The best laptops for game development available at an affordable prices.
If you are a working specialist, you would naturally need the very best laptop for game development to do your job at a high level. Running various game engines and performing 3D modeling are very taxing activities so your device needs to be able to carry out such heavy multitasking. Several models that can do this splendidly will be listed below.
I have hand-picked the models that can definitely tackle the tasks of game development. You are likely to find a good option there because few other devices can offer a similar balance of performance and cost. If you have any questions, refer to the last two sections that contain helpful advice on the subject of this purchase.
CPU: Intel Core i7| GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Display: 17-inch | Weight: 10.56pound
⊕ Suitable for HD gaming
⊕ 144Hz display
⊕ Great touchpad
⊕ Adjustable keyboard illumination
⊖ Without semi-mechanical keys
⊖ Isn’t suitable for creatives
This is the best laptop for game development if style and appearance are of value. The design and manufacturing are astounding so using this device is pure pleasure.
It certainly helps that the hardware is also good, otherwise, the laptop wouldn’t have made it here. As it offers decent power and even compares well to the competition in its price segment, it’s definitely an option worth considering.
CPU: ntel Core i7-9750H, 16GB RAM | GPU: GeForce RTX 2060, | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Display: 15.6-inch | Weight: 5.50 lbs
⊕ Mesmerizing screen quality
⊕ Powerful computational capabilities
⊕ Noiseless operation
⊕ Well-designed keyboard
⊖ Tiny trackpad
⊖ Storage can not be expanded
An incredible laptop for game development that features two 4K screens instead of just one. Models with the second screen existed before but this is probably the first case when the existence of that addition is justified by its usefulness.
The device is powerful, stylish and performant, yet the combination required it to be put in a larger casing. This, however, is a small price to pay for one of the most powerful laptops currently marketed.
CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H 10th Gen | GPU: Nvidia Geforce RTX 2070 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Display: 15.6-inch | Weight: 4.65 pounds
⊕ Very slender body
⊕ 144Hz display
⊕ Perfect for HD gaming
⊕ Great battery life
⊖ Old-fashioned bezels
⊖ Mediocre touchpad
If you don’t plan frequent or extensive traveling, here is a nice laptop for game design. The reason for such a limitation lies in its mediocre assembly. It is not exactly flimsy but doesn’t have a premium feel and the materials are not great.
The keyboard and touchpad are nothing noteworthy either. Apart from that, the device is really great, offering powerful computational capabilities and great visuals. You can easily do 60fps gaming on this model and for long hours, too, for the battery capacity is remarkable.
CPU: Intel Core i7 | GPU: RTX 2060| RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB | Display: 15.6-inch | Weight: 8.8 pound
⊕ Extended battery capacity
⊕ A great array of ports
⊕ Per-key backlighting
⊕ Robust design
⊖ 512 GB of storage is not enough
⊖ Mild lid flex
This is a very serious laptop for video game design. It might not look ultra-stylish but it has incredible hardware and is a true workhorse. The model comes with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of SSD storage, both allowing a significant upgrade should that be necessary.
Those are operated by a Core i7 processor, and the stunning visuals are generated by the GeForce RTX 2060 video card. The setup is so powerful the games run on the highest settings without a hitch. Add a small robust body and a durable battery and you can see how this is basically perfect.
CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 256GB | Display: 15.6-inch | Weight: 4.74 pounds
⊕ Elegant and minimalist
⊕ Outstanding build quality
⊕ Easily supports 60fps with the GPU
⊕ 144Hz display with high FPS
⊖ Heats somewhat too easily
Another great thin but powerful laptop for game design. The device is perfect for visuals because it has a factory-calibrated display that fully supports sRGB and looks just splendid thanks to its thin edges.
In addition, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX helps to create very fluid transitions so that you really get the best possible picture. Naturally, to enjoy such capabilities fully you would need a decent processor, and the last generation Intel Core i7 that you find inside exceeds any expectations. Such power and vividness are hard to find in a slip body like this one. The well-assembled aluminum casing holds everything in just 0.70 inches and manages to be quite robust.
CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H | GPU: GeForce GTX 1660 Ti | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB | Display: 15.6-inch | Weight: 5.29 pounds
⊕ Stunning performance
⊕ Great assembly
⊕ 144Hz display
⊖ Underwhelming 256 GB of storage
⊖ Doesn’t last long on a single charge
This is one of the greatest affordable laptops for game design. It is quite solid to begin with, no corners were cut there which is additionally pleasant considering the price. The great performance is mainly achieved with the GeForce GTX 1660 Ti that is further supported by other great hardware.
In the end, you get a device capable of competing with more expensive models. Obviously, there must be a catch somewhere, but your only inconveniences will be the somewhat constricted storage and necessity to charge up more frequently.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Razer Blade Pro 17
Our choice |
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Asus ZenBook Pro Duo
Ultrabook |
CHECK PRICE → | |
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Alienware m15
Gaming |
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If you are only learning or don’t plan to work on the heavy-duty stuff, then an i3 could just about power through. Those expecting to do serious work should never go below an i5, as the processor will simply not cope. This is also relevant if you need a decent laptop for Photoshop.
Understandably, it is better to have an i7 or i9 and of a generation no older than 8th to do real development without restraints.
Once more, under 8 GB of RAM, you will not be able to do real development outside of just learning the basics. With that amount, you can still do much even in 2024.
Getting a laptop for programming with 16 GB would open all doors to you, however, going beyond that would not bring many benefits so rather spend that money on something more crucial.
Naturally, the best laptop for game development is the one with a powerful GPU. Those who care for RTX can look at models with the 2060-80 Nvidia GPU series that are amazing. Without RTX, you can get a 1650 and feel great or go for something like 1070-80 with an easier load.
At this time, an SSD is basically a requirement since it speeds things up significantly. Just make sure it holds at least 256 GB or you will suffer from the deficiency. Getting 1 TB would be just awesome.
If you frequently work on the go, pay extra attention to the battery capacity. Some tasks drain it significantly so the average batteries are merely OK for work.
The basic set would be a quad-core 2.5 GHz CPU with 8 GB of RAM and GeForce 470 GTX/Radeon 6870 HD. Anything better that you can find is only expanding your capabilities.
Regular programming can very well be done without it but since we are talking about game development a good graphics card is a must.
The general advice is to get at least 8 GB which is considered enough for the majority of tasks.
This system has received stronger cross-platform compatibility and is thus better suited for programming. In addition, on a Mac, you can use the virtual environment to add any other OS you might need for your work.
