The best gaming laptops pack serious power while also going easy on your backpack, holding their temperatures well, and beaming everything up onto a gorgeous display. There are so many models vying for this title, however, that it can be difficult to work out not only which configurations are worth your time, but which gaming laptops are right for you. That’s where we come in. 

We’ve put a wide range of gaming laptops through their paces to find the best rigs in the business, testing performance relative to the specs on offer, efficiency in design and temperature, and overall value for money. We run each machine through a series of performance benchmarks, and live, play, and work with the models we review for an extended period of time – you can check out exactly how we test gaming laptops in our dedicated guide. You’ll find all our recommendations for the best gaming laptop on the market just below, and more information on choosing the right configuration for you and your budget as well. 

The world of gaming laptops (and gaming PCs in general) is changing rapidly, with Intel’s Alder Lake processors hitting some of the biggest models, and eyes on new GPU options as well. We’re keeping this page stocked with all the latest models to make sure you’re up to date with all the latest updates. 

The best gaming laptops available now

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1. Razer Blade 15 (2022)

The best gaming laptop overall

Specifications

CPU: i7-12800H | i9-12900HGPU: RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 3080 TiRAM: 16GB | 32GB Storage: 1TB SSDDisplay: FHD at 360Hz | QHD at 240Hz | UHD at 144HzPorts: 3x USB-A Gen 2 | 1x USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 | 1x USB-C | 3.5mm audio jack | SD card slot | HDMI

Reasons to buy

+Cutting edge components+Excellent color and contrast+Luxury design with solid build quality

Reasons to avoid

-Proprietary charging connection

Our favorite configuration:

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Razer Blade 15 | RTX 3080 Ti | Intel i9-12900H at Razer (opens in new tab)
This is the best gaming laptop on the market right now, but you’re going to be spending a lot to get it. If you’ve got the budget to play with we’d really recommend going to the top of this spec and packing an RTX 3080 Ti GPU with an i9-12900H processor and helping it all shine with a 144Hz 4K display. Of course, there are cheaper models out there, but if we’re really talking about the best of the best, this is where you should start your benchmarks.

View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores

Fire Strike: 20,171
Time Spy: 9,690
PC Mark 10: 7,340

We got our hands on a beast of a Razer Blade 15, but it showed us just how powerful gaming laptops can be these days. The RTX 3080 Ti / i9-12900H configuration I had on my desk was a true monster in its performance. However, this rig’s ability to offer such performance while keeping the slimline chassis we’ve all come to know and love really cemented its top spot among the best gaming laptops on the market. 

Of course, this is no cheap machine. The 2022 Razer Blade 15 starts at $2,499.99 for an RTX 3060 configuration. You’re certainly paying for this luxury name here, but if you’re on the hunt for one of the most technically capable machines in one of the most portable form factors, the cash is well invested. 

That does mean this isn’t necessarily the best gaming laptop for everyone – those playing lighter games won’t need the horsepower on offer here, and if you’re just after a machine you can sign into every now and then you won’t get solid value by going all out. However, if you’re interested in a top of the range rig (and have the budget to throw at it), our testing speaks for itself. 

I managed to run Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 74fps in 4K with everything turned up to 11 here. While more demanding titles still struggled in that UHD resolution, though, I was still impressed with the 60+ fps in 1440p on Red Dead Redemption 2 as well as the 78fps in the same resolution on The Division 2. I only needed to drop some more taxing visual effects to hit higher framerates in 4K, and everything looked incredible while doing so.

You can’t beat the Razer Blade 15 for performance, component horsepower, and portability. After all, the only other machines offering RTX 3080 Ti graphics cards at the time of writing still can’t compete with that 4K 144Hz display for the price.

Read more: Razer Blade 15 review

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2. Dell G15

The best gaming laptop under $1,000

Specifications

CPU: Intel i5-12500H / i7-12700HGPU: up to Nvidia RTX 3070 TiRAM: up to 32GBStorage: up to 1TB SSDScreen: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080), up to 240HzPorts: 1x RJ45 Ethernet | 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 / Thunderbolt 4 | HDMI | 3.5mm

Reasons to buy

+Solid performance+Sensibly priced+More powerful configurations now available

Reasons to avoid

-Gets hot under duress-Chassis is a bit lacking

Our favorite configuration:

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Dell G15 | RTX 3050 | Intel i5-11260H at Dell (opens in new tab)
The Dell G15 works best when it’s super cheap, which is why this entry level RTX 3050 configuration is our favorite. Those on the hunt for a rig designed for lighter gaming and the odd Apex Legends session will find great value here, without needing to break the bank on gaming laptops over $800.

View Deal (opens in new tab)

The Dell G15 isn’t going to light the world of the best gaming laptops on fire, but it is at least a dependable choice of gaming companion. Performance in both gaming and general tasks is good considering the price point, and all the features we’ve come to expect from gaming laptops are present and accounted for – apart from that bank-busting price tag. You’ll often find these models on sale with RTX 3050 / RTX 3050 Ti graphics cards for well under $1,000 – sometimes as low as $699.99.

The appearance of this laptop could be a point of contention, though, as we found the chassis to feel a bit old-fashioned for 2022. A dark iridescent finish and thick central hinge feel like throwbacks to a forgotten age of tech design that should perhaps have stayed in the past.

The G15 also runs fairly hot when playing more graphically demanding titles, although not to a worrying extent; we’ve certainly reviewed laptops with noisier fans than this. As it stands, the G15 is a great all-rounder, ideal as a gift for a kid looking to break into PC gaming or the office employee consigned to remote working – and playing.

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3. Alienware M15 R7

The best gaming laptop for most

Specifications

CPU: i7-12700H | i9-12900HGPU: RTX 3050 Ti | RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 3080 Ti RAM: up to 64GBStorage: up to 4TB SSDDisplay: FHD at 165Hz / 360Hz | QHD at 240HzPorts: 3x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 | 1x Type-C port with Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort 1.4, and Power Delivery, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ-45 Killer E3100 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, 1x 3.5mm headset jack

Reasons to buy

+Incredible performance+Satisfying keyboard+Fast display+Some premium design features

Reasons to avoid

-Cheaper plastic body-Difficult to transport-Particularly loud fans

Our favorite configuration:

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Alienware M15 R7 | RTX 3060 | Intel i7-12700H at Dell (opens in new tab)
We tested the Alienware M15 R7 with an RTX 3070 Ti GPU at the helm, but considering that configuration comes in at over $2,000 right now, you’re getting solid value for money with this RTX 3060 build. You’re still getting that uber powerful 12th generation processor, and 16GB DDR5 RAM in here. We’ve opted to keep the 360Hz panel we tested in this build – it’s only $100 more for the luxury and it really was an impressive display, well worth the cash.

View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores

Fire Strike: 24,894
Time Spy: 10,722
PC Mark 10: 7,623

The Alienware M15 R7 is here to bring the now mid-range line of luxury laptops into 2022’s standards. With Intel’s new 12th generation processors and Nvidia’s Ti GPUs at the helm, there’s some serious power up for grabs here. While prices are looking a little higher than those of the predecessor (especially now that discounts abound on the outdated model), you’re getting enough new tech under the hood to warrant the splurge.

We were blown away by the performance of this machine. Our test unit featured an i7-12700H processor and an RTX 3070 Ti graphics card, and was easily sailing through our benchmarks and stress tests. This beast didn’t even flinch at heavier titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Metro Exodus – offering up 76fps in RDR2’s Ultra settings, and 72fps with all RTX set to max in Metro Exodus. Those are settings that would make the uber expensive RTX 3080 Ti Razer Blade 15 sweat.

However, it’s worth noting that this machine is built purely for power. It’s a stocky design, and a particularly heavy one at that – the charging brick alone nearly runs the full length of the keyboard. So no, this isn’t going to be a gaming laptop you’ll easily throw into a backpack – and those fans can certainly scream – but if you’re looking for an all-rounder that can level with machines far pricier than itself, these are easy sacrifices to make. 

Alienware is, after all, a luxury brand. With its M-series now falling to the middle of its range (thanks to the advent of the X-series last year), the Alienware M15 R7 is affordable by the brand’s standards. That means you’ll find far cheaper machines out there, but without that Alienware pedigree to speak of. Still, with performance to rival some of the best gaming laptops in the business, and only a few sacrifices to get there for a great price, this is an excellent option for most players. You could consider the X15 technically the best Alienware gaming laptop on paper alone, but when it comes down to price and the wider market, this is the winner. 

Read more: Alienware M15 R7 review

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4. Asus TUF Dash F15

The best gaming laptop for value hunters

Specifications

CPU: i5-11300H | i7-11370H | i7-11375HGPU: RTX 3050 | RTX 3050 Ti | RTX 3060 | RTX 3070RAM: 16GB | 32GBStorage: 512GB | 1TBDisplay: FHD at 60Hz | 144Hz | 240HzPorts: 1x 3.5mm | 1x HDMI 2.0 | 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 | 1x RJ45 LAN port | 1x USB-C / 1x Thunderbolt 4

Reasons to buy

+Great pricing+Slimline design +Solid performance

Reasons to avoid

-Soft membrane keys

Our favorite configuration

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Asus TUF Dash F15 | RTX 3070 | Intel i7-11370H at Amazon (opens in new tab)
The Asus TUF Dash F15 manages to pack some incredible graphics into a much smaller MSRP than you’d usually find because it sacrifices a little processing power. That i7-11370H processor will remain whichever configuration you choose, but it chugs along nicely and we never experienced any slowdown during everyday play on medium settings. Not only that, but this spec also sends you home with a 1TB SSD, 16GB RAM, and a 240Hz display to boot.

View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores

Fire Strike: 17,365
Fire Strike Extreme: 9,870
PCMark 10: 6,022

If you’re looking to grab an RTX 30-Series card but don’t want to break too far past $1,000 / £1,000, the Asus TUF Dash F15 is going to be your best bet. In our testing, we found this budget-friendly machine to charge through even some of the more demanding titles as if it sat in a much higher price bracket – despite the weaker 4-core i7-11370H processor at the helm. Plus, you’re still getting the super slimline form factor that has proven so popular over the last couple of years. 

The key here is that you can outfit it with the full 11th generation i7 / 1TB / 32GB RAM suite of turbo power – or you can pick up a more conservative spec for a little less cash. That means you won’t need to spend on high-end gear that you might not even get to use if you’re running less demanding titles.

We were particularly impressed by how well those more power-hungry components played together in a cheaper chassis. We didn’t notice any over-heating issues here, and while we did have to make some sacrifices to more demanding titles, we still managed to hit 60fps+ on an RTX 3070 with consistency. We also tested an RTX 3060 unit and found similar performance levels when dropping a few sliders down a fraction as well, which means you’re sorted at all ends of the budget here. 

As of CES 2022, there is a new Asus TUF Dash F15 on the way, featuring a larger touchpad, 12th generation Alder Lake processor, and a new cooling system. However, pricing and release date information is still unknown. 

Read more: Asus TUF Dash F15 review

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5. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14

The best 14-inch gaming laptop

Specifications

CPU: Ryzen 6900HSGraphics: Radeon RX 6700S / 6800SRAM: Up to 32GB DDR5Storage: 1TB NVMe SSDResolution: QHD+ 16:10 (2560 x 1600)Refresh rate: 120HzPorts: 2x USB-A 3.2 | 2x USB-C Gen 2 | 1x HDMI 2.0 | UHS-II micro SD

Reasons to buy

+Clean, compact design+Gorgeous 16:10 display+High quality speakers+Speedy processor

Reasons to avoid

-Poor thermals-Ray tracing heavily impacts performance

Our favorite configuration:

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Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 | Radeon RX 6700S | AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
There is a more expensive RX 6800S configuration on offer, but it’s not going to fix the performance under ray tracing conditions and we were still getting some excellent performance out of our 6700S. That means the cheaper option is our go-to for the G14, especially considering you’re still getting the same Ryzen 9 6900HS CPU whirring away under the hood as well.

View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores

Fire Strike: 21,728
Time Spy: 8,644
PC Mark 10: 6,706

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 long reigned over the slimline gaming laptop world. It was one of the first easily portable machines, built with a form factor that respected your backpack and your desk top. 2022 heralds in a new AMD future for this fan favorite, and despite some thermal concerns and ray tracing throttling, the G14 is all the more impressive for it.

That’s a serious amount of power to pack into this super small form factor after all, and we managed to squeeze some impressive numbers out of this compact design as well. While it does feel built for 1080p (framerates do cliff-dive at the native QHD+ resolution), we were getting some excellent scores in Fire Strike and in-game benchmarking considering the stress this machine is under. Metro Exodus was flying at High settings, hitting 82fps consistently, and The Division 2 managed to hold onto 78fps in Ultra settings as well.

Not only that, but the new 16:10 display was a sight to behold. Crisp and clean, the extra height offered in the display was easily welcomed over the cramped feeling Alienware and Razer offerings. You’ll also find an improved LED display running along the back, with sharper customizable animations for an extra personal edge. 

We did notice those temperatures creeping under intense workloads, though, so this will be one to keep on a desk rather than a lap. That said, not many 14-inch rigs can keep up with these specs, and even fewer can do so with the extra screen space afforded to you here. The G14 is the best 14-inch gaming laptop we’ve had our hands on so far. 

Read more: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 review

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6. Alienware X17

The best 17.3-inch gaming laptop

Specifications

CPU: i7-11800H | i9-11980HKGPU: RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 | RTX 3080RAM: up to 64GBStorage: up to 4TB SSD (2x2TB)Display: FHD at 165Hz / 360Hz | UHD at 120HzPorts: 1x HDMI | 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 / Thunderbolt 4 | Micro SD | Mini Display Port | 1x RJ45 Ethernet | 3.5mm

Reasons to buy

+Fantastic gaming performance+Good keyboard and trackpad+Mechanical Cherry MX keyboard

Reasons to avoid

-More expensive than most-Gets hot

Our favorite configuration:

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Alienware X17 R2 | RTX 3070 Ti | Intel i7-12700H at Dell (opens in new tab)
The X17 is a beast, so you might as well push your investment. This RTX 3070 Ti configuration nestles itself neatly between the extraordinarily expensive RTX 3080 Ti model and the only slightly cheaper RTX 3060. With 16GB of DDR5 4800 MHz RAM as a baseline, there’s plenty of room to customize here, but that i7-12700H processor will see you through heavy releases all the same.

