The dream of a good modular gaming laptop is coming to fruition as laptop manufacturer Framework announced today that it is introducing two new modular laptops into its lineup, including a 16-inch one aimed at gamers.
As part of its Next Level event today, the company announced the Framework Laptop 16. While the company did not share a full list of specifications or pricing, we do know that the Framework Laptop 16 will have both a regular backlit and RGB backlit keyboard for people to choose from.
More interestingly, the Framework Laptop 16 will use the company's expansion bay system. This will allow Laptop 16 owners to manually upgrade the graphics modules in the laptop, allowing users to shove a gaming laptop GPU like an Nvidia RTX 40 series card inside the gaming laptop with the flexibility to upgrade and swap out the part when they decide.
Framework touts this computer as the Laptop 16 will deliver on what many gamers have given up on: "upgradeable, modular graphics, in a high-performance notebook." The computer maker was formed in 2020 and quickly became a company known for designing easy laptops to disassemble, making it easier to replace parts. The concept is familiar as companies, most notably Dell, tried to do it in the past, but the product never lived up to the promise of a fully upgradeable gaming laptop.
Additionally, Framework announced two new upgrade 13-inch laptops, which are now powered by the latest Intel and AMD processors. The Framework Laptop 13 (2023 model) promises louder speakers, more rigid hinges, and a higher-capacity battery. The Framework Laptop 13 will start at $849 for the DIY Edition or $1049 for one equipped with Windows 11. Framework notes that the DIY edition is optimized for Linux.
The Framework Laptop 16 will be available for preorder sometime this spring, with shipments slated to start later this year. While the Framework Laptop 13 is available to preorder today, and the first shipments are slated for this May.
Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
