MSI Katana 15 HX 15.6” 165Hz QHD+ Gaming Laptop: Intel Core i9-14900HX, NVIDIA Geforce RTX 5070, 32GB DDR5, 1TB NVMe SSD, RGB Keyboard, Win 11 Home: Black B14WGK-016US 14th Gen i9 32 GB 1 TB RTX 5070 QHD+ 165Hz

TLDR Review: MSI Katana 15 HX Gaming Laptop

Published: September 17th, 2025

Score

The MSI Katana 15 HX receives a strong score due to its powerful gaming performance and solid value for its price, providing impressive frame rates for modern titles. However, it is hindered by a dim display and outdated features like a 720p webcam, which may detract from the overall user experience. The laptop is best suited for budget-conscious gamers prioritizing performance over display quality.

8.00/10
Expert
9.75/10
Consumer

Pros

  • Exceptional performance suitable for gaming, video production, and multitasking.
  • Sleek and aesthetically pleasing design with a comfortable RGB backlit keyboard.
  • Vibrant display with excellent refresh rates provides smooth gameplay.
  • Effective cooling system maintains performance during intense gaming sessions.
  • Handles demanding games smoothly on high settings, outperforming older devices.
  • Includes a MUX switch that enhances graphics performance.
  • Strong preference for future purchases from the same brand due to reliability.
  • Ample storage with a 1TB SSD, reducing the need for future upgrades.

Cons

  • Battery life is poor, best suited for constant pluggen use.
  • Generates excessive heat even during light tasks, requiring external cooling.
  • It is notably heavy, reminiscent of older laptops, which may not be suitable for everyone.
  • Fans can be somewhat loud, contributing to a noisy experience.
  • Product images are misleading regarding some included features, such as the absence of US PD for charging.

Bottom Line

The MSI Katana 15 HX is a beast of a gaming laptop with top-notch performance that excels in both work and play environments. This laptop is perfect if you prioritize raw power and smooth gaming experiences. However, its weight and limited battery life might be dealbreakers if portability and long usage unplugged are critical for you.

Product Score

Based on professional reviews and customer feedback

8.87/10
Overall
8.00
Expert
9.75
Consumer

Why this score?

The MSI Katana 15 HX receives a strong score due to its powerful gaming performance and solid value for its price, providing impressive frame rates for modern titles. However, it is hindered by a dim display and outdated features like a 720p webcam, which may detract from the overall user experience. The laptop is best suited for budget-conscious gamers prioritizing performance over display quality.

8+ Excellent
6-8 Good
4-6 Average
<4 Poor
Lowest at Amazon
$1,599.00 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$1,399.99 at Walmart
How we researched this

About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from 3 retailers to give you the short version.

Where to Buy

Prices last updated: April 4th 2026 2:49 am
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