View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores

Firestrike: 18,061
Timespy: 8,040

If you’re after a larger display panel, the merits of the 17.3-inch Alienware X17 are obvious, but under the surface there’s plenty more going on here.  Although it might start at an already-whopping price and comes in models that go above the $3,000 / £3,000 mark, the Alienware x17 R1 works hard to earn its price tag and is one of the best gaming laptops to come out of 2021. The X-Series is Alienware’s latest and greatest selection of laptops, designed to appeal to the brand’s more premium customers looking for the very best gaming laptop money can buy. 

A choice of 1080p or 4K display, a variety of RAM and storage specs, and either a membrane or compact mechanical keyboard makes it easy to tailor this laptop to your personal needs. One of the best things about larger 17.3-inch devices is that they can pack considerably more power under the hood, without overheating. While we did experience some considerable warmth (and noise in performance mode) in our testing, but we never neared dangerous temperatures. 

With the ability to move up to an Intel i9 processor, 64GB RAM, 4TB of SSD storage and a 120Hz 4K display, it’s possible to create a real beast out of this machine. We tested an i7-11800H configuration packed with an RTX 3080 GPU and 16GB RAM, and even this more conservative spec managed to push 99fps on Shadow of the Tomb Raider’s Ultra settings, and 112fps with the same settings on The Division 2. Even more entry level configurations will still set you back a bit of cash, but that’s because of the premium additional features that make this one of the best rigs on the market.

A slimline design works nicely in this size, especially considering the additional bulk that a larger display usually brings with it. However, you’re also picking up a mechanical keyboard, plenty of ports, and a gorgeous display panel up top. If you’re looking to splash the cash on something that’s truly going to make a statement, the Alienware X17 is an excellent option. 

Read more: Alienware X17 review

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9. Alienware x14

The best slimline gaming laptop

Specifications

CPU: i5-12500H / i7-12700HGraphics: RTX 3050 / RTX 3050 Ti / RTX 3060RAM: 16GB – 32GB DDR5Storage: : 512GB – 2TB SSDScreen:: 14-inch, 1080p, 144HzPorts: 1x USB Type-A | 1x USB Type-C | 2x USB Type-C / Thunderbolt | 1x 3.5mm | microSD

Reasons to buy

+Super slimline form factor+Impressive performance+More affordable than other Alienware rigs+Sleek aesthetic

Reasons to avoid

-Limited configurations available-Increased depth leaves larger footprint-Matte display can dull colors

Our favorite configuration:

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Alienware x14 | RTX 3050 | Intel i5-12500H at Dell (opens in new tab)
The Alienware x14 holds most of its value in its super slimline form factor and flexible (though still incredibly luxurious) design. While cheap by Alienware’s standards, though, it’s still a costly affair. If you’re looking for that super thin profile above all else, we’d recommend taking a look at the base RTX 3050 configuration. You’re getting that luxury chassis with Intel’s latest processing chip and DDR5 RAM for $1,499.99 here, the best value out of all the options.

View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores

Fire Strike: 17,408
Time Spy: 7,807
PC Mark 10: 7,123

The Alienware x14 is the thinnest laptop we’ve had on our desks, and it delights in its performance relative to the lower mid-range components under the hood. Of course, Intel’s latest 12th generation processors are helping those RTX 3050 / RTX 3060 graphics cards (as is that DDR5 RAM), but all together these specs are working particularly hard to offer silky smooth framerates in even more demanding titles.

We found that the overall build quality was particularly impressive here, with the x14 shrinking exactly what makes the Alienware x17 feel so solid and premium down into a super flexible form factor. This thing is only 14.4mm thick, and if it weren’t for the glowing RGB alien head on the top panel you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a slick business ultrabook.

In fact, there’s some serious gaming chops under the hood. Of course, we didn’t get numbers to threaten RTX 3070 or RTX 3080-toting machines in our testing, but with the Nvidia optimised Shadow of the Tomb Raider hitting an average of 108fps on Highest settings, there’s plenty we shouldn’t take for granted here. The Alienware x14 did struggle under heavier titles like Red Dead Redemption 2, but we could still draw 55fps in High settings. With a little tweaking, these more humble configurations can easily soar thanks to the engineering under the hood. 

During our testing, though, it quickly became obvious that the RTX 3050 / RTX 3050 Ti configurations would offer the best value for money here. We were a little disappointed by the 1080p 144Hz display considering the fact that our test unit was just knocking on the $2,000 price point. By contrast, this is a more than passable screen when placed on a $1,499 RTX 3050 rig. It feels like there’s diminishing returns heading up the price scale here. 

Still, if you’re looking for a super slimline, easily portable machine, the Alienware x14 is an excellent premium option. Not only are you getting that backpack-friendly form factor, but the USB-C charging makes it particularly easy to juice up on the go as well. 

Read more: Alienware x14 review

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8. Razer Blade 14

The best looking gaming laptop

Specifications

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXGPU: RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 | RTX 3080RAM: 16GBStorage: 1TB SSDDisplay: FHD at 144Hz | QHD at 165Hz Ports: 2x USB-A 3.2 | 2x USB-C 3.2 | 1x HDMI 2.1 | 1x 3.5mm

Reasons to buy

+Great components+Tangible benefits of a Ryzen CPU +Excellent compact build quality

Reasons to avoid

-A little small-Temperature can climb

Our favorite configuration:

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Razer Blade 14 | RTX 3080 | Ryzen 9 5900HX  at Razer (opens in new tab)
The Razer Blade 14 really needs a GPU that can put that screen to work. This RTX 3080 configuration comes in around $700 cheaper than the RTX 3080 Ti model, and strikes that perfect balance between power and value for money. In our testing, that RTX 3080 / Ryzen 9 5900HX offered an incredible performance in itself, but if you are interested in pushing this thing to the max, it’s worth noting that the Ti configuration does also come with a 6900HX processor and DDR5 RAM these days.

View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores

Firestrike: 21130
Timespy: 9432
PCMark 10: 6792

The Razer Blade 14 sold the idea of smaller, 14-inch gaming powerhouses to us in our testing last year. With some of the most powerful components on the market and an almost impossibly slim form factor, this is a rig to be reckoned with, and the best 14-inch gaming laptop on the market right now. That’s because you’re blending the best of both worlds here, with an AMD CPU and Nvidia GPU playing nicely together to create an incredible final experience. 

The 1440p display and RTX 3080 GPU sung in our testing, blowing us away with impressive handling of High and Ultra settings across a range of games. We were especially impressed by just how much power was up for grabs considering the lightweight, slimline chassis. 

The 14-inch form factor makes the power on offer all the more impressive, but we did notice ourselves wanting a slightly larger screen during certain moments, and having all that gear packed in did get a little warm at times. Still, we loved the 1440p / 165Hz pairing on the display – this machine doesn’t feel like it would benefit from a costly 300Hz panel and, considering the size, it’s easy to be blown away by the quality overall. 

We managed to push Red Dead Redemption 2 to near-consistent 60fps on maximum settings in 1440p resolution – astounding considering the form factor here. While Metro Exodus did present more of a challenge (generally hitting 48fps with RTX Ultra settings), a few tweaks still saw us through to 66fps on High. 

All of that means you’ll easily get a better response from the Razer Blade 14 than you would the similarly designed Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. However, this is certainly a model reserved for those willing to pay for that premium quality. If you don’t want to break $2,000 we’d recommend you head a little further down the page.

Read more: Razer Blade 14 review

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7. Acer Nitro 5 (2021)

The best gaming laptop for component value over aesthetics

Specifications

CPU: Up to AMD Ryzen 7 5800H / Intel i7-11800HGPU: RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 3080 TiRAM: 16GB | 32GB Storage: up to 1TB SSDDisplay: FHD at 360Hz | QHD at 240Hz | UHD at 144HzPorts: 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, 1x HDMI, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x RJ45

Reasons to buy

+Good gaming performance at 1080p+Solid chassis and keyboard

Reasons to avoid

-Battery life is quite poor-Display is unexciting

Our favorite configuration:

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Acer Nitro 5 | AMD Ryzen 7 5800H | RTX 3060 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
The Acer Nitro 5 provides plenty of balance in this configuration, and the best part is we often see this model on sale at Amazon as well. Balancing some solid components under the hood, and a 144Hz display up top, there’s some nice horsepower for your cash here. We often see it at between $1,049 and $1,329.

View Deal (opens in new tab)Scores

Firestrike: 17,524
Timespy: 7,456

It’s not about to blow anyone away with flashy features or top-tier performance, but the Acer Nitro 5 is a very respectable choice of gaming laptop for the busy gamer who doesn’t want to break the bank. A good full-scale keyboard with numpad makes this laptop appropriate for both work and play. That means it’s a great replacement for a full-tower desktop PC at home that also offers portability thanks to its relatively low weight as gaming laptops go.

The RTX 3060 GPU paired with a Ryzen 5800H processor offered up strong performance in our testing, hitting 86fps in High settings on The Division 2, and only dropping to 77fps in Ultra. While the SSD could be a bit speedier, it’s not going to cause any major headaches. Most games will run above 60fps at maximum settings, and ray-tracing is also an option, though it does come with an associated performance hit.

We found the screen to be somewhat dull compared to other laptops in the same price range, and the battery life is decidedly unimpressive, but given the budget cost, these do feel like fair tradeoffs. Especially since the display does retain an excellent 144Hz refresh rate. At $1,129 (with other models varying from $700 to $2,100), the RTX 3060 Nitro 5 manages to pack some impressive components into a budget price tag by dropping nice-to-have features. That makes it perfect for anyone after raw power without all the fancy extras that can sometimes bloat gaming laptop costs.

Read more: Acer Nitro 5 review

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How we test gaming laptops

Every gaming laptop that we review is stress-tested against a series of benchmarking processes and everyday use. We run a standardised series of performance tests on each rig, benchmarking on both High and Ultra / Highest across: 

• Shadow of the Tomb Raider 
• Total War: Three Kingdoms (Battle)
• Metro Exodus
• The Division 2
• Red Dead Redemption 2

We carry out these benchmarks at both 1080p and other native resolutions offered by each individual system. 

We then test gaming laptops against 3DMark Firestrike and Firestrike Extreme (for 1440p rigs), using Firestrike Ultra for our 4K machines. We also use PC Mark 10 tests (including battery performance), as well as Sky Diver, Cinebench, and Crystal Disk Mark. 

Of course, we also live with these machines. We find the best gaming laptops by playing, binge-watching, and working with them for as long as we can, using them as we would our own machines (while pushing them a little further for the sake of science). 

Read more about how we find the best tech with our full Hardware Policy and find out exactly how we test gaming laptops.

How to find the best gaming laptop for you

Not sure what screen size you’d ideally want and what minimum spec you’d ultimately like to get in your search for the best gaming laptop? If you need help working that out, we’re here to help. 

In our opinion, the key is to opt for something with a balance between performance, budget, and components – you want something that will play your favorite games now, but still have enough bandwidth to help you find a new favorite in the future.

So what’s your first step when you start browsing for the best gaming laptop? You can start by having a budget or total price ceiling in mind, but generally (and somewhat predictably), you’ll want to prioritize the hardware in the machine. As you’ve made it to this page, you’re looking for a gaming-focused portable powerhouse and, as a result, want to aim high in the graphics card department, like a GPU from the RTX family of cards from Nvidia. 

This can be an excellent starting point to refine your search – but don’t forget to look at laptops with a 16-series card in too as they offer incredible value when complemented by other, well-balanced components. A quick note on components: availability, as everyone knows, has been incredibly unreliable and volatile in recent months. As a result, it might be that when you visit retailers or makers of these machines, only some configurations are available at the time.

If you’re unsure of which components you need, it’s wise to consider the CPUs and GPUs on offer in tiers. If you only play lighter games that aren’t too demanding, you might fall into the entry level tier, if you’re looking to hit High settings with a few tweaks and still hit 60fps, it’s worth looking in the mid-range. However, if you’re going all-in on Ultra settings for the most demanding titles, the best gaming laptop for you might be a more premium option. 

If you’ve managed to find the right rig for you, it’s worth investing some thought into the best laptop backpacks to get you out and about. Or, check out our guide to the latest cheap gaming laptop deals if you’re looking for more savings. Or, check out all the cheap Alienware laptop deals and Razer laptop deals currently on sale for some serious discounts. 

The post The best gaming laptop 2022 – all the latest models compared appeared first on Game News.

Many Nintendo Switch bundles already offer plenty of extra gear to get you set up from day one, but filling those gaps can enrich your handheld and docked play no end.  From keeping your console protected to upgrading your storage, we’re rounding up all the best models and brands to add to your collection right here. You can head straight to the gear of your choice using the menu on the left, or settle in for the ride and peruse some of our must-have recommendations. 

We’ve had our hands wrapped around a Nintendo Switch since launch, so we’ve been through all the latest and greatest peripherals to show you exactly which the best Nintendo Switch accessories really are. 

Best Nintendo Switch accessories – cases

1. Orzly Nintendo Switch carry case

The best case for Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED

Specifications

Design: ClamshellProtection: Hard EVA shell, screen coverStorage: Mesh pouch and 8 games

Reasons to buy

+Room for accessories+Affordable+Hard EVA shell

Reasons to avoid

-Needs more padding

A strong case is one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories you’ll buy. Orzly takes the kitchen-sink approach to storage; this case will fit the console, multiple Joy-Cons, games, cables, and SD cards inside without any fuss. It’s not too hefty or expensive either. And most importantly? It’ll keep the console safe as houses while you’re out and about. 

This model is also compatible with the OLED model, thanks to the extra wiggle room the brand built into the shell itself. Your Joy-Con will all still neatly fall into the indented hard shell, with plenty of room leftover up top for accessories, cleaning cloths, and headphones. You’re also getting space for eight games in the screen cover as well. 

In short, the Orzly is easily one of the best Nintendo Switch cases on the market right now. There’s even a Switch Lite version (see below), so users of the handheld-only console don’t have to miss out.

2. Orzly Nintendo Switch Lite carry case

The best Nintendo Switch Lite case

Specifications

Design: ClamshellProtection: Hard EVA shell, screen coverStorage: Mesh pouch and 8 games

Reasons to buy

+Space for small accessories+Cheap+Tough EVA shell

Reasons to avoid

-Not as much padding as more expensive options

The Switch Lite blurs the line between handheld and home consoles, and its portability means you’ll need the best case for Nintendo Switch Lite to keep it undamaged. Luckily, Orzly have a model specifically designed to fit your Lite. 

