Why the Year's Largest Tech Expo Increasingly Impacts PC Gaming

The CES 2026 expo traditionally isn't associated with big gaming announcements. It doesn't showcase new installments of cult franchises or new-generation console reveals. However, for gamers, especially those focused on PCs, CES has long been a key point on the industry's map. It's where the shape of gaming hardware we'll use in the coming years is formed.

CES 2026, held from January 6 to 9 in Las Vegas, reaffirms this status. The focus isn't on games but on technologies that determine how future projects will look and run.

The main theme of the expo is once again gaming laptops. Manufacturers continue to actively develop this segment, offering increasingly powerful and technologically advanced solutions. CES is expected to unveil new models from brands such as Asus and Lenovo. In particular, there's talk of a possible return to the concept of dual-screen gaming laptops, as well as experiments with expandable 21:9 format screens, which might be especially interesting for MMO enthusiasts, strategy fans, and streamers.

At the same time, a key question for players remains open—the price. The increase in demand for components from the AI industry has already led to a rise in the cost of memory and other elements, directly impacting the price of gaming systems. CES 2026 might reveal whether manufacturers will continue raising prices or seek a compromise between performance and affordability.

Another important direction is portable gaming PCs. This segment continues to evolve following the success of the Steam Deck and its competitors. New generation devices promise more powerful processors, improved battery life, and alternatives to Windows, including SteamOS-based solutions. CES may become the platform where portable PCs firmly establish themselves as a distinct category between consoles and traditional laptops.

Gaming monitors also deserve special attention. Although often underestimated, displays increasingly become the primary upgrade for players. CES 2026 is expected to showcase monitors with extremely high refresh rates, up to 500 and even 1000 Hz in some modes, as well as new mini-LED solutions and enhanced color accuracy. These technologies are primarily aimed at esports and demanding enthusiasts, but over time may become standard for the mass market.

New processors play a crucial role at the expo as well. Both AMD and Intel are preparing presentations. New chips for laptops and desktops will directly determine the balance of power in PC gaming in 2026, especially amid the growing requirements of modern games.

CES 2026 once again shows that the future of the gaming industry is formed not only at gaming expos. This is where technological trends are laid out, which will become a familiar part of gaming setups in a year or two. For gamers, it's not just a showcase of prototypes but a glimpse into what PC gaming will be like in the near future.