The wait for the next wave of AI-powered laptops has a concrete start date. ASUS has confirmed that the first systems featuring AMD’s newly announced Ryzen AI 400 series processors—codenamed “Gorgon Point”—will be available for purchase starting January 22nd. The date appeared on product listings for ASUS laptops on a major Chinese retail platform, signaling the official consumer launch for the updated platform.
This launch kicks off the 2026 AI PC race, positioning AMD’s refreshed technology on store shelves just ahead of its main competitor’s next move.
Gorgon Point: A Strategic Refresh for the AI Market
The Ryzen AI 400 series, unveiled at CES 2026, is characterized as a refresh of the existing Ryzen AI 300 “Strix Point” family. It leverages the same core technologies: Zen 5 CPU cores, Radeon 800M series graphics, and an XDNA 2 NPU capable of up to 60 TOPS of AI performance.
By building on a mature platform introduced in mid-2024, AMD can aim for strong availability and potentially more aggressive pricing from day one. This “refresh” strategy allows AMD to maintain a visible and competitive presence in the booming AI PC segment with a proven design, ensuring new options are available for consumers while the company prepares its next major architectural update.
Beating Intel to the Punch: A Calculated Launch Timing
The January 22nd launch date is strategically timed. It places AMD’s new laptops on the market just days before Intel’s next-generation Panther Lake mobile processors are expected to debut the following week.
This tactic allows AMD to secure early shelf space, media attention, and sales momentum before the market is flooded with Intel’s latest offerings. For consumers, it means having clear AMD options to compare against the new Intel systems, making for a head-to-head showdown in the crucial first quarter.
What to Expect: Availability and Advantage
The primary advantage of the Ryzen AI 400 series at launch may not be raw performance, but availability and value. Last year’s Ryzen AI 300 laptops often faced weeks or months of limited supply after announcement. With Gorgon Point using a matured platform, AMD and partners like ASUS can likely ship in greater volume immediately.
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This could translate to a wider selection of laptops at various price points from the start, giving buyers who need a new laptop early in the year a viable, feature-complete option without the wait. As the AI PC era accelerates, this reliable availability could be just as important as the specs on the box.
Source: realVictor_M, RubyRapids