When you’re in a gaming mood but don’t want to lug around a desktop PC, gaming laptops provide a great solution. These powerful devices pack desktop-level gaming performance into a portable package that you can bring with you anywhere, even to the office or class. They’re designed to be your rig on the go, but with the added benefit of day-to-day functionality like internet browsing and video editing.
The best gaming laptops deliver the latest processors and Nvidia graphics power to conquer your foes in today’s most demanding games. They’re also crafted with a more casual style that blends in better when you need to take your device out in public. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right gaming laptop for you, from the screen size and resolution, to the type of keyboard and battery life you prefer. Then there are the details like which ports you need to connect to peripherals and if you need a high-speed wireless connection.
A great gaming laptop can be a fantastic companion when you’re on the move, but it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll probably need to upgrade your hardware from time to time as new hardware is released. The latest GPUs and processors can push your system to new heights, but you might need more memory or faster storage for larger files. It’s also good to think about how portable you really want your rig to be, as bigger systems tend to be heavier and bulkier.
The screen is one of the most important features for gamers, as it’s how you’ll see all of the action on your game. A gaming laptop with a large, high-resolution display is ideal, as it will give you the most immersive experience possible. However, a higher resolution can increase the load times for your games. You can opt for a 4K (3840 x 2160) screen for the ultimate gaming experience, or choose a 1080p middle ground for excellent visuals and performance.
Gaming laptops come with a variety of ports to allow you to connect external devices, and they’re typically equipped with an HDMI port for connecting HDTVs. Many of them offer USB-C for speedy charging, and some have a few extra ports for things like Ethernet. They’re designed to be portable, so some may cut back on the number of ports in order to achieve a slimmer form factor.
There are a lot of options to consider when looking for a gaming laptop in store, but we’ve narrowed down the list by picking the best brands in the business. HP’s Omen lineup has a classier look while still maintaining a gamer aesthetic, and its app provides detail on GPU and CPU usage as well as network booster for prioritized bandwidth. We also carry gaming laptops from Gigabyte and its sub-brand Aorus, which are sleek and thin. They feature customizable RGB lighting and Fusion software for easy overclocking.