Earlier this month, Alienware unveiled its new 2025 mainstream gaming laptop series, named the "Alienware Aurora." The initial 16-inch models are currently available for purchase through Dell. The Alienware Aurora 16 (not to be confused with the desktop version) is the more budget-friendly option, equipped with an Intel Core Ultra Series 2 i9-270H processor and a GeForce RTX 4050 GPU with an 85W TGP, priced at $1,949.99. On the higher end, the Alienware Aurora 16X features an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU and a GeForce RTX 5070 GPU with a 115W TGP, starting at $2,299.99. Shipments for these models are expected to begin in mid-June. Both configurations also offer an optional RTX 5060 graphics upgrade, though those are presently on preorder status with no shipping ETA, as the RTX 5060 has not officially launched yet.
New Releases: Alienware Aurora 16 and 16X Gaming Laptops
New for 2025
Alienware Aurora 16X Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5070 (115W) Gaming Laptop (32GB/2TB)
$2,249.99 at Alienware
New for 2025
Alienware Aurora 16 Intel Core Ultra 9 270H RTX 5070 (85W) Gaming Laptop (16GB/1TB)
$1,949.99 at Alienware
Unlike other Alienware laptops—including the recently launched Area-51 series—the new Aurora models move away from overt gamer aesthetics. Instead, they adopt a more conventional, sleek laptop design with a slim profile and minimal RGB lighting. In fact, the Aurora 16 features only white keyboard backlighting, similar to Apple's MacBook lineup. Despite their understated appearance, both the Aurora 16 and 16X are equipped with capable gaming internals and a sophisticated Cryo Chamber dual-fan and copper heatpipe cooling system. The Aurora 16 is slimmer and lighter than the 16X, thanks to more power-efficient components like a low-voltage Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU and an RTX 5070 GPU with an 85W TGP. The Aurora 16X, by contrast, is slightly thicker and heavier to support its enhanced cooling solution, which accommodates a higher-performance Intel Core Ultra 9 HX-series processor and an RTX 5070 graphics card running at the maximum 115W TGP.
Pricing for both laptops is significantly more accessible than the new Alienware Area-51, which starts above $3,000. They're also much more portable, weighing up to 1.6 pounds less and measuring up to 30% thinner than a comparably sized Area-51 16-inch model. Don't anticipate major price reductions soon, especially with Nvidia GPU prices potentially trending upward in the near term, as noted by Tom's Hardware.
Gamers should choose the Alienware Aurora 16X
The choice is clear: gamers seeking a powerful mobile desktop replacement should opt for the Aurora 16X. For an additional $300, you receive a substantially more capable machine with several enhancements that justify the premium. The key upgrades include:
Superior display (2560x1600 240Hz G-Sync vs 2560x1600 120Hz)More powerful CPU (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX vs Intel Core 9 270H)Higher TGP for RTX 5070 (115W TGP vs 85W TGP)Double the RAM (64GB vs 32GB)Double the storage (2TB vs 1TB)Premium build materials (full metal chassis vs metal lid only)RGB keyboard lightingThunderbolt 4.0 support
More Alienware Gaming Laptop Deals
Interested in gaming desktops and monitors as well? Explore all the top Alienware deals for 2025.
New ReleaseAlienware 16 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5080 Gaming Laptop (64GB/2TB)
$3,599.99 save 8%$3,299.99 at Alienware
New ReleaseAlienware 18 Area-51 Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5080 Gaming Laptop (32GB/1TB)
$3,399.99 save 6%$3,199.99 at Alienware
Alienware m16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 9 185H RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop
$1,699.99 at AlienwareAlienware m16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 9 185H RTX 4070 Gaming Laptop
$1,999.99 at Alienware
Alienware x16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 9 185H RTX 4080 Gaming Laptop (32GB/1TB)
$3,099.99 save 16%$2,599.99 at Alienware
Dell G15 15" Intel Core i9-13900HX RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop (32GB/1TB)
$1,549.99 save 29%$1,099.99 at DellWhy Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?
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