If you’re planning to buy a gaming laptop with Intel’s latest chips, it might not be as simple as picking your favorite brand. As per PCWorld’s report, Intel is rolling out its new Core Ultra 200HX Plus processors in phases.
Essentially, it means that some laptop makers are getting early access while others may have to wait months. That creates a slightly awkward situation for buyers, because two laptops with similar specs on paper may launch at very different times depending on which brand you’re looking at.
Why are some laptops getting the new chips earlier?
The staggered rollout appears to come down to how Intel is distributing its supply. The report states that laptops from brands like Lenovo (Legion 7i) and Razer (Blade 18) are among the first to ship with the new chips. Meanwhile, systems from companies like Dell, MSI, Acer, and ASUS may not arrive until Q2 or even Q3 2026.
In other words, Intel seems to be prioritizing certain OEM partners, at least in the early stages of the launch. At the same time, Intel itself has said that Core Ultra 200HX Plus-powered systems will roll out “throughout the year”, which aligns with the idea of a phased release rather than a single global launch. Interestingly, the ASUS TUF 2026 lineup, which was revealed recently, does feature the new 200HX Plus series chips, though ASUS hasn’t revealed the pricing or availability.
What does this mean for buyers?
This isn’t just a behind-the-scenes supply issue, as it directly impacts what buyers can actually purchase. If someone is loyal to a specific brand like ASUS or MSI, they may have to wait months to get a laptop with Intel’s latest chips, while more flexible buyers could get newer hardware sooner.
It also makes comparisons tricky. Some laptops may seem better simply because they launch earlier, even if similar models are still on the way. In this case, timing matters just as much as specs when choosing the right laptop.