Although you won’t manage to get bonus Joy-Cons in there, this case will keep your new console and a few accessories safe on the go. That includes games, earbuds, chargers, and more. 

Because it’s so affordable, grabbing one for your console is a no-brainer.

3. Mumba

Best Nintendo Switch protective shell

Specifications

Design: HardshellProtection: BumperStorage: None

Reasons to buy

+Can be used while playing+Damage-resistant+Cool design

Reasons to avoid

-Won’t protect the screen

The Mumba case is a little different to the models listed above; rather than keeping your Switch safe in transit, it’s designed to protect it from damage in use. Put this on your console and you won’t need to worry about it being knocked about.

Grippy and sturdy in equal measure, the Mumba will make you feel more secure when taking your Switch out with you. Happily, it also fits into the Orzly carry case we mentioned above. Using both results in the perfect double-threat to keep your console safe in use and during travel.

Best Nintendo Switch accessories – controllers

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1. Nintendo Switch Joy-Con

The best controller for multiplayer

Specifications

Connection: Wireless / direct to consoleButtons: 1x thumbstick per controller, 4x buttons per controller, 2x triggers per controllerBattery life: Approx 20 hoursAmiibo support: YesHaptics: HD rumbleMotion control: Yes

Reasons to buy

+Can be used as a pair or solo+Multiple colors available+Packed with features

Reasons to avoid

-Occasional Joy-Con drift

Joy-Cons are the best Nintendo Switch controllers on the market. Included with the standard console, they can be used alone, in pairs, and on the detachable screen in handheld mode. This versatility makes them perfect for multiplayer sessions – get two pairs and you can share them between four people. While the priciest of Nintendo’s controller options, they really are one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories on the market, and you’re essentially grabbing two controllers here too. 

Although there have been issues here and there with the dreaded ‘Joy-Con drift’ where the left thumbstick goes faulty, they’re generally reliable and easy to use. In fact, they give the old Nintendo Wii Remotes a run for their money.

A lot of that is due to their motion control, but it’s mostly due to the fact that they’re smaller, more comfortable, and provide greater flexibility by having an analogue stick on each side.

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2. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

The best controller for singleplayer games

Specifications

Connection: Wireless / wired to dockButtons: 2x thumbstick , 4x buttons, d-pad, 2x bumpers, 2x triggersBattery life: up to 40 hoursAmiibo support: YesHaptics: HD rumbleMotion control: Yes

Reasons to buy

+Traditional controller setup+Comfortable balance+Better thumbsticks than Joy-Con+Amiibo functionality

Reasons to avoid

-Other color options are difficult to find

Sometimes Joy-Cons aren’t enough; sometimes you want something a bit more precise. That’s where the official Nintendo Pro Controller comes in. This classically-styled handset has a layout that draws on everything from the Gamecube to Xbox One, and it’s a must-have for games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Splatoon 2. It’s accurate, comfortable, and reliable.

Don’t think it’s a cheeky money spinner for Nintendo that you won’t get any benefit from, either. Pick one up and you can immediately tell that it’s a premium controller. Textured handles provided plenty of much-needed precision in our testing, and we found that the thumbsticks provide far greater control than those of the Joy-Con as well, particularly in fiddly titles like Fuser. 

We did find, however, that the face buttons are a strangely high profile compared to the rest of the body, and could be more comfortable with slightly rounded edges. We were also impressed by the overall balance and feel as well, noting the solid design with no hollow plastic noises.

Sure, you can pick up similar ‘pro controllers’ for a lot less from other manufacturers (like the generally excellent PowerA). However, you’re better off with the official Nintendo model in our experience. Not only is the build-quality excellent, it boasts Amiibo functionality that third-party alternatives lack.

Read more: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller review

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3. PowerA Enhanced Wireless controllers

The best cheap controller for Nintendo Switch

Specifications

Connection: WirelessButtons: 2x thumbstick, 4x buttons, d-pad, 2x bumpers, 2x triggersBattery: AAAmiibo support: YesHaptics: NoneMotion control: Yes

Reasons to buy

+Cheap+Fun designs+Motion control and wireless functions

Reasons to avoid

-No Amiibo features

Want a more traditional controller for Switch, but don’t want to pay loads for it? No problem – third-party manufacturers like PowerA are here to help. Their wired and wireless pro controllers are of an excellent quality and feature motion control to go with their slick design.

Happily, they also come in many different designs. That includes everything from Animal Crossing to Pokemon, so you’re bound to find something that suits you in their range. 

The only thing to bear in mind is the fact that they don’t have Amiibo functionality. You’ll need an official Pro Controller or Joy-Con for that.

4. Hori Split Pad Pro

The best Joy-Con alternative for Nintendo Switch

Specifications

Connection: Wireless / direct to consoleButtons: 2x thumbstick, 4x buttons, d-pad, 2x bumpers, 2x triggers, assignable rear paddlesBattery: NA – uses console batteryAmiibo support: NoneHaptics: NoneMotion control: None

Reasons to buy

+Far more comfortable than Joy-Con+Still slots onto Joy-Con rails +D-Pad 

Reasons to avoid

-No Amiibo functionality

The Hori Split Pad Pro is perfect for anyone looking for a cheaper set of replacement Joy-Con or those who find the original controllers a little too small to comfortable settle in with. The larger ergonomic design provides a far better grip than the official gamepad (though the Hori model is still officially licensed), and you’re even getting some additional functionality in those rear bumpers as well. Add a lower price point and a real D-Pad and you’ve got yourself a compelling Nintendo Switch accessory.

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5. 8BitDo Arcade Stick

The best arcade fight stick for Nintendo Switch

Specifications

Connection: 2.4GHz wireless / wired / BluetoothButtons: 18Battery: 1000mAhAmiibo support: NoneHaptics: NoneMotion control: None

Reasons to buy

+Fully moddable +Turbo function+Dedicated macro buttons+Wireless connection+NES-style aesthetic

Reasons to avoid

-A little difficult to mod

The 8BitDo Arcade Stick is nowhere near as expensive as some of the most luxurious models out there, but still packs a surprising number of features into a sub-$100 / £100 price point. From a fully moddable array of buttons to additional macro features and a wireless connection, there’s plenty going on here to keep any fighting fan in the game. 

While more premium devices will make that modding journey a little easier for you, you can still swap sticks and components under the hood here. Plus, you’ll be able to configure everything using the 8BitDo Ultimate software as well. Add an NES-style aesthetic, solid build quality, and compatibility with PC and you’ve got a solid package. 

Best Nintendo Switch accessories – memory cards

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1. SanDisk Ultra 128GB MicroSD

The best memory card to start off

Specifications

Storage: 128GBFormat: MicroSDHC, microSDXCTransfer speed: up to 100MB/s

Reasons to buy

+Relatively cheap+Plenty of storage space+Will last you a while

Reasons to avoid

-Less value than larger cards

Regardless of the version you have (be it a classic Switch or the new Switch Lite), a drawback to the latest Nintendo console is its limited storage space. You’ll only get 32GB of internal memory out of the box, and this won’t carry you far. It’ll do just fine to begin with, sure, but games, updates, and DLC take up a lot of memory these days. That’s why SD cards are one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories to pick up on day one. They’ll boost your system’s storage by a long way, and they aren’t too pricey either. 

To get specific, we’d recommend the SanDisk Ultra 128GB card. This is enough for five to ten big games or a load of smaller titles, so it’ll definitely keep you going for a while. We’d say it’s one of the best Nintendo Switch SD cards (opens in new tab) overall.

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2. SanDisk Ultra 256GB MicroSD

The best memory card for future proofing

Specifications

Storage: 256GBFormat: MicroSDHC, microSDXCTransfer speed: up to 100MB/s

Reasons to buy

+More storage space+Better value for money

Reasons to avoid

-More expensive

If you don’t think 128GB will cut it, SanDisk also produces cards all the way up to 1TB for the Nintendo Switch (and the system will take up to 2TB). Those cards will cost you significantly more, but at between $30-$40 (£30-£40), 256GB is a nice compromise. 

We’d recommend this size storage card if you prefer to download your games but don’t plan on picking up every major release. Some of the latest games can take up some serious space, so if you are planning on stacking your library with every title we’d recommend moving up to 512GB (opens in new tab). That said, 256GB will be more than enough for the vast majority of players.

Best Nintendo Switch accessories – headsets

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1. Razer Barracuda X

The best Nintendo Switch gaming headset overall

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed backConnection: Wireless (USB-C receiver)Drivers: 40mm Razer TriforceWeight: 250gBattery: up to 20 hours

Reasons to buy

+Excellent audio quality+Wireless+USB-C connection

Reasons to avoid

-No additional software settings

The Razer Barracuda X is the best Nintendo Switch headset (opens in new tab) on the market right now, thanks to its simple plug and play design and excellent audio quality. We still use the Razer Barracuda X across a wide range of platforms, it’s become a daily driver. 

It was refreshing to find a stripped back approach to features when we got our hands on this headset. There’s no expensive extra features in here to inflate that price tag and compete with esports-grade cups; just a solid set of headphones with a clear focus on sound quality and everyday quality of life. 

Don’t be fooled by that easy USB-C wireless connection, super comfortable earcups, and impressive directional audio – this is still a particularly affordable piece of kit. In fact, one of the most compelling aspects of the Razer Barracuda X’s prowess in the Nintendo Switch accessories arena is its value for money. You’re getting some pretty powerful audio here – all for under $100 / £100. 

We tested the Barracuda X across consoles, and were pleased to find a nicely balanced sound profile, with some excellent detailing in the mid-ranges and the power to blast when the time was right. That’s because the bass is slightly emphasized here, but in an appreciate-your-shotgun-boom way, rather than the growling fuzz we usually hear in headsets in this price range. It’s also one of the most comfortable headsets we’ve had the pleasure of sinking some longer sessions into; never pinching the ear thanks to that thicker padding, and keeping temperatures low all at the same time.

Because of that no-nonsense design, the Razer Barracuda X is perfectly tuned to use with the Nintendo Switch. There’s a solid battery life here (we generally only need to charge once a week), you’re not spending too much to worry about taking these cups out and about with you, and that USB-C wireless connection slots straight into the console’s form factor as well.

Read more: Razer Barracuda X review

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2. HyperX Cloud Alpha

The best wired Nintendo Switch headset

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed backConnection: WiredDrivers: 50mmWeight: 336gBattery: NA

Reasons to buy

+Durable build quality+Excellent sound+Solid value for money

Reasons to avoid

-Non-foldable design-No additional customization

If you want the right balance between price and performance for your Nintendo Switch, look no further than the HyperX Cloud Alpha (opens in new tab). We fell in love with the minimalist aesthetic when we first got our hands on this classic headset, and the design improvements since those days have only improved things. 

There’s an air of class surrounding the red accents, embroidered logo, and heavy stitching around the plush leatherette that stood out here. There’s no need for glaring RGB here, these cups are naturally beautiful.

Sliding them on, though, and the real value for money becomes evident. We noted a particularly strong frequency response range in our testing, making for particularly rich sound quality. With a solid bass and crystal clear mids, the Cloud Alpha performs well whether you’re diving into a Doom session or leaping across some Super Mario stages.

HyperX does tout ‘Dual Chamber Drivers’ in its marketing, which supposedly work to keep your audio distortion-free and clear up your soundstage. In truth, we didn’t notice too much going on behind the scenes here, though did appreciate the naturally clear balancing.

You won’t be paying over the odds here, either. You can pick up a HyperX Cloud Alpha for less than $80 / £70, and it’s a great pair of cans – easily one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories out there.

Read more: HyperX Cloud Alpha review

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3. Roccat Syn Buds Core

The best budget earbuds for the Nintendo Switch

Specifications

Connectivity: WiredDrivers: 10mmWeight: 82gBattery: NA

Reasons to buy

+Impressive performance in lighter soundscapes+Excellent price+Comfortable

Reasons to avoid

-Struggles with heavier soundscapes-Choppy directional audio

The Roccat Syn Buds Core are the perfect travel companion for your Nintendo Switch. Cheap enough not to worry about too much, and without the curses of batteries and Bluetooth connections to hold you back, the Syn Buds Core excel in their simplicity. 

Sure, they’re going to struggle to hold their own against more premium models, and certainly can’t offer the all encompassing soundstage of an over-ear set of headphones, but keeping these ready to go is going to be much handier than you might think. Of course, during our initial testing period we were using these buds as a daily driver, but since then they have held pride of place in our carry case and are regularly brought into action.

We were particularly impressed by the comfortable design. After being raised on hard plastic earbuds (and the friction injuries they cause after longer sessions), it was surprising not to feel any fatigue even after hours of use. It was also easy to acclimatise to the feel and balance here as well.

Super Mario Sunshine’s harmonic melodies rang out particularly well through these 10mm drivers, with smaller soundscapes offering the Roccat Syn Buds Core a real chance to show their detailing and mid-ranges. However, more complex stages like that of Doom did cause some distortion.

Still, that $24.99 / £24.99 price point means they’re easy enough to grab and keep as a backup, even if they don’t become your go-to.

Read more: Roccat Syn Buds Core review

Best Nintendo Switch accessories – official peripherals

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1. Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit

The best Nintendo Switch accessory for Mario fans

Specifications

What’s in the box: 1x Mario RC car with AR camera, 1x Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit download, track markers

Reasons to buy

+Bags of content+Great price point+Endless replayability

Reasons to avoid

-AI sometimes doesn’t play by the rules-Multiplayer will cost you

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit launched just in time for the holidays of 2020, but stocking issues meant that it didn’t really get its engines going until mid-2021. That said, there’s plenty to dig into here, and this is a particularly strong Nintendo Switch accessory for anyone who’s already got their money’s worth out of Mario Kart 8: Deluxe. 

Place the included Mario or Luigi RC car down in your home, and install the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit software to watch your home turn into its own racetrack.  You’ll be controlling your real-life cart around a course you create with the cardboard track markers and playing against AI competitors using the same space as well – all on the screen of your Nintendo Switch. 

We took Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit out for a spin when it first launched, and it’s remain a firm party piece ever since. In our testing, we were a little frustrated to find instances where AI would sometimes fly through the physical obstacles you’d set out to create a track, sometimes ignoring the layout completely. We only encountered this issue with any regularity in race mode, though, and firmly believe that pass and play time trials are the best way to play.

