# The Razer Blade 18 gaming laptop has an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus chip.

*semiconductor · news · 2026-05-14 · The Verge*

## Key points

- Razer's new Blade 18 uses Intel's Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus from Arrow Lake Refresh.
- The Blade 18 screen is 20 percent brighter but keeps the same GPU and dual-mode display.
- The 2026 Blade 18 starts at $3,999.99, $500 more than the 2025 model's starting price.
- Prices for Razer’s Blade 16 have also recently increased by $400–$500 after initial announcement.
- Razer did not comment on the price hikes, but Blades appear affected by broader RAM cost increases.

**Companies:** Intel, Razer
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/930343/razers-blade-18-is-getting-a-500-price-hike-and-a-new-intel-chip)

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