People who enjoy playing games online in their spare time do so either from a PC, mobile device, console, or dedicated handheld gaming device, such as a Valve Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch.
However, the preferred device for millions of gamers worldwide is a laptop. They aren’t as clunky as desktop computers or consoles and are more powerful than handheld gaming devices.
With that in mind, here is a round-up of what many experts, as well as amateur and professional gamers, prefer using to play their favourite digital entertainment activities, whether it’s a high-end triple-A blockbuster video game, Indie game, feature-rich online slot machine, cutting-edge live dealer game, or more basic solitaire/puzzle-type game.
Why do people prefer gaming on a laptop?
There are many reasons why so many people choose laptops instead of any other device to play their favourite games. Laptops today are extremely robust and more powerful than ever.
Most laptops are portable, easy to move around, often lightweight, and easy to set up. People who like to play games in their spare time on a laptop prefer them to desktop computers, which are static and can’t easily be moved around.
These same gamers who prefer laptops find smartphones and tablets aren’t anywhere near as powerful, and the smaller screen size on mobile ruins the immersive gaming experience. They also find dedicated handheld gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck less functional, powerful, and dynamic.
Today, there are laptops to suit all types of gaming needs. They can either be plugged into the mains or run on battery power, and they are the cheaper alternative to desktop computers.
Dedicated gaming laptops are easy to upgrade. They have a bigger screen for players to enjoy watching as the action unfolds, and you can enhance your experience by purchasing peripherals, such as a gaming mouse, headset/headphones, speaker system, controllers, and more.
When players spend money on games, whether it’s the graphically demanding P2E (Play-to-Earn) open-world RPG (Role-Playing Games) that allow people to purchase in-game items (aka purchasables) or placing wagers in highly sophisticated live dealer table & card games that are a great choice for low-rollers and high rollers alike, there is no other gaming device that quite compares to a laptop.
In other words, they are the ideal alternative to all other modern gaming devices, and there are plenty to choose from to suit all gaming needs. You can even use laptops to play a handful of PlayStation games, such as The Last of Us Part I, Helldivers 2, Ghost of Tsushima, Horizon: Zero Dawn, and God of War, plus many others.
What are the best gaming laptops in 2024?
It all depends on what you’re looking for in a laptop and what types of games you will typically play. No matter what your budget is and which games you prefer playing, the good news is that there is a gaming laptop for you.
Without further ado, here are the names of some of the best laptops players prefer using to play a range of games more than any others:
- MSI Katana 15 – if you are currently on a tight budget, this laptop is the ideal choice for all your gaming needs
- Asus TUF A15 – this is also a superb choice for anyone on a budget. Some consider this the best budget gaming laptop out there
- Razer Blade 14 – what many gamers consider to be the world’s best gaming laptop
- Acer Nitro 16 – if you want something better than a cheap gaming laptop but can’t afford a top-of-the-range laptop, this is an excellent mid-range laptop
- Lenovo Legion 5 Slim – also an excellent choice mid-range gaming laptop
- Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 – if you can afford a top-of-the-range laptop, try this one, which is also considered one of the best for gaming
- Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 – if you aren’t too bothered about having a huge screen but want something powerful, try this superb 14-inch gaming laptop
- MSI Titan 18 HX – this is by far the most capable and powerful gaming laptop that can handle any game with ease and is the number one choice for many pro gamers
- Alienware M18 – another top choice for pro gamers who are looking for a high-end gaming laptop with a decent-sized screen (18-inch)
When deciding which laptop to buy, you must base your decision on how much money you can afford and which games you will be playing more than others.
Final thoughts
Before purchasing a gaming laptop, always read the expert reviews and pay close attention to the specifications to ensure you get the right model for all your gaming needs.
Instead of purchasing a new laptop from the first website you find, remember to shop around and look for deals because you might be able to save money.
Key factors to consider are cost/value for money, portability, OS (Operating System), such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, or Apple Mac, the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), motherboard or Central Processing Unit (CPU), and Random Access Memory (RAM). Other factors to consider are power consumption, heat & noise levels, portability, expert reviews, player feedback, cooling system, peripherals, and brand.
