If you’re a gamer, you probably heard about the debate over whether or not gaming laptops are worth it.
Commonly posed by people who want an all-in-one system for gaming and daily use as well as frequent travelers who want to be able to game on the go.
On one hand, they’re portable and convenient but on the other hand, they can be expensive and don’t have as many upgrade options as desktops.
So in this article, we’re going to give you all the answers to help you decide if gaming laptops are really worth it.
In This Article
Portability and Convenience
One of the biggest upsides of having a gaming laptop is portability. This is especially helpful for gamers who are constantly on the move and don’t want their playing ability limited to their house.
Similarly, gaming laptops also eliminate the need for multiple peripheral devices – which is a big plus. For many gamers, needing an elaborate setup with lots of cables, a dedicated monitor, keyboard, mouse, and maybe even external storage – that’s just too much.
But with a gaming laptop, everything necessary is built in already: screen, speakers, keyboard – plug it in anywhere (just get a mouse for better control).
This simplicity makes setting up much easier and less cumbersome when changing locations or traveling around with them.
However, it’s worth mentioning that gaming laptops do tend to be slightly heavier/bulkier than regular ones – also they usually come with some pretty hefty charging units.
But still…all your gaming AND daily use needs in one device? That’s hard to beat.
Are Gaming Laptops Really Overpriced?
Now let’s talk about price…
Gaming laptops have always had a reputation for being expensive – this tends to put people off from buying them quite often.
It’s widely said that you get less specs for more money with gaming laptops.
But do you really?
Well, it’s not that simple.
I’ve read a lot of opinions saying that gaming laptops are overpriced and you can get a desktop with similar specs for much less.
But here’s the thing – with a desktop you need to factor in the cost of additional peripherals like a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. And if you want high-quality ones for gaming, that will add up quickly.
For example, let’s say you can get a decent gaming desktop for $1000. But that doesn’t include a monitor, keyboard, and mouse which could easily be another $500 or more.
So now you’re looking at around $1500 total for everything.
On the other hand, gaming laptops with similar specs can be found around $1500 – $2000. Yes, that’s more expensive than just the desktop itself but it also includes all necessary peripherals built-in already.
You’ll just need a mouse which is relatively minor in comparison.
Regarding gaming laptops being overpriced, most people are comparing them to desktops without taking into consideration the cost of a complete setup.
Related: Why are Gaming Laptops so Expensive?
The Performance Factor
Now, let’s talk about performance.
If we look 5 to 10 years back, gaming laptops were definitely far behind desktops in terms of performance and specs. But with the advancements in technology, that gap has significantly narrowed down.
But, of course, there will always be a difference in performance between a desktop and a laptop due to size and thermal limitations. However, the performance difference between a high-end gaming laptop and a desktop is not as drastic as it used to be.
Some Downsides of Gaming Laptops
Like any other product, gaming laptops also have their downsides.
Limited Upgradability
One of the major disadvantages is that they are not as easily upgradeable as desktops. With a desktop, you can simply swap out parts and upgrade to newer ones whenever required. But with a laptop, you can only upgrade some components like RAM and storage. The CPU and GPU are usually not replaceable.
Shorter Battery Life
Gaming laptops tend to have a shorter battery life compared to regular laptops. This is mainly because of the high-performance components. However, this doesn’t mean that all gaming laptops have terrible battery life.
There are some models with decent battery life, but it’s still not comparable to a regular laptop.
For example, the ROG Zephyrus G14 or Razer Blade Series has a battery life of up to 8 – 10 hours on light use which is quite impressive for a gaming laptop. But still even on these models, if you do gaming, the battery life will drop drastically. Therefore, it is recommended to keep your laptop plugged in while gaming.
Heating Issue
The third and most common concern of gamers is that gaming laptops tend to run hotter than desktops. Most modern gaming laptops are good at handling heat as they come with good ventilation and advanced cooling systems but if you’re comparing them with PCs then yes they do have an edge in this department.
We are not saying all gaming laptops heat but if you do intense gaming sessions for a long period of time then you can expect some heat.
But it’s not that extreme either, and it’s definitely safe for the device since companies design their laptops to withstand high temperatures while gaming.
Further, You can also feel the heat in the keyboard area while playing games for a longer duration which can be annoying for some.
On the other hand on PCs, you can choose a cooling system of your preference and if you’re facing heating issues you can change it which is not possible in the case of laptops.
Longevity and Repair Concerns
Desktops are rough and tough, they are made to be kept in one place for a longer period of time whereas laptops are portable and more prone to damage.
If you drop your gaming laptop or accidentally spill something on it then the chances of damaging internal components are higher as compared to a desktop.
Also if something goes wrong with your gaming laptop then repair costs can be higher because of specialized components and design. This is something to keep in mind when thinking about buying a gaming laptop.
Should You Buy A Gaming Laptop?
Deciding whether to purchase a gaming laptop boils down to your lifestyle and gaming preferences.
You should consider buying a gaming laptop if:
- You frequently travel and want to take your games with you
- You are looking for an all-in-one device that can handle your schoolwork, professional tasks, and gaming needs
- You enjoy the flexibility of working or gaming from various locations, be it your bed, couch, or a café
- Your living space does not allow for a bulky setup, making the compact size of laptops more appealing
- Portability is more important to you than having the ultimate performance
On the other hand, investing in a gaming desktop might be the smarter choice if:
- Your routine doesn’t demand the mobility a laptop offers, and you primarily stay in one place
- You need to future-proof your gaming setup, with plans to swap out components as new technology becomes available
- For you, it’s all about high performance — even if it means giving up some portability to get the most powerful gaming experience possible
In the end, your decision should be based on what will best suit your needs and fit into your life both for gaming purposes and beyond.
Final Thoughts
We hope this blog helped clear up any confusion you may have had about whether or not to buy a gaming laptop. At the end of the day, it really just comes down to what works for you.
Every gamer wants different things out of their gaming experience; some prioritize portability and flexibility while others demand top-tier performance and upgradability.
Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back on TechDope soon for more tech-related content!
