HP upgrades my top gaming laptop and gives it a new name.

Every January, the gaming laptop scene heats up, and this year is no exception. HP is making some significant changes beyond just a processor upgrade. The HP Omen Max 16 is set to reemerge as the HyperX Omen Max 16 in 2026, featuring the latest Intel Core Ultra 200HX processors alongside AMD Ryzen AI CPUs. With a boost to 300W of total power—an increase of 50W from the previous generation—this refresh is all about enhancing performance under the hood.

In a surprising twist, HP is stepping back from the branding this year. The company is merging its HyperX and Omen divisions, rebranding my favorite machine as the ‘HyperX Omen Max 16.’ Why not shake things up a bit?

This mid-cycle upgrade is part of a broader trend among many of the top gaming laptops available this year, as RTX 50-Series GPUs continue to evolve and last year’s push for OLED displays stabilizes in the market. This makes last year’s models even more appealing.

With Nvidia’s RTX 50-Series launch just a year behind us, there aren’t any major native graphical upgrades for 2026—though DLSS 4.5 is on the horizon. While the extra 50W of power is a nice touch, if you’re looking to save some cash, the 2025 HP Omen Max 16 might offer better overall value.

The real benefits of this power boost will become clear once I can test the new release, but for now, I’m keeping a close watch on the pricing for both generations.

As of now, we know the HyperX Omen Max 16 will hit the market in the spring, with more details expected as the launch date approaches. This machine is designed to support up to an RTX 5090 with its new processors, so be prepared to dig deep into your wallet.

I’m also on the lookout for the best Asus gaming laptops and the top Razer laptops available. Plus, there’s an exciting lineup of the best Alienware laptops coming our way.