All the cardboard race parts feel well produced, and continue to survive plenty of crashes to this day. However, we would recommend playing on a hard floor in plenty of light; carpets cause considerable judder under these smaller wheels, and dim lights will cut your video quality considerably.

Read more: Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit review

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2. Ring Fit Adventure

The best Nintendo Switch accessory for fitness fans

Specifications

What’s in the box: 1x Ring-Con, 1x leg strap, 1x physical copy of Ring Fit Adventure

Reasons to buy

+Engaging and fun+Actually packs a good workout +Measurable results

Reasons to avoid

-Pulse reader isn’t too accurate

If Wii Fit taught us anything, it’s that Nintendo likes to get us moving. Ring Fit Adventure feels like what those early fitness games should have been all along – fun and engaging, while making working out a celebrated core mechanic that actually feels like it’s worth doing. You’ll be travelling through a gorgeous world, sprinting, crunching, and squatting your way through platforming levels and boss battles throughout your quest. Not only is it incredibly enjoyable, but it also provides a solid workout to boot. Plus, the Ring Fit Adventure price has been steadily falling over the last few months as well.

Best Nintendo Switch accessories – chargers

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1. Nintendo Switch AC Adapter

The best Nintendo Switch charger

Specifications

Cable length: 6ftWeight: 173gDimensions: 66 x 51 x 36 mmOutput: 39W USB-C

Reasons to buy

+Exactly the same as the original plug+Official Nintendo product+Reliable

Reasons to avoid

-Pricey

In a twist that’ll surprise no-one, the best Nintendo Switch charger is the official AC Adapter. Having been built specifically for the console, it’s easily the most reliable version. And if you’ve lost or broken the original and want a replacement, why not just get the same thing? 

That’s why it’s so appealing. You know what you’re getting, and you know what to expect. Yes, it might be a bit more expensive than cheaper, third-party alternatives. But the official AC Adapter is a ticket to peace of mind.

For more recommendations, be sure to visit our guide to the best Nintendo Switch chargers (opens in new tab).

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2. Genki Covert Dock

The best third party charger and dock

Specifications

Cable length: 1.8mWeight: 100gDimensions: 60 x 33 x 44 mmOutput: 30W USB-C

Reasons to buy

+Incredibly convenient+International adapters included+No safety concerns

Reasons to avoid

-30W charging doesn’t compete with other adapters

The Genki Covert Dock is a revelation. Not only are you getting a wall adapter to plug your Switch in (as well as the USB-C cable), but this device is primarily designed to offer a portable third party dock for on the go play. At the time of writing, we’ve been using the Covert Dock for months and have no concerns over the safety to our console. In fact, this is the best Nintendo Switch accessory in our arsenal right now. 

The Covert Dock never presented us with any visual stuttering or power drops during testing, though we did note the 30W charging capacity was considerably lower than other, sometimes cheaper, competitors. That means it’s not quite an all-in-one solution for keeping your phone and laptop topped up on the go at the same time, but it’s certainly better than slinging a whole official dock into your backpack.

Simply hook an HDMI cable up to your TV (we tested and were satisfied with cables of up to 8m), connect your Switch via the included USB-C cable and you’re good to go. Setup was a straight plug and play affair across all our travels.

The adapter design of the Covert Dock itself means you won’t be slotting this neatly into a standard clamshell case, but it will still tuck itself into any corner of a backpack particularly well. Plus, it’s good to know that you’re also getting three international outlet adapters in the box as well – for UK, US, EU and Australian outlet types. Just remember, the Genki Covert Dock won’t work for the Nintendo Switch Lite.

Read more: Genki Covert Dock review

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3. Anker PowerCore 26800mAh

The best portable Nintendo Switch charger

Specifications

Weight: 495gDimensions: 177 x 78 x 22 mmOutput: Max output 6A, single-port max output 3APorts: 3x USB

Reasons to buy

+Charges phones, tablets, and more+Multiple ports+Faster charging

Reasons to avoid

-Expensive

If you’re rocking an older Nintendo Switch, a portable charger is one of the most essential Nintendo Switch accessories out there. We’d say the best portable charger you can get for Switch would be the Anker PowerCore 26800mAH. Besides being able to quickly charge your console, it’s also small enough to be very portable.

As an official Anker product, you know you’re getting good-quality tech right away. It’ll give you extra hours of play when you’re on the move, and it can charge other devices (like your phone) as well. That’s makes it even better value for money, and a must-have for all Switch owners.

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4. Hori Joy-Con Charge Stand

The best Joy-Con charger

Specifications

Weight: 149gDimensions: 165 x 88 x 151 mmCapacity: 4 Joy-Con

Reasons to buy

+Speedy charging+Can charge via dock +Capacity for four Joy-Con

Reasons to avoid

-Need to plug into wall for best results

If you’ve got more Joy-Con than consoles (and with all the color choice, who doesn’t), then you might have a hard time keeping them all ready and juiced up before a big Mario Kart tournament. The Hori Joy-Con Charge Stand can keep up to four of your gamepads charging at once – perfect for keeping all your dinky controllers ready to go. 

Not only is it a handy Nintendo Switch accessory in its own right, but you can also plug this model directly into your Switch dock to keep those cables down. However, we’d recommend finding a wall outlet if you’re looking for a particularly speedy charge. LEDs will let you know the status of your controller batteries, and each controller slots neatly in with a rail system similar to that of the console itself. 

Best Nintendo Switch accessories – screen protectors

1. Spigen Tempered Glass Nintendo Switch screen protector

The best screen protector for Nintendo Switch

Specifications

Thickness: 0.33mmRating: 9HNumber in pack: 2

Reasons to buy

+Oleophobic coating to prevent fingerprints+Easy to apply+Rounded edges 

Reasons to avoid

-More expensive than budget products

If you’re after long-lasting protection (and a couple of attempts to achieve it) the Spigen tempered glass Nintendo Switch screen protector is one of the best options on the market. You’re getting two panels here, so you’ve always got another spare and a second chance to apply it correctly. 

At 9H hardness, you’ll be protecting your screen from scratches, bumps, and scrapes while also still being able to see your screen in full brightness and clarity. That’s something you don’t tend to get from cheaper screen protectors, so it’s worth shelling out just a little extra for this Spigen model. 

It’s worth noting, though, that this is only compatible with the full Nintendo Switch.

2. AmFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch Lite

The best screen protector for Nintendo Switch Lite

Specifications

Thickness: 0.33mmRating: 9HNumber in pack: 3

Reasons to buy

+99.9% transparency +Oloeophobic coating

Reasons to avoid

-No anti-glare

If you’re after a screen protector for your Nintendo Switch Lite, amFilm might be the brand for you. You’re getting three tempered glass sheets in here, with each one promising to be 99.9% transparent. That means you’ll still be able to see all your games clear and bright but be safe in the knowledge that that 9H hardness rating is keeping your display safe and secure. 

At 0.3mm thin this is one of the skinnier models on the shelves, which means you’re still getting full touchscreen sensitivity too. 

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How we test Nintendo Switch accessories

We’re avid Nintendo Switch geeks, which means we can’t wait to get our hands on all the latest Nintendo Switch accessories as soon as they hit the market. Every piece of kit we review slots straight into our daily Switch useage so that we can tell just how well it not only performs its job, but can also fit a lifestyle. 

Quality of life is so important to Nintendo Switch accessories; these need to be easy to use, and hold up over time. That’s why we also keep using all the gear we recommend even after we’ve posted our first review. That means we can keep tabs on durability and long-term reliability, updating our findings if we notice anything further down the line. 

You’ll find more information on how make our recommendations in our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

Want more offers? Grab yourself a bargain with these cheap Nintendo Switch game sales, or find a cheap Nintendo Switch Online subscription. We’re also showing you where to buy Nintendo Switch OLED.

The post The best Nintendo Switch accessories 2022 appeared first on Game News.

For context, cinemas aren’t dark just so you can cuddle up in the back row; the light from the projector wouldn’t be able to make the colors so strong and vivid if it was competing with house lights. Similarly, even the best home projector (opens in new tab) is no match for a gigantic ball of light in the sky. Any projector is going to struggle with a sunny day, even in a shady area. That’s why we’d recommend keeping even the best outdoor projector for the twilight hours.

Of course, everyone’s finances have been affected a lot one way or the other this year. But here there’s something for everyone to get one of the best outdoor projectors, whether you’ve saved what you would usually spend commuting and socializing or if money’s tight. While “you get what you pay for” applies to outdoor projectors maybe more than any other bit of entertainment tech, you can still find great units at affordable prices.

We’ve rounded up all the best outdoor projectors currently available right now, so you can make the most of those long evenings heading our way.

Best outdoor projectors 2022

1. TMY V08 720p Native Projector

The best outdoor projector for those on a budget

Specifications

Resolution: 720p Native (supports 1080p HD)Brightness: 4,500 lumensContrast: 2,000:1Features: Dual-stereo speaker, multiple ports, remote controlThrow: Standard

Reasons to buy

+Free screen and case+Incredible value

Reasons to avoid

-Some focus issues

When putting a projector indoors, there’s a reasonable chance of having a white wall that the image will look great on. Outside, this is less likely. So not only is the TMY V08 great value in itself, but it includes a free 100-inch screen sheet, saving you having to buy one separately. It’s a small touch, but a very useful one that few brands provide.

It’s a bright outdoor projector which will give as good an image and clear sound as you’ll find in this price range. Some users have reported issues having all areas of the screen in focus but this is only noticeable if you’re using it as a secondary monitor with lots of text, and not something which interferes with your home drive-in watching pleasure.  It’s well worth the low price.

2. XGIMI Halo+

True pocket-sized portability

Specifications

Resolution: Full HD, 1920×1080 (16:9)Brightness: 900 ANSI lumensContrast: Not statedClear image size (diagonal): Not statedThrow ratio: 1.2:1 (short, almost standard)Weight: 1.6kgConnections: 1 x HDMI, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm aux, dual band wifi, bluetooth.

Reasons to buy

+Long battery life+Quick set up+Bright picture+Integrated stand

Reasons to avoid

-Not Netflix compatible-No carry case

The XGIMI Halo+ is a great outdoor projector that boasts a bright 1080p picture, quick auto-keystone and focus, and a very decent battery life of almost three hours. Bright enough to watch in any light, by dusk you can get huge images that belay the small size of the unit. Setup is a breeze with really fast auto-keystoning and focus giving perfect picture from a range of angles, and the built-in stand further helps position the image. 

Built-in Android OS makes it ideal for streaming films or shows while out and about, although it suffers from the usual lack of Netflix compatibility. It’s also great for casual gaming, with a Game Mode offering 26.5ms input lag and 60Hz refresh rate – although those chasing the best and fastest will want even quicker. 

Twin 5W Harmon Kardon speakers give excellent crisp sound which fills a room well without needing any external help. At just 1.6kg it will easily slip into a bag, and the hard black plastic feels like it will stand up well to transportation, although it is a surprise that there isn’t a carry case included.

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3. BenQ GS50

The best premium and portable outdoor projector

Specifications

Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080)Brightness: 500 ANSI lumensContrast: 100,000:1Clear image size (diagonal): up to 112 inchesThrow ratio: 1.21 (fixed zoom ratio)Weight: 2.3kgConnections: 2 x HDMI (including for streaming stick), 1 x USB A, 1 x USB C, Bluetooth and wifi

Reasons to buy

+Excellent sound+Strong battery life+16GB internal storage+Great HD picture

Reasons to avoid

-No zoom or lens shift-Slightly pricy for HD pictures (but worth it for the portability)

The BenQ GS50 is a terrific candidate for the best outdoor projector this year, and is one of your top premium choices should you be looking to splash out. BenQ claims the 2.1 Bluetooth sound is a first for a portable smart projector, and it’s likely the loudest we’ve heard on a portable projector. Volume was kept below 10 out of 50 at home for the most part in our testing, but even when cranked right up to full volume there was no noticeable distortion – so you can listen outdoors without the need for extra speakers.

It’s truly built for portability, with a hard-wearing outer case that is splash resistant, is drop tested to about two feet (or “carrying height”), and comes with a smart carry case. We found the battery to last well over two hours, but this can be stretched out to almost three, while you can also charge via a USB-C power brick. 

The HD picture is crisp with good colour reproduction. There’s no game mode and input lag is measured at 62ms – not noticeable unless you’re a competitive gamer but showing that gaming isn’t the focus of the GS50. You could get a higher-end home projector for this money, and although it’s more than fine for casual home watching, the features mean this has to be, first and foremost, a front runner for the best outdoor projector money can buy right now.

4. DBPower L21 LCD Video Projector

Sounds as good as the picture looks

Specifications

Resolution: 720p Native (supports 1080p HD)Brightness: 5,000 lumensContrast: 3,000:1Features: Dual-stereo speakers, 256K color reproduction, multiple ports, daul fan cooling, remote controlThrow: Standard

Reasons to buy

+Great sound, in stereo+Easy to use

Reasons to avoid

-Loud fans

The sound of one of the best outdoor projectors might not be the first thing on your mind, but not having to carry out speakers every time you want to use it makes set up much less of a chore and lets you get on with what you want to do: sit down and enjoy your own outdoor cinema. The L21 boasts not one but two great speakers, and it’s a rare treat to get stereo at this price. 

Convenience is key here – the L21 is quick to set up and a glance at the simple and unfussy remote reflects the commitment to keeping things simple. BDPower boasts about the quality of its dual-fan cooling system, but the drawback is that this fan noise means both speakers will have to be turned up loud to drown it out.

5. Optoma GT1080

Brings big picture to small spaces

Specifications

Resolution: Native 1080p (1920×1080)Brightness: 2,800 ANSI lumensContrast: 25,000:1Features: Gaming Mode, Dynamic black technology, reproduces Rec 709 colour, Full 3D support, HDMI Link can turn off two HDMI-CEC capable devices using a single remoteThrow: Short

Reasons to buy

+Short throw to run even in small spaces+Very short lag time

Reasons to avoid

-No full USB port, only mini-Runs hot

If you’re worried your small or narrow garden doesn’t have room for a projector, you need short throw.  The wide lens of the Optoma GT1080 can give huge images even when close to the projection surface, opening up viewing possibilities in the cosiest space.

