2023 is an amazing time to be a gamer. Almost every device has the option to play games. Today, we’re going to talk about one of the most common cloud computing devices around – the best Chromebook gaming laptop systems.
If you’re looking for a new laptop to upgrade from your base model Chromebook, then you’re in for a treat!
Not only we are going to feature some amazing Chromebooks designed for gaming, but our list of devices also come with relatively affordable price points compared to the powerful laptops of the past.
But how much has the Chromebook changed over the years?
In this Article
Google Play – Is the Best Chromebook Gaming Laptop Even Worth It?
As of 2023, it’s safe to say that the selection of playable and enjoyable games has risen by a lot (provided that your favorite game is powered by Android).
The sad reality is that AAA games are still something we need to wait for due to the limitations of ChromeOS.
While there are noteworthy ports of games that provide countless hours of fun, they still pale in comparison if you have already dabbled in PC games, whether AAA or indie.
Favorite Chromebook games on Google Play
| 10 of our favorite Chromebook games on Google Play |
| Stardew Valley |
| Asphalt 9 |
| Dead Cells |
| Roblox |
| Minecraft |
| Bridge Constructor Portal |
| Genshin Impact |
| Sonic The Hedgehog Series |
| Riptide GP Renegade |
| Game Dev Tycoon |
Surely, there are other games worth mentioning, but you get the picture. Fortunately, there’s another way for you to enjoy gaming on the Chromebook: cloud gaming platforms!
Should You Care about Cloud Gaming?
Short Answer: Unless you’re completely happy with Android games on Google Play, then YES!
Cloud game-streaming services (Xbox Cloud Gaming, Google Stadia, Cloud Games, Cloud Gaming Platforms, Amazon Luna, etc.…) changed the way people play on their devices. In fact, even smartphones can be used to stream video games.
Editors Note: Google Stadia shut down its services on January 18, 2023
However, the name of the game is immersion, and most of the time, the bigger the better. While traditional laptops are usually the way to go, more and more people have been considering cheap Chromebooks with decent specs to get the job done.
Sure, you might wonder how is that possible. How can something so thin and light be capable of enhanced cloud gaming options?
To save you the hassle, we have narrowed down the good and bad between choosing a laptop and a Chromebook.
Gaming Laptop
When you think of gaming laptops, you usually think of Windows or Linux. They have been around for decades and consumers can choose between Intel Core (Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7, etc.…) and AMD (Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, etc.…).
Even the newest cheap Windows laptops for gaming are already equipped with high-refresh-rate displays for a smoother gaming experience. However, there are obvious trade-offs should you choose this route.
| PROS | CONS |
| Have zero issues becoming a cloud gaming device | Heavier and chunkier |
| Can run games natively with ease thanks to powerful gaming laptops | Usually more expensive for gaming-worthy specs |
| Cost-effective (If you already have one with decent specs) | Usually doesn’t have the brightest display |
| More array of ports available regardless of model | Lackluster battery life |
The Best Chromebook Gaming Laptop
This is something we would call laptop gaming on a budget. This option is perfect for gamers who want to extend their desktop’s range via game streaming or cloud gaming. Chromebook gaming laptops are also usually powered by decent specs and beautiful displays.
In fact, some of the best Chromebook gaming laptops are meant for more than just light gaming. Certain Chromebooks in the market are branded as Gaming Edition (GE) systems that can almost compete with powerful gaming laptops.
| PROS | CONS |
| Great balance of performance | Hard to find big, high-refresh screens |
| Touch Screen (Touch Display) | Budget models are not worth checking out |
| Usually comes with free Google Drive storage | Even gaming Chromebooks feel like business-focused Chromebook at times |
| Superb hours of battery life for most models | ChromeOS can still feel pretty empty even today |
Now that you can see the pros and cons of both computers, it’s time to find the best Chromebook gaming laptops that can run Android games like a breeze, as well as play AAA games through cloud gaming options like a champ.
Are you up for the challenge?
5 of Amazon’s Best Chromebook Gaming Laptop Systems
Since we’re talking to a fellow gamer, it’s our job to ensure you’re getting every penny you’ll spend on a gaming Chromebook.
We’ve narrowed down your choices to five as we know how overwhelming it can be when you literally have hundreds of laptops to choose from.
Ready to meet your newest toy? Here they come:
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook
Key Features:
- Comes with 3 months of GeForce Now
- Powered by Intel Core i3 12th Gen
- 16-inch screen with 120hz refresh rate
The IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook is one of the best Chromebook gaming laptop systems for the budget-oriented individual. For less than $450 bucks, you’ll get a 12th Gen Core i3 processor, with 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 256GB of fast storage.
The IdeaPad also comes with a magnificent 16-inch display (2560 x 1600) with a 120hz of refresh rate for serious gamers. If an all-day battery is what you’re looking for, then look elsewhere as this Chromebook is only rated for 9 hours of use.
