MSI Computer Japan will release the Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG-024JP, a mini PC powered by Intel's latest Core Ultra 7 355 processor, in Japan on June 18. The unit packs Copilot+ PC-class NPU performance and business-grade security features such as a fingerprint sensor and TPM 2.0 into a palm-sized chassis. The expected street price is around 224,000 yen.
Copilot+ PC Compliance in a 0.5 kg Chassis
The Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG-024JP measures 119.6 × 115.2 × 37.5 mm and weighs roughly 0.5 kg. Despite a footprint small enough to tuck behind a monitor or into a corner of a desk, it adopts Intel's latest-generation Core Ultra 7 355 and delivers the NPU (dedicated AI processor) performance required for Copilot+ PC certification. It can run on-device AI features such as Windows Recall and real-time translation locally, and the bundled keyboard includes a Copilot key.
Local AI processing that does not depend on the cloud pairs well not only with faster response times but also with corporate needs to keep internal data on-premises, making this a strong candidate for offices looking for a space-saving AI-ready terminal.
Fingerprint Authentication and TPM 2.0: Security Built for Business
The security loadout makes it clear this machine targets business use. It supports biometric login via a fingerprint sensor and comes standard with TPM 2.0 and a Kensington lock port for theft prevention. The OS is Windows 11 Pro, so it slots directly into corporate management environments.
Installation convenience is also a highlight. The unit supports MSI Power Link, which synchronizes the PC's power state with the power button of a compatible monitor, and an extension power button is included, so you can place the chassis behind a monitor or deep on a shelf without losing easy access to the power switch. A mechanism that prevents the power cable from being accidentally pulled out is also built in — a steady accumulation of fixes for the small frustrations of running a mini PC.
Dual Thunderbolt 4 and Dual 2.5G LAN: Plenty of Expandability
Despite the compact chassis, the I/O is generous. The main specifications are as follows.
| Item | Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG-024JP |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 355 |
| Memory | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro |
| Main ports | Thunderbolt 4 ×2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 2.0, HDMI 2.1 ×2 |
| Networking | 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ×2, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Power | 120W AC adapter |
| Size / Weight | 119.6 × 115.2 × 37.5 mm / approx. 0.5 kg |
With two Thunderbolt 4 ports plus dual HDMI 2.1, building a multi-display setup of up to 4 screens is straightforward, and the two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports open up uses in small-office networking. Wireless connectivity is also up to date with Wi-Fi 7, leaving few blind spots in the port configuration for a mini PC of this generation.
A Lower-Priced Sibling: The Cubi 5 1MA-656JP
Launching the same day is the Cubi 5 1MA-656JP, powered by a Core 5 120U. Its expected street price is around 158,000 yen. It shares the 16GB memory and 512GB NVMe SSD configuration, but ships with Windows 11 Home.
Its I/O consists of Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 ×4, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, dual LAN with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. The chassis measures 124 × 124 × 53.7 mm, weighs about 0.6 kg, and uses a 65W AC adapter. It is not Copilot+ PC compliant, but for general office work or as a space-saving PC, this model will be more than enough in many cases.
Summary
The Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG-024JP squeezes Copilot+ PC-class AI performance and business-oriented security into a 0.5 kg chassis, with thoughtful operational touches such as fingerprint authentication and MSI Power Link. The 224,000-yen price tag is on the high side for individuals, but for companies planning to refresh their fleet with local-AI-ready work machines, it is well worth considering. For workloads that do not need AI processing, the 158,000-yen Cubi 5 provides an alternative, giving buyers a two-model lineup to choose from based on their needs.
