MSI Pen 2 at CES 2023: A hybrid stylus for paper and screen

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MSI introduced the Pen 2 at CES 2023, a device that fuses digital stylus abilities with a traditional pen for paper writing and drawing. The goal is to streamline the workflow for creators who move between screens and handmade sketches, a concept well understood by makers and users across North America today.

A notable aspect of the Pen 2 is its retractable mechanism that lets the nib extend to a preferred length. This mirrors the practicality of standard replaceable-core pens, enabling quick adjustments without compromising balance or comfort during long sessions. The extendable nib provides steady control for both digital input and on‑paper tasks, making it a versatile tool for note taking, drafting, and ideation.

In practice, the Pen 2 blends traditional pen ergonomics with advanced sensing technology. It uses MPP2.6 tech to detect a wide range of tilts, capturing up to 4096 degrees of inclination. This high sensitivity lets artists and designers vary line weight and shading with natural hand movements, delivering a familiar drawing feel on compatible devices. The pen also features fast charging, offering hours of use after a brief plug‑in. A five‑minute charge can extend runtime significantly, keeping creators productive during extended work sessions. Additionally, the device includes haptic feedback, providing tactile responses that mimic the feel of classic drafting tools and enhancing realism when drawing or writing on a screen.

The Pen 2 is positioned as part of a bundled experience rather than a standalone item. It is offered with MSI’s Creator Z laptop line, aligning with the needs of content creators, designers, and professionals who require a smooth transition between portable computing and hand‑drawn input. The bundled setup emphasizes delivering a complete ecosystem that supports note taking, illustration, photo editing, and live content creation with integrated hardware and software tools.

Pricing and availability place the Pen 2 in a premium segment, reflecting its feature set and the convenience of a bundled package. For users who value multi‑modal input—combining the immediacy of handwriting with the efficiency of digital workflows—the Pen 2 presents a compelling option. The overall design prioritizes durability, comfort, and responsiveness, aiming to minimize friction when moving between devices and surfaces. As technology progresses, this hybrid tool resonates with a growing preference for devices that bridge analog and digital creativity, enabling faster ideation and clearer communication across disciplines.

In summary, the MSI Pen 2 demonstrates how modern stylus systems can merge the traditional writing experience with advanced digital capabilities. Its retractable nib, high tilt detection, rapid charging, and haptic feedback contribute to a highly responsive tool designed for creators who demand flexibility and precision. While the Pen 2 is not sold as a standalone product, its inclusion in a complete Creator Z setup showcases MSI’s commitment to a unified, user‑centered creative platform for the North American market.

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