Acer Enterprise Spin 514
Key Features:
- 2-in-1 Device (Tablet and Laptop)
- 14-inch display Full-HD
- Powered by Radeon Graphics
While not necessarily branded as a Chromebook for gaming, Acer’s Spin 514 Enterprise Chromebook is not lightweight in terms of performance per dollar.
Powered by AMD’s Octa-core Ryzen 7 5825C, Radeon Graphics, 16GB DDR4, and 256GB of storage, this beast is everything you’ll need for cloud computing.
It also comes with a detachable keyboard (a backlit keyboard) that you can carry around thanks to its compact and lightweight design.
All in all, if you’re looking for a sleek Chromebook that doesn’t look like a gaming rig but acts like one, Spin 514 is the choice for you!
ASUS Vibe C55
Key Features:
- 15.6-inch display 144hz display
- Powered by Intel Core i5-1135G7
- Backlit Keyboard
If you’re looking for a proper introduction to Chromebook gaming, then look no further than the ASUS Vibe C55. For a Chromebook, it has a USB-A port, plus a wide array of ports at your disposal (3.5mm combo audio jack, micro SD reader, HDMI 2.0a, etc…)
This device is arguably one of the best Chromebook gaming laptop systems in 2023 due to its powerful 2.4GHZ Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, and Wi-Fi 6 capability.
Another huge selling point of the Vibe C55 is its generous offer of free access to GeForce NOW and Amazon Luna+ for all of your cloud gaming needs.
Acer 516 GE Chromebook
Key Features:
- Powered by 12th Gen Core i5 Processor
- Beautiful 16-inch screen 120hz (2560 x 1600 resolution)
- DisplayPort over USB-C
The Acer 516 GE has one of the best displays that you can ever see on a gaming Chromebook. It has a magnificent 16:10 aspect ratio, powered by Intel’s Core i5 1240P, 8GB DDR4, and Intel Iris Xe built-in graphics.
See everything in more detail with the 2560 x 1600 16-inch display that is capable of producing 120hz of fluid gaming and computing experience.
While the only downside is having a non-touch display, the specs you’ll be getting outweigh the inconvenience. Plus, did we forget to mention this has an RGB backlit keyboard?
ASUS Vibe CX55
Key Features:
- Powered by 11th gen Core i5
- Wi-Fi 6 Ready
- 144hz Full HD 15.6-inch screen
Unleash the creative gamer in you! The Vibe CX55 is another Chromebook for gaming that you shouldn’t glance upon. Powered by 11th Gen Core i5, this laptop comes with a 144hz high refresh rate 15.6-inch display, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 256GB of ultra-fast PCIe SSD.
This 2-in-1 Chromebook is perfect for gamers on the go, as well as light gaming using the touchscreen. The ports come with 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A USB, HDMI 2.0A, Bluetooth 5.0, and many more.
If you are looking for a multimedia powerhouse for cloud gaming and more, then the Vibe CX55 is the one to get.
FAQs – Common Questions Answered
Just like every other consumer, we want to know that we’re getting our money’s worth. Lucky for you, we’ve already gathered the internet’s most common questions regarding gaming Chromebooks.
Can You Just install Windows on your Chromebook?
Natively, nope. While some Chromebooks share the same hardware (12th Gen Core i7 etc.…), they are still built for a specific operating system — Chrome OS. However, this didn’t stop the community from finding a way to boot Windows on a Chromebook.
What are the Ways People Play on Their Chromebooks?
At the moment, the most common ways to play games on the Chromebook are by playing Web browser games, Android games via Google Play, and streaming games on your network or via enhanced cloud gaming options.
Why are Gaming Chromebooks Cheaper than Powerful Gaming Laptops?
While gaming Chromebooks have amazing specs, these powerful gaming laptops use Windows, where the vast majority of AAA titles are found.
ChromeOS is also very limited in terms of functionality and is still relatively new in the game. Surely, this will change in the near future.
What are the Available Cloud Gaming Services on Chromebook?
As of 2023, here are the available services you can use for cloud gaming:
- GeForce NOW
- Amazon Luna+
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Pro-Tip: If you have to choose one, we highly recommend subscribing to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate because of the library alone.
What’s the Minimum Requirement to be Considered as a Chromebook for Gaming?
For starters, your Chromebook should at least have an 11th Gen Core i3, i5, i7, or its Ryzen 3, 5, or 7 equivalent for the processor. You should also have at least 8 to 16GB RAM.
In terms of use, most Chromebooks already have excellent battery life. As for storage, this can be subjective as Chromebooks are designed for cloud computing in the first place.
Final Thoughts
Have you finally decided on which Chromebook to buy this 2023? We hope our list helped you find the perfect device for your everyday tasks, light gaming, and so much more.
In case you already switched to a new Chromebook, which one do you think is the bang-for-the-buck champ this 2023? Be sure to let us know in the comments section!
More contents from GameGrinds:
- Can You Play Fortnite On Chromebooks?
- How to Play Roblox On Chromebook
- 10 Best Chromebooks With Backlit Keyboard
Last update on 2023-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API