MSI Katana gaming laptop deal stands out as RAM prices lift costs
The Verge highlighted a $1,133.67 MSI Katana configuration at Amazon as gaming laptop prices remain elevated by component costs.
By Hana Yoshida · Markets Reporter
3 min read
The Verge’s Cameron Faulkner reported that higher RAM prices have made many low- and midrange gaming laptops more expensive than expected. Against that backdrop, Faulkner singled out MSI’s Katana 15 HX as one of the stronger current values for shoppers around $1,100.
According to The Verge, the MSI Katana configuration is selling at Amazon for $1,133.67. Faulkner reported that the model includes a 15.6-inch 1440p display, Nvidia’s RTX 5060 graphics, a fast Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB SSD.
Faulkner wrote that recent gaming laptop discounts have been thin, in part because RAM costs have risen sharply and storage prices have also increased to a lesser degree. The Verge noted that buyers could previously find some laptops with RTX 4070 or RTX 5070 graphics near this price, but said that is not the case in the current market.
The Katana’s display and port selection were among the reasons Faulkner described it as a good value. The Verge reported that the laptop’s screen has a 165Hz refresh rate, and that the machine includes a barrel-style charging port, three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port with video output, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet and a headphone jack.
MSI’s specifications, cited by The Verge, say the HDMI port can support output up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz. MSI also lists support for as much as 96GB of DDR5 RAM running at 6,000MHz through two user-accessible slots, while The Verge noted that the laptop has one M.2 SSD slot.
Other deals highlighted
The Verge’s roundup also included a networking discount. Faulkner reported that Ugreen’s 10-port gigabit Ethernet switch is available at Amazon for $37.97, a price he said moves between that level and about $50.
According to The Verge, eight of the Ugreen switch’s ports support Power over Ethernet, which can provide power and internet connectivity through one cable for compatible devices. Faulkner reported that the switch can provide up to 60W to some devices and costs more than $20 less than a comparable TP-Link model; he also noted that buyers who do not need PoE can find cheaper switches without that feature.
For movie buyers, The Verge reported that a limited-edition bundle of the live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles trilogy from the 1990s is priced at $39.09 at Amazon and Walmart. Faulkner said the set includes the three films on 4K Blu-ray with Dolby Vision and HDR10 support, plus physical extras, director commentaries, interviews and lossless audio.
The Verge also pointed to a PC game discount for Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. Faulkner reported that Steam lists the game at $55.99 during its summer sale through July 9, while Newegg is offering it for $10 less with the checkout code 5DSUMMER.
According to The Verge, the PC version arrived several months after the PlayStation 5 release. Faulkner reported that the PC port supports a 21:9 aspect ratio and includes graphical upgrades not found in the console version.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.