It also boosts a gaming mode with minimal input lag. Most projectors will be fine for the majority of gamers, but the hardcore – particularly those who play online – will need something as responsive as the GT1080.

The only real niggle with this is that lacks a full USB input, with only a mini USB slot, which means you’ll need a device which outputs HDMI rather than popping a Fire Stick straight in, for example.

6. BenQ GV1

A robust and portable outdoor projector

Specifications

Resolution: 856x480Brightness: 200 ANSI lumensContrast: 100,000:1Features: Speakers, portable design and carry case, auto keystoning, good remote, 3hr battery lifeThrow: Short

Reasons to buy

+Very bright+Solid build+Good auto keystoning

Reasons to avoid

-Quiet sound-Fiddly zoom control

The Benq GV1 is a robust portable unit that gives decent picture for a projector the size of a pint glass that you can take anywhere. It’s not a home cinema experience or even full HD but this is about portability rather than perfect picture. The most impressive thing is the brightness when plugged in – excellent for any unit let alone one this size. A solid three-hour battery life gives plenty of viewing time when out and about – but you’ll need to have media downloaded to the device you cast from if you’re not on a wifi connection.

It’s built solidly and will stand up to transportation, plus the solid plastic looks the part and is neat and clean in design to boot. It runs Android OS and most streaming apps are readily available for download with good casting from phones, tablets, and wifi. The downsides: the sound is good but doesn’t offer quite enough volume. It’s frustratingly fiddly to set up, with very sensitive zoom control and D-pad keyboard input, but it’s easy to cast to it to once set up, and auto-keystoning is helpful. There is notable input lag when playing games which require precise timing, although for a casual play of a slower-paced game it’ll be adequate.

7. BenQ TK850

The best premium 4K outdoor projector

Specifications

Resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160)Brightness: 3,000 lumensContrast: 30,000:1Features: Motion enhancer, CinemaMaster audio and video, Sports ModesThrow: Standard/Short

Reasons to buy

+Amazingly bright picture+4K and HDR support+Great for sport

Reasons to avoid

-Longer impact lag than expected

BenQ is one of the biggest names in projectors because they offer great quality at a price well below similarly specced competitors. The TK850 gives true 4K UHD for incredibly sharp pictures and intense, detailed color. Its 3000 lumens mean this unit is incredibly bright and will be watchable when other projectors are still waiting for nightfall, while the backlit remote means you’ll still be able to change settings in the dark.

For anyone who wants to replace the full stadium experience while the stands are empty, the TK850 is made for whatever sport you’ve been missing. It has custom sports modes, helped by its low lag so you can watch even the fastest matches seamlessly. This includes sound settings, which gives you every bit of the dubbed crowd or shout from the pitch through its chambered 10W speakers. Projector speakers can be a mixed bag but these are loud and clear enough to not require dragging a sound system outside.

It’s a simple unit to set up, and as well as vertical keystoning offers a lens shift wheel to move the image up or down – making it easier to get a great picture when you don’t have the perfect spot for it to rest. The only downside is that the input lag of 83ms is slower than the ideal for gaming, although it would take a keen eye to spot this. At the premium end of the spectrum, this is the best outdoor projector.

8. Epson EB-S41

The best mid-range outdoor projector

Specifications

Resolution: 800x600Brightness: 3,300 lumensContrast: 15,000:1Features: Speakers, Wi-Fi connectivity, carry case, remote controlThrow: Standard

Reasons to buy

+Horizontal keystoning+Carry case+Wifi connectivity

Reasons to avoid

-Weak speaker-4:3 ratio not great for widescreen content

A solid unit in the mid-range of projectors, the EB-S41 is bright and reliable. Epson is a brand pitched a little more towards business rather than pleasure, and there is something about the unit which looks more at home in the office than home or garden, but that’s not something to worry about when you’re watching its great picture. It offers WiFi connectivity and casting, although you need an additional accessory for this.

The carry case helps you to easily take it out into the garden and store it safely when not in use, or for if you’re sick of being the host and want to make someone else’s back yard a cinema. One of the few models in this price range to offer horizontal and vertical keystoning make it easier to set up in new places too. However, the native 4:3 aspect ratio shoes this may be more of an office projector you can use for outdoor viewing rather than a genuine video specialist.

9. Anker Nebula Capsule II

The top portable outdoor projector

Specifications

Resolution: Native 720p (1280 x 720)Brightness: 200 ANSI lumenContrast: Not statedFeatures: Projector mode, speaker mode, Android operating system, 3 hours of video playback on batteryThrow: Short

Reasons to buy

+Watch it anywhere+Connect wirelessly to Android phones+Stream direct to the projector+Short input lag

Reasons to avoid

– Inferior image quality to mains units

At the size of a large drinking glass, the Anker Nebula Capsule II is slightly bigger than its predecessor but upgrades on it in several ways. It now has Android TV installed which means all your favorite streaming apps can run on it (although you need a quick workaround to install Netflix). Set up is a breeze as you can connect your Android phone to import WiFi and app account details, and even use the phone as a controller rather than needing to type using the remote. Automatic focus and keystoning means you’ve got a clear picture fast.

If you’re venturing out to camp, be sure to pack this. You can take it anywhere with three hours of video playback (30 hours of music) on a single charge and 8GB of storage (plus a USB port for a memory stick or external hard drive). The picture isn’t the sharpest, brightest, or the biggest, with a throw distance of about 60cm to 3m (around two to ten feet), but this can be used anywhere, in seconds. This isn’t about perfect high fidelity, this is about fun and portability. 

10. GooDee Upgraded Video Projector

A projector you may not want to upgrade from

Specifications

Resolution: 1280x768p Native (supports 1080p HD)Brightness: 300ANSI lumensContrast: 3,000:1Features: HiFi stereo speakers, remote control, compatible with basically everythingThrow: Standard

Reasons to buy

+Stereo sound+Bright image for the price

Reasons to avoid

-Few options for height adjustment-Lack of screen width control

When I last bought a projector in 2017, I was warned off anything in this price range.  But the GooDee Upgraded’s glowing reviews and status as one of the top sellers on Amazon shows that affordable LED projectors are no longer a huge quality drop off from lamp units twice the cost.

There are some practical issues. A lack of display size control means you’ll have to move the projector forward and backward to control the image dimensions. A three setting front leg instead of a screw means a lack of precision in height controls, making it more likely you’ll have to balance strategically sized books under the front of the unit to set the height of the projection. But with sharp, bright picture and stereo sound through good speakers at this price, compromises can be made!

11. Vamvo L6200 Native

A great alternative budget outdoor projector

Specifications

Resolution: 1920x1080p Full HD (native)Brightness: 6000 lumensContrast: 5,000:1Features: Horizontal keystoning, multiple connection options, remote, carry caseThrow: Standard

Reasons to buy

+Horizontal and vertical keystoning+Decent internal speaker

Reasons to avoid

-Fiddly controls

The Vamvo is particularly stylish for the price, with a smart-looking case to make carrying around the light unit even easier. The visuals on screen are the most important thing to look at of course, but it delivers here too, at up to 200 inches of great picture in good conditions. The LEDs are suitably bright without too much heat, so this is a projector that can come out at dusk rather than once night has fully set in.

The digital keystoning tool on the back is a nice touch, and the ability to alter this horizontally as well as vertically makes it easier to set up in locations others might struggle with, very useful as many gardens don’t have that perfect spot for a projector! The speaker is more than passable if you don’t want to lug out a sound system every time you use it. The only drawback is that the controls on top of the unit can be a little fiddly, so don’t lose the remote.

12. Vankyo Leisure 3 Projector

Good things come in small packages

Specifications

Resolution: 800×400 Native (supports 1080p HD)Brightness: 2400 lumensContrast: 2,000:1Features: Stereo speakers, Bluetooth connectivityThrow: Standard

Reasons to buy

+Great value+Bluetooth audio connectivity+Compact size

Reasons to avoid

-Needs a very dark environment-Only one HDMI and USB input-No zoom feature

Budget brand Vankyo shows just how fast projector technology is moving, and how much cheaper it’s getting. The most recent Leisure 3 is 6% brighter than previous models and has 2400 lumens for great picture quality of up to 170inches. It even comes with a carry case for ease of transport or to safely store it inside when not in use. And carrying or storing a device this small will be easy.

At this end of the market, you’re going to need to wait until the sun is down, but if you’re on a budget or just want something for occasional use and full HD imagery is less important to you than the excitement of getting your own garden projector, this may be the perfect entry point.

13. Optoma UHD51/UHD51A

A smart and 3D outdoor projector

Specifications

Resolution: 3830×2160 UHDBrightness: 2400 lumensContrast: 500,000:1Features: PureMotion mode, HDR10, 3D compatibility, Smarthome features, various Display and Picture modesThrow: Standard

Reasons to buy

+3D capability+Alexa compatibility (UHD51A only)

Reasons to avoid

– Weak speaker

We are living in a horrible dystopian future, so why not get the fun side of sci-fi and have a projector which has full Alexa capability? Link it up to your smart home and control your projector with your voice while you flip sausages on the barbeque? 

The UHD51 has a fantastic 4K UHD picture and for watching anything from bright Pixar movies to darker films like Bladerunner 2049, with incredible depth of blacks, often a weak spot of home projectors.

This projector isn’t without minor flaws though: the 5W speaker is weak, especially given that this unit is noisy. It can be hard to hear over its own fan at times, let alone a noisy child singing along to Frozen 2. The range of modes it offers isn’t the most useful either, and it can be hard to tell what the difference between them is. What does make this stand out is the 3D capability, a trick Optoma always does very well, if only in 1080p here. These slight negatives do not take away from the whole package though, as the UHD51A is still a seriously quality Optoma projector.

A final note: The UHD51A model is different from the UHD51 by virtue of that Alexa compatibility. The former is more prevalent in the US and the latter in the UK.

14. GooDee G500

A good budget unit which won’t overheat

Specifications

Resolution: 1280×720 HD (supports 1080p)Brightness: 3600 lumensContrast: 2,000:1Features: Multiple connections, lightweight, remote control, 5-year service guaranteeThrow: Short

Reasons to buy

+Small and easy to carry, with case+Doesn’t run hot+Downscales well

Reasons to avoid

-Can struggle with larger image sizes-Poor built in speakers

A perennial drawback with outdoor projectors, especially in the summer, is the heat they give out. Personally, the heat of mine indoors stops me using on summer days. But the Goodee G500’s LED light rather than a traditional lamp runs with little heat, making it ideal for an outdoor unit. Anyone whose phone has overheated and shut down in the last few weeks knows how annoying hot tech in the sun is!

The picture here isn’t perfect, 720p rather than 1080p, but it gives beautiful images.  While it advertises a picture up to 180 inches, image quality does drop noticeably before you get there.  If you only have 4k sources but want to dip your toe in the projector water, don’t worry; it downscales well without the visual issues some cheaper projectors have with this. It’s also got a wide range of inputs, should you need to connect something pre-HDMI. The inbuilt speaker is poor and you’ll need external ones to plugin but that’s often to be expected at this price point.

Overall, you have some fine options here, and we will keep adding to as often as we can. If you’re looking for the more traditional gaming screens then you have to check out our guides on the best gaming monitors (opens in new tab) and the best gaming TVs (opens in new tab).

The post The best outdoor projectors 2022 – make a drive-in cinema or gaming theatre at home this year appeared first on Game News.

If you’ve outgrown your gaming phone, there are plenty of options out there for you. Not only that, but the best gaming tablets are starting to rival gaming laptops for their performance and value for money these days. If you’re looking to invest in a high-end device there’s some seriously exciting stuff on the table right now.

That’s where we come in. The recommendations listed below will breeze through everything from Call of Duty Mobile to Apple Arcade, not to mention all the day-to-day tasks you need. This page is constantly updated with the lowest prices too, so check back every now and then to see the latest discounts on the greatest slabs.

We’re rounding up our top picks based on price-to-performance ratio and our own healthy love for tablet devices, but you’ll find options for cheaper machines and those ready to take on the world of PC gaming alike. Before you take the plunge, though, make sure your favorite games are available on your operating system of choice – we’re looking at you, Fortnite. 

Best gaming tablets – top 10

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1. Asus ROG Flow Z13

The best gaming tablet overall

Specifications

Operating system: Windows 11Screen: 13.4-inch, 1920 x 1200, 60Hz, 30msCPU: Intel i5-12500H / i7-12700H / i9-12900HStorage: 512GB / 1TBRear camera: 8MPFront camera: 720P HDWeight: 2.6 lbs (1.18kg)

Reasons to buy

+Unrivalled tablet specs and performance+2-in-1 form factor+Versatile design+Solid build quality

Reasons to avoid

-Can buy far cheaper laptops with RTX 3050 Ti graphics-Shorter battery life

The Asus ROG Flow Z13 goes where no gaming tablet has gone before. This is a hybrid tablet and laptop, packing Intel’s latest 12th generation processors and an RTX 3050 Ti graphics card. While we struggled to recommend it as a gaming laptop in its entirety (this thing is particularly expensive), those on the hunt for a high-end gaming tablet with PC-level performance should definitely take note. 

We found that RTX 3050 Ti GPU to struggle a little in our testing, but you’ll still get far better performance than in other multi-purpose devices. Plus, there’s the whole world of PC gaming at your fingertips here thanks to Windows 11. Using the Asus ROG Flow Z13 in both tablet and laptop mode was a dream, with a responsive magnetic keyboard and a sturdy kickstand to keep everything safe. Not only that, but we particularly enjoyed the subtle RGB window into the circuitry on the back – a premium touch that lets the whole world know exactly what this tablet is being used for. 

It’s important to note that this is an incredibly well engineered piece of kit. Our unit had an i9-12900H processor under the hood with that latest generation graphics card, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD – all working together to offer some serious performance without the temperature and noise concerns of similar slimline devices. While the price point will lock many out of this luxury experience – and won’t be worth it for those after a laptop – this is certainly the best gaming tablet on the market right now when it comes down to sheer power. 

