MSI has officially introduced its latest compact desktop, the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG, a mini PC that blurs the line between traditional computing and modern smart assistants. Unlike most systems in this class, MSI has outfitted the Cubi with a dedicated Copilot button and even a built-in fingerprint reader, features usually seen on premium laptops rather than desktop units. The idea is to give users a machine that doesn’t just perform as a desktop but also responds like a smart speaker or AI companion.
Starting at $899 for the bare-bones configuration, the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is Copilot+ qualified, meaning it ships with Intel’s latest Core Ultra Series 2 “Lunar Lake” processors. Buyers can choose between the Core Ultra 9 288V or Core Ultra 7 258V, both chips designed to deliver strong CPU performance while integrating Intel’s upgraded integrated GPU and a 48 TOPS NPU built for AI-driven workloads like Windows Studio Effects. Unlike gaming-oriented NUCs, this one skips a dedicated GPU in favor of Intel’s integrated graphics.
Design-wise, MSI has packed plenty of laptop-inspired hardware into a chassis measuring just 5.3 x 5.2 x 2.0 inches and weighing about 1.5 pounds. The inclusion of a fingerprint reader under the power button sets it apart from competitors, while the Copilot button enables voice interactions through the system’s built-in speaker and microphone. This makes it possible to wake the AI assistant with a trigger word or even have full conversations with services like Claude or ChatGPT, turning the device into a hybrid of PC and smart speaker.
Configurations go up to 32GB LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB SSD, with pricing scaling to around $1,257 at CDW for a maxed-out version. Connectivity is another strength: the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG offers two Thunderbolt 4 ports, multiple USB-A ports (including 10Gbps and 480Mbps variants), a microSD slot, dual 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, HDMI 2.1, a 3.5mm jack, and a Kensington lock slot. In short, it looks and functions more like an ultraportable laptop stripped of its display.
With its smart assistant features, laptop-inspired security tools, and compact footprint, MSI’s new Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG signals a fresh direction for mini PCs in 2025. As small-form desktops continue to surge in popularity, MSI may have carved out one of the most distinctive options yet.
