate. It is equipped with features like a 1080p IR webcam, HyperX-tuned audio, and a battery up to 83Wh with fast charging support.
The Accessible Gateway: Victus 15
Rounding out the announcement is the refreshed Victus 15, which continues its role as HP's entry-point into gaming. It is configured with more accessible components, including AMD Ryzen 8000 series or Intel 13th-gen Core processors, and graphics options ranging from an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 up to an RTX 4060 or AMD Radeon RX 6550M. It features a 15.6-inch Full HD 144Hz IPS display, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers or those entering the PC gaming space.
Pricing, Availability, and Strategic Vision
HP has provided clear timelines and starting prices for its new lineup. The flagship HyperX OMEN MAX 16 is expected to launch on HP.com in the coming months, with a starting price of USD 1,699.99. The updated OMEN 16 will follow in March, starting at USD 1,599.99. The Victus 15 will be the first to market, with availability beginning in January at a starting price of USD 1,199.99; an enhanced version of the Victus 15 is also slated for a May release. The consolidation of the OMEN and HyperX brands under the HyperX umbrella signals HP's intent to create a more cohesive and formidable identity in the competitive gaming market, with the MAX 16 serving as the powerful vanguard of this new strategy.