Read more: Asus ROG Flow Z13 review

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2. Amazon Fire HD 10

The best gaming tablet under $150 / £150

Specifications

Operating system: Fire OSScreen: 10.1 inches, 1920 x 1200CPU: Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60TStorage: 32GB / 64GBRear camera: 5MPFront camera: 720P HDWeight: 1.03 lbs (465g)

Reasons to buy

+Low entry level price point +Excellent value for money+Solid display quality

Reasons to avoid

-Not as powerful as Apple or Samsung-Limited in OS -Can be ad-heavy

If you’re on the hunt for a cheap gaming tablet that will see you through your favorite mobile games alongside web browsing and streaming, then the Fire HD 10 is really all you need. Sure, you won’t be getting the gut-busting performance of a dedicated device like the Asus ROG Flow Z13, or the premium finish and experience of an iPad Pro – but you’re not spending anywhere near the costs of those devices. 

Instead, you’re picking up a high quality screen that will help your games shine and plenty of internal power for a smooth experience in lighter titles. That’s considerable value for money, especially considering just how often these devices go on sale. While the MSRP stands at $149.99 for the 32GB model, that’s by no means the cheapest you can find these tablets during sale events. 

The Amazon Fire HD 10 is perfect for those who need a decent Minecraft or LEGO Star Wars machine but don’t need to sink pay cheques into an investment. 

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3. iPad Air (2022)

The best mid-range gaming tablet

Specifications

Operating system: iOSScreen: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (2360 x 1640)CPU: M1Storage: 64GB / 256GBRear camera: 12MP wideFront camera: 12MPWeight: 1.02lb (461g)

Reasons to buy

+Lightweight+Powerful new M1 processor+Larger screen

Reasons to avoid

-Storage options are limited

Apple’s latest iPad Air lives in the Goldilocks ‘just right’ zone of the best gaming tablets. Thanks to a reasonable price – for Apple, anyway – and oodles of power beneath a chic design, it’s everything you could want from a mid-range device.

As the fifth version of the iPad Air, this one has plenty of feathers in its cap. Besides that revolutionary M1 processor, it offers a handsome 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display that’ll show off your games, movies, and TV shows at their best. Because there’s no home button, that screen has a bit more real-estate to play with as well.

Thanks to compatibility with Apple’s own keyboard and trackpad, the Air is also giving you the functionality of an iPad Pro without the associated price tag. That makes it an excellent choice for those who don’t want to destroy their bank balance for the best of the best, but equally aren’t keen on budget alternatives.

While some older 2020 models are still hanging around on the shelves, we’d recommend keeping a closer eye on the 2022 version. It’s the best mid-range gaming tablet on the market right now, and while you could pick up an older processor for around $70 less during a good discount the value of that M1 makes the extra investment worthwhile. 

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4. Microsoft Surface Pro 8

The best gaming tablet for productivity

Specifications

Operating system: Windows 11Screen: 13-inch PixelSense (2880 x 1920)CPU: i5-1135G7 / i7-1185G7Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TBRear camera: 10MPFront camera: 5MPWeight: 1.96lbs (891g)

Reasons to buy

+Slimline design+Excellent screen+Great keyboard attachment

Reasons to avoid

-Prices near the Asus ROG Flow Z13 without dedicated GPU

If you’re angling for a device that has the versatility of a tablet to go with the power of a laptop, Microsoft’s Surface Pro 8 is calling your name. It’s arguably the best gaming tablet for users wanting a high-end productivity experience that can also keep up with lighter games. 

That’s because it’s crammed with premium gear including Intel’s 11th generation processors, up to 32GB RAM, and up to 1TB of SSD storage for super-fast loading. In fact, this particular Surface is capable of running full-blown PC games when specced out with the right components. However, the cost of those additional features means you might be running close to the Asus ROG Flow Z13. If that’s the case, we’d heavily recommend considering the upgrade to a dedicated device with a similar form factor. Cheaper configurations will keep you locked to low-end games, but you’re still getting PC games nonetheless. How’s that for peak performance?

Additionally, it’s possible to attach a keyboard and mouse to the Pro 8 for a more traditional experience. That makes it a great choice for work as well as play, offering the best of both worlds in one easy-to-transport package.

Naturally, you’re paying rather a lot for that kind of excellence. But if you’re happy to foot the bill, you’ll be getting a device at the top of its game which bridges the gap between laptops and mobile beautifully. This is one we’d recommend most to those looking for a new everyday laptop as well as a gaming tablet. 

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5. iPad Pro (2021)

The best Apple gaming tablet

Specifications

Operating system: iOSScreen: 11-inch Liquid Retina (2388×1668) / 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR (2732×2048)CPU: Apple M1Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TBRear camera: 12MP Wide, 10MP Ultra Wide, LiDAR ScannerFront camera: 7MP TrueDepthWeight: 1.03lbs (466g) / 1.5lbs (682g)

Reasons to buy

+Incredibly versatile+Features mouse support+Powerful chipset

Reasons to avoid

-Far more expensive than other Apple options

Want the best gaming tablet possible? You can’t beat the new generation of iPad Pro. With a powerful Apple M1 processor, trackpad and keyboard functionality, and a truly gorgeous Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology, this is one of the best gaming tablets on the market by a long shot.

That M1 processor boosts nearly every aspect of the iPad Pro experience, including the performance of your games. That means you’ll load up titles faster, experience less lag, and your device will manage its battery far better when playing intensive software as well. 

Elsewhere, the new Pro offers a dual-camera setup and lidar sensors. These boost the performance of augmented reality apps by allowing the iPad to better judge distances. When combined with an excellent Liquid Retina screen that’s perfect for games and movies, FaceID, and compatibility with the must-have Apple Pencil, this is pinnacle tech.

Linked above is the XDR display-toting 12.9-inch model, but you’ll also find the latest prices for the cheaper 11-inch version just below as well. 

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6. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

The best Android gaming tablet

Specifications

Operating system: Android 12Screen: 11-inch (1600 x 2560), 120HzCPU: Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1Storage: 128GB / 256GBRear camera: 13MP + 6MPFront camera: 6MPWeight: 1.11lbs (503g)

Reasons to buy

+Amazing AMOLED display on Plus models+120Hz display+Expandable storage

Reasons to avoid

-No headphone jack

Samsung has carved out a name for itself within the crowded world of tablets, and now its products rival any on offer from Apple. Indeed, the latest Galaxy might be Samsung’s best one yet. Driven by incredible technology and capped with a beautiful 111-inch screen that can offer a 120Hz refresh rate, the S8 line offers the best gaming tablet running Android by a wide margin.

Thanks to a Snapdragon chipset, it has plenty of oomph that allows it to power even the most demanding games. What’s more, it’ll do so at an impressive speed. Sure, most mobile games don’t require that kind of grunt. But if you’re playing something a bit more intensive (Fortnite, say), you’ll appreciate the boost.

It’s not too bulky, either. Despite having a narrower screen than your common iPad Pro, this keeps the weight down and allows the S8 to be more portable than earlier models. Because the point of mobile gaming is to play anywhere, that’s a real plus.

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7. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7

The best cheap Android gaming tablet

Specifications

Operating system: AndroidScreen: 10.4-inch (2000 x 1200)CPU: Octa-CoreStorage: 32GBRear camera: 8MPFront camera: 5MPWeight: 1.04lbs (476g)

Reasons to buy

+Cheaper Galaxy Tab+Fast processor+Lightweight

Reasons to avoid

-Screen could be sharper

Sure, you can get Android or Apple products that are flashier. But few provide the same level of bang for buck as the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7. It’s one of the best gaming tablets around if you’re trying to save money and aren’t keen on getting an iPad.

While its Qualcomm SM6115 processor won’t be able to keep up with more expensive competitors, the Tab A7 is still miles ahead of cheap and cheerful alternatives. That means it’ll be able to take most games in its stride. Indeed, it’ll only struggle when you ask it to run more demanding software, or lots of programs at once.

A sleeker design with smaller bezels helps maintain that image of quality; as well as looking modern, it allows more space for a larger screen. In turn, that’s backed up by a quad speaker and Dolby Atmos for a more cinematic experience. 

You get some cool toys to play with despite cutting costs, too. Namely, the A7 features facial recognition for faster unlocks. After using the feature for a while, it’s difficult to go back.

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8. iPad Mini (2021)

The best mini gaming tablet

Specifications

Operating System: iOSScreen: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina (2266×1488)CPU: Hexa-coreStorage: 64GB / 256GBRear Camera: 12MPFront Camera: 12MPWeight: 0.65lbs (293g)

Reasons to buy

+Portable+Lightweight+Surprisingly powerful

Reasons to avoid

-Not much bigger than a phone

If you’d prefer something a little smaller, the iPad Mini is one of the best gaming tablets you can get. Dainty but powerful, it’s as capable of running the latest releases as it is a movie or TV show. It runs rings around the competition as well – you won’t find a pint-sized tablet that performs better than this.

Even so, you’re still getting the same great iPad experience for a more palatable – yet admittedly hefty – price. Considering how costly Apple products can be, that’s no bad thing. Particularly because it offers extra value thanks to its compatibility with the 1st-gen Apple Pencil (it’s a good choice for anyone who wants to develop their artistic streak as a result).

Sure, the screen isn’t that much bigger than some cell phones. Nevertheless, it’s enough of an improvement to split the difference. Plus, that tighter footprint makes it ideal for commutes, vacations, or being curled up on the sofa.

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9. iPad 10.2 (2021)

The best cheap Apple gaming tablet

Specifications

Operating system: iOSScreen: 10.2-inch Retina (2160 x 1620)CPU: A13 BionicStorage: 64GB / 256GBRear camera: 8MPFront camera: 1.2MP FaceTime HDWeight: 1.07lbs (487g)

Reasons to buy

+More affordable+Excellent screen quality+Classy design

Reasons to avoid

-Storage options are limited

You don’t need an iPad Pro to experience everything Apple tablets have to offer. Its mid-range cousin is brilliant in its own right, and the 2021 iPad 10.2 (9th generation) is an all-rounder and the best gaming tablet for most people.

That’s because there’s a lot of advanced technology under the hood. Thanks to an A13 Bionic chip with more than enough grunt to handle most games, it offers everything you need – and then some – from an everyday tablet. Plus, that 10.2-inch Retina display makes sure everything looks its best at all times. It’s a gorgeous device.

What’s more, this iPad makes up for its lack of storage options and a disappointing selfie camera by being compatible with the Apple Pencil. The latter is a revelation for artists and doodlers alike, responding to pressure in a way that blows many digital drawing pads out of the water.

Thanks to a 20W plug, the iPad 10.2 also charges much faster than earlier versions. This (along with an iconic, timeless design) results in a tablet that feels premium without the crippling price tag to match.

Want a bigger screen to game on after all? Don’t forget to take a look at the best gaming TVs or our guide to the best OLED TV. No matter whether you’re playing a console game on them or streaming something from Disney Plus, they’ll make your content look its best.

Find out more about all the recommendations we make with our full GamesRadar+ Hardware policy.

The post The best gaming tablets in 2022 appeared first on Game News.

Editor’s note – We’ve not added Horizon Forbidden West to this list (which launched February 18 on PS5 and PS5) because we believe it’s best experienced on the newest hardware. 

Despite the fact that some of these have now made their way to PC , these are still PS5 exclusives when it comes to consoles. Most are available to play on the PS5 via PS5 backwards compatibility too, so their legendary status lives on. Plus, a lot of these titles will now be included for free as part of the new PS Plus Premium games libraries at the mid and upper tiers.

Before we get stuck in though, here are the rules we’ve laid down: this list of the best PS4 exclusives deals with console exclusivity, so some of them can be found on PC. Exclusivity has to be permanent and not timed (so we had to remove Nier: Automata when it released on Xbox One). Plus, the games have to be full-price releases, and not DLC or add-on content – though if we’re lucky they’ll show up on the free PS Plus games (opens in new tab) list at some point and there are always the best free PS4 games (opens in new tab) if you’re feeling thrifty. 

20. GT Sport

The best racing game on PS4

Specifications

Release Date: 2017Developer: PolyphonyGenre: Racing

Reasons to buy

+Enhanced for PS4 Pro+Compatible with racing wheels+Online tournaments and events

If you’re looking for a driving experience on PS4… there’s only one choice. Sure, DriveClub was the previous favorite, but GT Sport (opens in new tab) offers everything that game had a way more. There’s the usual raft of high-end sports cars to choose from, and a bunch of high-performance models from commercial manufacturers, along with many of the world’s best tracks, lovingly recreated in game. But what sets this apart is the online options, offering tournaments, special events, and loads more – you can essentially live the life of the most exciting, well-travelled professional racing driver… er, without the risk of crashing (or the millions of dollars they’d probably earn). 

• Need more space? Here are the best PS4 external hard drives
• Where to get a new PS4 controller cheap (opens in new tab)
• The best PS4 bundle deals (opens in new tab) deals, if you need a console

19. Concrete Genie

A magical adventure that will capture your imagination

Specifications

Release Date: 2019Developer: PixelopusGenre: Adventure

Reasons to buy

+Heartfelt story+Beautifully stylised+Creative and imaginative

Concrete Genie offers an enchanting, creatively unique experience using the DualShock 4’s motion sensor controls to paint. Yep, that’s right, you create beautiful artwork by tilting your controller in different directions. While it sounds like a bit of an unconventional way to compose art, it actually works really well. Pixelopus offers a deeply heartwarming adventure that explores the impact of an environmental disaster on a now abandoned seaside town. You play a young bullied teenager called Ash who discovers a magical paintbrush that has the power to restore the town and bring his artwork to life. The story also touches on the issue of bullying with sensitivity, and it also shows you a different side to the bullies that you might not expect to see. 

18. Yakuza 6

The other great crime sim on PS4

Specifications

Release Date: 2018Developer: SegaGenre: Action RPG

Reasons to buy

+Enhanced for PS4 Pro+Fully localised for the US and UK+Massive game, so great value

If you’ve never experienced the PS4 exclusive Yakuza series… what the hell have you been doing with your gaming life? It’s time to rectify that mistake with the latest Yakuza. No, really, the sixth core outing for the series is actually one of the best places to start as it does a great job of telling the story so far, while offering the best action and elements from previous games in one, meaty adventure. It’s essentially an action-RPG set in Japan, where you play as ex-Yakuza boss Kazuma Kiryu, who is now a good guy fighting for his adopted children and the people of his town. There are mini-game distractions galore, loads of wonderful side-stories to experience, and a gripping overall narrative.

