HP is offering gamers a new way to access its Omen and Victus gaming laptops: a monthly subscription service. The program, dubbed Omen Gaming Subscription, allows users to “borrow” a gaming rig for a fixed monthly fee, with the option to upgrade annually, but without ever owning the hardware.
The service addresses a challenging market for PC gaming hardware, particularly ongoing memory shortages. According to Wccftech, HP’s move isn’t a response to component scarcity through cost-cutting measures, but a shift in how it offers access to its gaming laptops.
The most affordable tier starts at $50 per month for an HP Victus 15 equipped with an RTX 4050 graphics card, a Ryzen 7 8845HS processor, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. Currently, this configuration retails for approximately $950. Higher tiers include the HP Omen 16 with an RTX 5060 for $70 per month (retail price around $1300), the HP Omen 16 with an RTX 5070 for $80 per month (retail price around $1500), and the high-end HP Omen Max 16 featuring an RTX 5080 and Core Ultra 9 processor for $130 per month (retail price around $2110).
While 16 to 20 months of subscription payments will equal the retail price of the laptop, HP retains ownership of the hardware. This distinguishes the Omen Gaming Subscription from traditional purchasing or leasing arrangements. HP highlights the annual upgrade option as a key benefit, allowing subscribers to regularly access the latest gaming technology.
HP is offering a 30-day free trial with no penalty for cancellation. A similar cancellation option is available after the 13th month of subscription. However, early termination between the second and twelfth months incurs a fee, varying by laptop model. Cancelling the Victus 15 subscription in the second month, for example, would result in a charge of approximately $550, while terminating the Omen Max 16 subscription during the same period would cost around $1430.
HP contrasts its subscription model with traditional purchasing and leasing, outlining key differences in a provided comparison. Unlike purchasing, a credit check is not required, though a “soft” credit check is performed. Accessories are available at an additional cost, a feature not present in standard purchasing or leasing. The subscription too includes 24/7 support, while standard HP support is offered with purchases and leases. The inclusion of a 30-day trial and annual upgrade options further differentiate the service.
The Omen Gaming Subscription provides access to current gaming hardware without the commitment of ownership, offering a potential solution for gamers who prioritize access to the latest technology. However, the long-term cost of the subscription may exceed the price of purchasing a laptop outright, without the benefit of eventual ownership.