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LAS VEGAS, NV – Razer has fired the latest salvo in the high-stakes battle for gaming laptop supremacy, unveiling its refreshed Blade 16 and Blade 18 models. Packing NVIDIA’s highly anticipated GeForce RTX 50-series Laptop GPUs and offering distinct processor choices from AMD and Intel, these machines target the apex predator niche of the market, carrying price tags starting at a formidable $2,999.
The arrival of NVIDIA’s next-generation graphics marks the headline feature. Gamers can configure the new Blades with the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, or the flagship RTX 5090 Laptop GPU. These chips, expected to leverage significant architectural improvements and faster GDDR7 memory (up to 24GB on the 5090), promise a substantial leap in graphical horsepower for demanding AAA titles, ray tracing, and creative workloads.
Interestingly, Razer is offering divergent paths for processing power depending on the chassis size. The relatively more portable Blade 16 embraces AMD’s latest “Strix Point” APUs, specifically the Ryzen AI 9 HX 365 or the more powerful 12-core/24-thread Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. This inclusion highlights the growing trend of incorporating dedicated AI processing capabilities directly into laptop CPUs, potentially offering benefits beyond raw gaming speed.
Conversely, the larger Blade 18 opts for Intel’s high-performance Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, continuing Intel’s presence in the desktop-replacement category where thermal headroom allows for higher sustained power draws.
The starting configuration for the Blade 16 pairs the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 365 with the RTX 5070 Ti (12GB GDDR7), 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD for $2,999. Aspiring owners seeking peak performance face a steep climb: stepping up to the RTX 5080 (16GB GDDR7) pushes the price to $3,499, while the ultimate Blade 16 configuration with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and the RTX 5090 (24GB GDDR7) commands a hefty $4,499, albeit including a 2TB SSD. Memory and storage upgrades are available, adding several hundred dollars more to the final cost.
The Blade 18, starting at $3,499 for an RTX 5070 Ti configuration, caters to users prioritizing screen real estate and potentially higher sustained performance thanks to its larger chassis and slightly larger 99 Whr battery (compared to the Blade 16’s 90 Whr). It offers intriguing display choices: a sharp UHD+ (3840 x 2400) panel running at a smooth 240Hz, or an esports-focused FHD+ (1920 x 1200) display boasting an incredibly fast 440Hz refresh rate. The top-tier Blade 18 with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX and RTX 5090 reaches $4,899, before potential RAM and SSD upgrades.
Beyond the core components, both models retain Razer’s signature sleek, CNC-milled aluminum chassis and per-key RGB keyboard. Connectivity gets a boost with the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring compatibility with the latest wireless standards.
While the performance potential is undeniable, Razer is making no apologies for the premium pricing. These laptops are clearly positioned not just for hardcore gamers, but also for creative professionals and enthusiasts who demand cutting-edge technology and are willing to make a significant financial investment. The choice between AMD’s AI-infused chips in the Blade 16 and Intel’s raw power in the Blade 18 adds another layer of consideration for potential buyers at the very top end of the portable computing market. Availability begins immediately through Razer’s website and authorized retailers.