17. Street Fighter 5

The fighting legend finds a home on PS4

Specifications

Release Date: 2016Developer: CapcomGenre: Fighting

Reasons to buy

+Massive list of characters+Also available on PC+Compatible with fightsticks

It might’ve launched in relatively rough shape, but after over a year of additional content, new characters, and countless refinements, Street Fighter 5 (opens in new tab) has realized its full potential as a phenomenal fighting game. Its ever-growing roster of unique characters has the perfect fit for any playstyle, and the inventive V-Skill and V-Trigger systems add another layer of excitement and strategic depth to each intense match. Whether you go with an old favorite like Ryu or opt for an oddball newcomer like Necalli, Street Fighter 5 delivers more of the infinite replayability and limitless skill ceiling you’ve come to expect from Capcom’s fan-favorite fighting game series.

16. inFamous: Second Son

A superhero adventure that’s not to be missed

Specifications

Release Date: 2014Developer: Sucker PunchGenre: Action adventure

Reasons to buy

+Brilliant superhero action+Great use of the DualShock 4+Top notch graphics, despite it’s PS4 launch date release

Reasons to avoid

-Empty List

Despite the fact it was one of the original PS4 launch games, inFamous: Second Son is a wonderful example of how technical tweaks for the PS4 Pro release can change the quality of a game dramatically. Sucker Punch’s brilliant smoke-fuelled superhero story looks fantastic even four years after release, and its tale of origins, family, and brotherhood is still one of my favourite PS4 games to date. It make Seattle your playground, and nothing feels quite as good as chaining together attacks with your newly found powers to stop the big bad that’s threatening your town, and your family. Utterly brilliant. 

15. The Last of Us Remastered

The best game story ever told

Specifications

Release Date: 2014Developer: Naughty DogGenre: Action adventure

Reasons to buy

+One of the best game storylines of all time+Looks fantastic on Pro+Epic stealth sections

Reasons to avoid

-Empty List

Okay, okay, so technically The Last of Us was one of the best PS3 games (opens in new tab), but it’s tricky to compile a list of the best PS4 exclusives without at least mentioning this fantastic remaster. Not only do you get the original The Last of Us game in glorious 4K if you’re rocking a PS4 Pro, but you also get a load of additional content bundled in as well. Naughty Dog’s post-apocalyptic tale is still one of the best video game stories (opens in new tab) ever told. So if you’ve not experienced Ellie and Joel’s tale yet, settle back (although not too far, this is a tense game with mutants in it), and immerse yourself in one of the best games of all time. 

14. Tearaway Unfolded

A papercraft adventure where you’re the star

Specifications

Release Date: 2015Developer: Media MoleculeGenre: Platformer adventure

Reasons to buy

+Best use of the DualShock 4’s unique feature+Adorable papercraft world+Puts you right in the game

Reasons to avoid

-Empty List

Tearaway Unfolded is one of those rare games that is a sheer delight from start to finish. Its beautiful paper craft world is one that you’re immersed in from the get go, using the touchpad on the DualShock 4 to draw and craft your own creations that get placed inside the game. And, the more you play, the more the world of Tearaway Unfolded becomes a reflection of your artistic talents. Trust me, you don’t need many, thank the PlayStation Gods, but even a shambled together star adds some pizzazz to this already stunning world. Of course, there’s a story here too – it’s not all scissors and glue work – and it’s up to you to help rid the world of the evil Scraps and restore order once and for all. Meet some adorable creatures along the way, make friends, earn yourself some sticks and poke and prod the world using the power of the DualShock 4, and more in this unique PS4 exclusive adventure. 

13. Ratchet and Clank

A wonderful remaster of the PS2 classic

Specifications

Release Date: 2016Developer: Insomniac GamesGenre: Action adventure

Reasons to buy

+An animated space odyssey+Brilliantly silly weapons and story+A PS2 classic brought into the present day

Reasons to avoid

-Empty List

If you played Ratchet and Clank back in the days of the PS2, you know how amazing the duo’s adventures are. This oddity of a space odyssey will have you chuckling at the ridiculousness of the guns, groaning at the brilliantly awful jokes, and dazzling at the stunning world that Insomniac Games has created, with a colour palette to make any galaxy jealous. This is absolutely the magic of the original brought onto the PS4 in a beautiful remaster that proves that games don’t need to be totally overhauled to be brought onto current gen consoles. This is fun, imaginative and utterly wonderful.

12. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

The female-led Uncharted that you absolutely have to play

Specifications

Release Date: 2017Developer: Naughty DogGenre: Action adventure

Reasons to buy

+Incredibly compelling fresh protagonists+Storyline is one of the best in the series+Absolutely stunning visuals

Reasons to avoid

-Empty List

While Nathan Drake has been the face of the Uncharted series since it debuted in 2007 on the PS3, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (opens in new tab) is all about giving someone else a turn. Drake moves aside to let two female characters from the series – both former villains/double crossers, I might add – in the form of Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross. The two women are a compelling double act that still retain the feisty, tongue-in-cheek antics that’s synonymous with the Uncharted series, but with a fresh take on the boisterous bromance of Sully and Drake. Brilliant set pieces, top notch puzzles, and a touch of the supernatural all add up to make this an Uncharted spin-off that could just be the start of a new Uncharted tale. 

11. Shadow of the Colossus

Epic monsters on an epic console

Specifications

Release Date: 2018Developer: Team IcoGenre: Action adventure

Reasons to buy

+Atmospheric and intriguing world building+Cinematic and thrilling boss battles+Monsters look fantastic

Reasons to avoid

-Empty List

Shadow of the Colossus (opens in new tab) is one of those games that everyone wanted to be remastered for years upon years. And then it happened. Announced at E3 2017, but arrived in February 2018, this is the kind of game that makes huge ripples in the gaming industry, because it still felt as thought-provoking and artistic as it did when it originally released some 13 years earlier on the PS2. This is a genuine slice of gaming history, and you owe it to yourself to experience it. 

Turn to page two to see which titles fall into our ultimate top 10 best PS4 exclusives…

10. Ghost of Tsushima

A beautiful swan song for the PS4

Specifications

Release Date: 2020Developer: Sucker PunchGenre: Open world

Reasons to buy

+Empty List

Reasons to avoid

-Empty List

You’ll be thankful for every minute you spend in the beautiful, full, and surprisingly chill world of Ghost of Tsushima. Sucker Punch’s latest takes an Assassin’s Creed-style Japan, adds a Red Dead Redemption 2-sized world, and blends in an entire library’s worth of Akira Kurosawa movies to create this tribute to the Japanese culture is so clearly reveres. This is a fantastic swan song for the PS4.

09. Detroit: Become Human

One of the smartest narrative games ever made

Specifications

Release Date: 2018Developer: Quantic DreamGenre: Adventure

Reasons to buy

+Enhanced for PS4 Pro+So many endings to see+Looks incredible

The latest game to join this exclusive club, Detroit: Become Human is a tour de force of storytelling. It follows the story of three Androids, who all break their programming to become ‘free’ in the year 2038. As well as looking insanely pretty, this game does some interesting things with player choice – not only do you genuinely feel in control of the destiny of each character, but you’re also made aware of the different story paths you could have taken at the end of each level. It’s light on action, but heavy on talking, but that’s the point here. Once you invest in the various characters, and their struggles, you’ll be hooked… and you’ll genuinely fret over some of the game’s tougher moral choices.

08. Persona 5

One of the finest JRPGs around

Specifications

Release Date: 2016Developer: AtlusGenre: JRPG

Reasons to buy

+A classic JRPG+Masses of depth+Looks amazing

Playing Persona 5 (opens in new tab) borders on overstimulation due to its sheer sense of style, where everything from the colorful visuals and snazzy soundtrack to the vibrant menus and peppy voice acting is vying for your rapt attention. This accessible-yet-deep JRPG is like a playable anime, following a group of Japanese high schoolers who become empowered as the Phantom Thieves, bettering society by stealing the coveted items corrupting the hearts of delusional adults. Whether you’re infiltrating the psychological palaces of your chosen target or simply hanging out and building friendships via a wide variety of after-school activities, Persona 5 offers over 100 hours of joy to anyone with even the slightest affinity for JRPG adventures. And yes, you can technically play it on PS3 – but then you’d be missing out on that sweet, sweet 1080p resolution.

07. The Last Guardian

A sweeping epic that began life on PS3

Specifications

Release Date: 2016Developer: SonyGenre: Adventure

Reasons to buy

+Enhanced for PS4 Pro+Prequel to Shadow of the Colossus+Unique story

Fumito Ueda’s games are renowned for the way they stir the player’s emotions and sense of wonderment, and after years of waiting and wondering if it would ever see the light of day, The Last Guardian (opens in new tab) lives up to the same high standard as Ico and Shadow of the Colossus. You play as a young boy marooned among ancient ruins, befriending a humongous bird/dog hybrid named Trico as the two of you make your way towards freedom. Trico’s unique, at times disobedient, AI makes him feel like a truly living creature you need to coax and cooperate with in order to solve a variety of third-person puzzles, creating a bond between player and animal that’s not unlike the companionship of a real-world pet. 

06. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Nathan Drake’s latest and greatest

Specifications

Release Date: 2016Developer: Naughty DogGenre: Adventure

Reasons to buy

+Enhanced for PS4 Pro+Incredible looking game+Cracking multiplayer options

Like all the greatest action movies, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (opens in new tab) knows when to balance explosive set-pieces and riveting car chases with quieter moments of human drama and warmth. Nathan Drake’s still a lovable modern-day Indiana Jones, hunting for treasure and evading armed goons with panache, but watching him interact with his loved ones – Elena, Sully, and even his newly introduced brother Sam, all brought to life via fantastic mocapped performances – is more rewarding than the discovery of any ancient secret. Uncharted 4 is a fitting end for Nathan’s story, and playing it feels like completing the satisfying final chapter in a beloved adventure book that’s made an indelible mark on your heart.

05. Bloodborne

From the creators of the Dark Souls series

Specifications

Release Date: 2015Developer: FromSoftwareGenre: Action RPG

Reasons to buy

+Super hardcore game+Amazing gothic atmosphere+Going cheap in 2018

The night is dark and full of terrors, the majority of which will mercilessly kill you in seconds if you’re not careful. But that’s a risk you’ll just have to take to explore and experience Bloodborne (opens in new tab)‘s gorgeous gothic city of Yharnam, the setting for From Software’s brilliant spin-off that experiments with the studio’s own Dark Souls designs. This elegant third-person action RPG opts for a quicker pace of play compared to classic Souls without devaluing the need for constant caution and alertness, lest you fall prey to a diverse range of horrific monsters lurking through the Victorian-era environments. The dual forms of each melee weapon, mixed with the careful timing of pistol-enabled parries, gives you even more room to express your preferred fighting style as you claw your way from one memorable boss encounter or picturesque vista to the next, guided (or hostilely invaded) by the ghosts of other players.    

• Need the best PS4 headset (opens in new tab)? We’ve got you covered
• PS4 accessories (opens in new tab) – all you need for your console
• And here’s a list of all the enhanced PS4 Pro games (opens in new tab)

04. Marvel’s Spider-Man

The greatest superhero game of the generation

Reasons to buy

+Movement is incredible+Looks amazing+Loads to do

Reasons to avoid

-Empty List

Easily the best superhero game of recent years, Spider-Man is an absolute storming exclusive for PS4. It looks incredible, is stuffed full of things to see and do, and it feels glorious to play. From the moment you take your first swing around NYC, to the later stages when you’re mixing together movement, combat, and powers this is an absolute delight to just sit and play. The story is gripping, funny, and genuinely surprising in places, and the presentation is slick as hell. It very much captures the spirit of both the comics and the new Marvel versions of Spidey. If you’re looking for something brand new, which will wow your friends and keep you playing for weeks and weeks… this is the one for you.

03. Horizon Zero Dawn

An incredible open-world adventure

Specifications

Release Date: 2017Developer: Guerrilla GamesGenre: Adventure

Reasons to buy

+Enhanced for PS4 Pro+Beautiful photo mode+A massive adventure

We’ve seen far too many desolate, lifeless, post-apocalyptic wastelands in games, to the point where they’ve become as dreary as the crumbling world they portray. But Horizon Zero Dawn (opens in new tab) dares to push far, far beyond the fall of modern society to give us a glimpse at a new chapter for humanity, where primitive tribes have slowly begun to rebuild among unique species of sentient, robotic wildlife that roam and own the now-verdant ruins of metropolitan areas. You explore Horizon’s expansive, enchanting open world as Aloy, an instantly likeable lead who’s a capable and courageous hunter in this far-future frontier. Establishing diplomatic relations with other human tribes, exploring the breathtaking environment (and capturing Kodak moments with the delightful photo mode (opens in new tab)), hunting down every last secret tucked away in the sprawling landscape, trying to bag yourself a massive dino-like Thunderjaw – whatever you set out to do in Horizon Zero Dawn, it’s going to be incredible.

02. God of War

The best action PS4 title

Specifications

Release Date: 2018Developer: Sony Santa MonicaGenre: Adventure

Reasons to buy

+Enhanced for PS4 Pro+Looks incredible+A brilliant, action-filled story

Yes, it’s that good. The latest God of War, which essentially reboots the franchise and takes it to a whole new setting, is the best game you can play on PS4. And that’s something we may well be saying until PS5 inevitably rolls out. Ditching the linear action structure of the originals, this outing lets you explore a fully realised, utterly beautiful Norse world, picking fights and solving puzzles as you go. The story is both well written and well paced, with Kratos far more than a one-dimensional murder-machine now. Enemies are well constructed too, and the combat is just as fluid and thrilling as it always was. There are heaps of things to discover, and each new area is more jaw-dropping and feature-packed than the next. Only Horizon comes close to showing the power and versatility of the PlayStation in the same way, making God of War an essential purchase for anyone with a Dualshock in their hands and a hankering for a fresh experience. 

01. Last of Us Part 2

The best PS4 exclusive ever

Specifications

Release date: 2020Developer: Naughty DogGenre: Action

Reasons to buy

+Powerful storytelling+Fierce, brutal combat+Ingenious level design

Naughty Dog has closed out the PS4 generation with its most ambitious game to date. Not only does this exclusive justify its existence as the sequel none of us thought we needed, but it’s an outstanding achievement in its own right. Visually astonishing, absurdly ambitious, and utterly epic in scale, The Last of Us Part 2 (opens in new tab) is a game that will be a part of you for many, many years to come.

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The post The 20 best PS4 exclusives appeared first on Game News.

