If you are planning to buy a gaming laptop with the latest chips from Intel, it might not be that easy to choose your favorite brand. According to PCWorld’s report, Intel is gradually rolling out its new Core Ultra 200HX Plus processors.
Essentially, this means some laptop manufacturers will get early access, while others may have to wait months. This creates a somewhat awkward situation for buyers, as two laptops with similar specs on paper may launch at very different times depending on what brand they are.
Why do some laptops get the new chips earlier?
The staggered rollout appears to be due to how Intel distributes its offering. According to the report, laptops from brands like Lenovo (Legion 7i) and Razer (Blade 18) will be among the first to ship with the new chips. Meanwhile, systems from companies like Dell, MSI, Acer and ASUS may not be available until the second or even third quarter of 2026.
In other words, Intel appears to be prioritizing certain OEM partners, at least in the early stages of launch. At the same time, Intel itself has stated that systems with Core Ultra 200HX Plus will be released “all year round,” which is in keeping with the idea of a phased release rather than a single global launch. Interestingly, the recently unveiled ASUS TUF 2026 series actually includes the new 200HX Plus series chips, although ASUS has not announced pricing or availability.
What does this mean for buyers?
This isn’t just a behind-the-scenes supply issue, but it directly impacts what buyers can actually purchase. If someone is loyal to a particular brand like ASUS or MSI, they may have to wait months for a laptop with the latest Intel chips, while more flexible buyers may get newer hardware sooner.
It also makes comparisons difficult. Some laptops seem to be better simply because they come out earlier, even if similar models are still on the market. In this case, choosing the right laptop is as much about timing as it is about specs.