For the vast majority of PC gamers, you’re going to be in perfectly good hands with the likes of a current-generation Intel Core i5 CPU or AMD Ryzen 7, with either offering more-than-enough processing power to keep up with today’s games. With that said, should you want to branch out into the likes of multimedia production and other hardware intensive-tasks, then you’re going to want to aim a little higher. Value for money is of course paramount, so it all depends on what you intend to do with your gaming PC at the end of the day as far as the best CPU for gaming is concerned. 

Being able to save on your next processor will give you the option to spend that little bit extra on a faster SSD or more powerful graphics card, which are components that will provide a more noticeable difference to your machine. You’re unlikely to bottleneck your rig with a CPU that’s a generation behind, the same cannot be said for having a Turing video card in your computer instead of the RTX 30 series, which offers far superior performance across the board. With that said, these are our top picks for the best processors available right now to suit most budgets and preferences. 

Best CPU for gaming 2022

1. Intel Core i5-12600K

The best current generation Intel CPU for gaming

Specifications

Cores: 10 Core (16 Threads)Base clock speed: 3.70GHz Max clock speed: 4.90GHz

Reasons to buy

+Faster than 11th gen i9 CPUs +Outperforms most of the Ryzen 5000 line +Half the price of previous high-end Intel processors

Reasons to avoid

-Has trouble running some PC games -Compatibility issues with Windows 10

The recently released 12th generation Intel i5 Alder Lake processor does what people were expecting from Rocket Lake earlier this year – and actually dethrones AMD Ryzen 5000 series for a competitive price-to-performance ratio that’s hard to argue against. 

Comparing the Intel Core i5-12600K on the less-than-well-received Intel Core i9-11900K, and the 12600K actually outperforms it for a fraction of the cost. Indeed, its documented performance means it more than deserves a high spot in our roundup but misses out on that top slot for one simple reason: it doesn’t run every game – yet. It comes down to DRM (digital rights management) issues that certain newer games such as Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla and Immortals Fenyx Rising (PC Gamer has the full list available) that means that some titles won’t boot at all and others could face compatibility issues on Windows 10. 

Now, there is a workaround, and these problems could be ironed out sooner rather than later, but it’s something to keep in mind if you are willing to become an early adopter to the newest range of aggressively priced Intel Core CPUs this year. If you can see past that and want one of the latest processors going from Intel, then this is the one to aim for; a top CPU for gaming.

2. AMD Ryzen 5 5600x

The best overall value Ryzen CPU for gaming

Specifications

Cores: 6-core (12 threads) Base clock speed: 3.7GHzMax clock speed (Turbo): 4.6GHz

Reasons to buy

+Outperforms 10th-gen Intel chipsets +Holds its own against 11th-gen i5 +Competitively priced 

Reasons to avoid

-It’s still mid-tier for the 5000 line

The AMD Ryzen 5600X may not blow anyone away with its sheer power, but as far as AM4 current-generation chipsets from the company go, it’s very hard to beat at its current price point. What’s more, the 5600X is frequently on sale, down from its already competitive $260 MSRP.

The AMD Ryzen 5600X is a solid all-around performer with both its single-core and multi-core capabilities in-game, too. That’s due in part to this CPU’s higher-than-average clock speed combined with its quiet-yet-cool operation over extended periods of time. If you’re after a processor to keep your rig ticking over at its best, then the 5600X continues to impress across the board. 

3. Intel Core i9-12900K

The best current gen high-end Intel CPU for gaming

Specifications

Cores: 16-core (24 threads) Socket: LGA 1700 Base clock speed: 3.2Ghz Boost clock speed: 5.1Ghz

Reasons to buy

+Outstanding single core performance+Faster than the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X+The best high-end option for DDR5 RAM

Reasons to avoid

-It is very expensive

The Intel Core i9-12900K finally delivers on the chipset’s flagship status with some of the fastest single-core performance on the market, even beating that of AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X in many instances (according to our colleagues at Tom’s Hardware (opens in new tab)). For those in the know, that’s the fastest AM4 Ryzen chipset you can currently buy, and a CPU that will cost you significantly more than the i9-12900K’s still hefty
$589. 

What that means in practical terms is that the Intel Core i9-12900K is not only one of the best CPUs for gaming but also one of the fastest chipsets currently available. The one downside at the time of writing, however, is that you’ll need a DDR5 compliant motherboard like the Z690, for native PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support. If you’ve got the money for it, though, you’re going to witness blisteringly fast speeds that chew through even the most processor-intensive programs and latest games alike. 

4. Intel Core i7-12700K

The best all-round current generation Intel CPU

Specifications

Cores: 12-cores (20 threads)Socket: LGA 1700Base clock speed: 3.6GHzBoost clock speed: 4.9Ghz

Reasons to buy

+Excellent price-to-performance ratio+Built for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 +Competes against Ryzen 9 5900X

Reasons to avoid

-Power-hungry -You’ll need a Z960 motherboard

The Intel Core i7-12700K offers impressive real-world processing prowess for both general computing tasks and in the latest titles alike, making it easily one of the best CPUs for gaming. If you just need a chipset that’s capable of keeping up with the newest games first and foremost then the Intel Core i5-12600K is more-than-enough for that purpose. However, if you’re planning on using your rig as an all-purpose machine, then the i7-12700K is the way to go. 

We’ve contrasted the current generation of Intel CPUs against themselves, though, how does the $409 Intel Core i7-12700K stack up against the $549 AMD Ryzen 9 5900x? Remarkably well, as it goes. Though the 5900x may have more threads and a higher clock speed, we’ve seen that the i7-12700K either matches or surpasses it when the chips are down. 

Then there’s also the consideration of PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM support. The Intel Core i7-12700K will support DDR4 memory, but we advise going all-in with a future-proofed system to keep up with the ever-growing demands of modern games. If you’re after an all-rounder of a chipset that’s ready for the latest technological leaps in performance, then there’s very little you can fault this processor on. 

5. AMD Ryzen 9 5900x

The best high-end Ryzen CPU for gaming

Specifications

Cores: 12-core (24 threads)Base clock speed: 3.70GHz Max clock speed: 4.8GHz

Reasons to buy

+Unparalleled single-core performance +A powerhouse for gaming+Low power consumption

Reasons to avoid

-Overclocking doesn’t scale well

With its staggering 12-core (24 threads) architecture, it’s no surprise that this Ryzen processor is an absolute beast for just about any task put in front of it – especially high-end gaming in 4K at exceedingly high frame rates (when paired with a capable graphics card, of course). 

With that said, if you’re only interested in a processor from a raw gaming perspective, then the 5900x is absolute overkill. Indeed, how this chipset handles everything else – such as video rendering/encoding in high resolutions – tips it over the edge. If you’re in the creative field and need a real workhorse that can effortlessly game as well (and you’ve got the money), there’s no doubt that this is the one to get. In terms of speed, it’s the best CPU for gaming. 

6. Intel Core i5-11600K

The best value-for-money Intel CPU for gaming

Specifications

Cores: 6 Core (12 Threads)Base clock speed: 3.90GHzMax clock speed: 4.90GHz

Reasons to buy

+Similar performance for gaming with i7 +Affordable for a 6-core (12 thread) CPU +Holds its own against Ryzen 5 models+Excellent value

Reasons to avoid

-More elusive than other 11th gen i5 models 

Gaming in Quad HD (1440p) in high refresh rates or 4K60 on PC doesn’t need to be crazily expensive, and you can sure save a few bucks by opting for a just-as-capable 11th-gen i5 as opposed to an i7. Or an i9 monster, for that matter. The higher clock speed on the i5-11600K means it can hold its own effectively against Ryzen alternatives and some of the 11th generation i7 on CPUs (on a base level) from a purely gaming perspective as well. 

That’s to say nothing of the overclocking potential afforded by said-higher clock speed, with the potential of being able to be dialed up all the way to 4.90GHz. If you’re after a faster-than-light setup for gaming at a competitive price, there isn’t much better from Rocket Lake’s revisions for the money. 

Now you’ve got one of the best chipsets available for the money, keep your rig in top tier shape with the best gaming keyboard and best gaming monitor on the market, too. 

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It’s a burgeoning field encompassing some pretty complex technology, so choosing the best VR headset for you can be tricky. Price is always going to be a major consideration, of course, so when debating the ‘big three’ the PSVR automatically has a leg up, coming in at half or less than the price of its main competition. But price isn’t the end all, be all, certainly – performance, comfort, and library are also huge considerations that shouldn’t be overlooked. We’ve gone through and broken down the strengths of each of the top three platforms and explained who each is best suited for and why, in an effort to make sure you get your hands on the very best VR headset for you (or the lucky gamer on your shopping list) this holiday season.

Of course, to power PlayStation’s headset, you’ll need a PS4, so check out the best PS4 bundle (opens in new tab) deals happening right now. And both the Vive and the Rift require a solid gaming rig, so also stop by our best gaming PC (opens in new tab) roundup to find something to power your excursion into these ever-expanding digital realms.

• Find the best graphics cards for PC gaming (opens in new tab) to upgrade your rig for VR 
• Or read out guide on how to build a gaming PC (opens in new tab) that’s VR ready 
• Or get a PlayStation Pro bundle deal (opens in new tab) for your new PSVR headset 

 Oculus Rift 

The Rift was the headset that spearheaded the modern virtual reality renaissance. Way back when it was a Kickstarter project that was more promise than substance, the Rift ignited imaginations with visions of a virtual future and demonstrated that consumer-scale VR was possible. Through a slew of prototypes and iterations, huge injections of investment capital and an eventual $2 billion buyout by Facebook, the Rift has become the best destination for serious gaming in VR for those of us without infinite disposable income.

While the early prototypes and first retail versions of the Rift were notably lacking in terms of motion tracking and room scale capabilities, those weaknesses have been fully patched up in the latest iteration of the hardware, and the price has continued to drop. The Rift now comes with room scale functionality and a pair of its excellent touch controllers (easily the best VR controllers available) in its vanilla package, and at less than $400. It also has a massive and constantly expanding library of great games, ranging from multiplayer standouts like Echo Arena to sprawling single-player experiences like Skyrim VR. While Oculus has gone out of its way to say that they’re against exclusivity in VR titles and want VR to be as open and democratic as possible, there are still some excellent games that are only available on their headset, like Insomniac’s Edge of Nowhere or the fantasy action adventure Chronos. 

The Rift is midway between the Vive Pro and PSVR in terms of price point (and still $100 cheaper than even the base Vive), but offers a crisp 2160 x 1200 resolution, great roomscale (upgradable to proper 360 degree scale with the purchase of a third sensor) and, most importantly for VR, a 90Hz refresh rate. It’s excellent, proven hardware that’s come out of a long process of tweaking and refinement, and it has the advantage of being attached to PC hardware, meaning the performance ceiling is incredibly high. 

While the release of the Oculus Go means there’s a less expensive, more mainstream option available in the Oculus family, the library of games is significantly less impressive than its big brother headset. For gamers, the Go is much more likely to be a novelty that gets played with once or twice around the holidays and then ends up consigned to a dusty closet. Its being heavily marketed as a virtual screen room device and, while the standalone facet of its design is really attractive, gamers are better off waiting to see where the Oculus Quest falls in terms of design and performance. We’ll keep you updated as more news about the Quest emerges (and whether there’s any chance of it unseating the Rift at the top of the VR hill). Watch this space.

The HTC Vive Pro

Earlier this year, HTC provided an upscale, much improved new model of its Vive headset, the Vive Pro, and created an elite niche for users looking for the very best in virtual reality and willing to pay a significant premium to experience it. If you can afford it, there’s no question that the the Vive Pro is the best current option for top-shelf VR, though you’ll pay nearly double the price of the Rift (and the vanilla Vive looks like a tough sell at a hundred dollars more than Oculus offering). 

So what does your nearly $800 get you? The refresh rate remains at a blistering 90hz, like the vanilla Vive and the Rift, but the resolution of the Pro’s stereo screens has been upped to 2880 x 1600. The Vive Pro also takes advantage of HTC’s superior Lighthouse room scale technology. While finding places to mount the sensors high on your walls can be a bit more difficult than with the Rift, whose sensors can sit on any flat surface (and can be angled so that height isn’t a concern), Lighthouse tracking is second to none and the Pro allows for a larger play space. HTC also sells a separate wireless adapter for Vive, which does away with one of the most annoying aspects of room scale, the constant danger of getting tangled up with or tripping over the headsets cables.

The Vive Pro is hands down the best HMD currently available, and while the improvements are certainly noticeable, they’re not revolutionary. Whether they’re worth an additional $400 outlay largely comes down to your budget, and how much you want to be an early adopter of cutting edge VR tech.

PlayStation VR 

Sony’s foray into virtual reality is the most mainstream approach and is priced appropriately. The PlayStation VR HMD only displays at 1920×1080 resolution, which in VR is a fairly significant (though not devastating) downgrade, but it also boasts the fastest refresh rate of the three major headsets at 120hz. This isn’t the headset for tech snobs or those looking for the bleeding edge of virtual reality technology; PSVR is a play to get virtual reality into more homes and introduce it to the console base, loosening the PC technocracy’s stranglehold. Take a look at the best PlayStation VR bundle (opens in new tab) deals here, if you want to know more.

The major appeal of PSVR is the price and accessibility. Not only is the headset itself the cheapest of the big three, but it’s attached to the PS4, an affordable console even the pro version of which can be had for less than the price a mid-range gaming PC. Plus, PSVR is far and away the easiest of the three options to set up, another critical spoke in the wheel of its mainstream strategy. The only major stumbling block is that Sony’s HMD relies on its aging PlayStation camera and Move Controllers, which means room scale is less impressive and tracking is less accurate than the competition (and the Move controllers are definitely in last place in terms of comfortable grip and ease of use). 

That said, PSVR has a great library of games, including some really impressive exclusives like Resident Evil 7 and recent hits like AstroBot: Rescue Mission and Tetris Effect. If you already own a PS4, have an aging PC that’s less than ideal for the demands of virtual reality, or want to experience VR but don’t have a ton of extra cash, it’s a great choice that will give you a ‘full blown’ virtual experience at a wallet-friendly price. And Sony seems committed to supporting it going forward, having already released an updated model with some welcome design and performance improvements.

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The post Oculus Rift vs. HTC Vive Pro vs. PlayStation VR – how to choose the best VR headset and get the best price appeared first on Game News.