The post Best Dungeons and Dragons books 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>That’s why we’ve put together some recommendations of what you should priotize here – this is a list of the best Dungeons and Dragons books for fans, by fans. You’ll get the most out of these suggestions regardless of whether you’re a newcomer inspired by the likes of Stranger Things or a longtime adventurer hoping to expand their collection, and they’ll allow you to dive into one of the best tabletop RPGs without getting lost.
Because the best Dungeons and Dragons books can be expensive, we’ve been sure to include the lowest prices as well. Our bargain-hunting software is always rooting out discounts, so keep your eyes peeled for price cuts as you browse the best D&D books. You’ll be able to see any current discounts by clicking on the button under each entry.
As for how we chose these recommendations, our team only includes products we’ve used extensively ourselves. We run and play D&D games in our spare time, and in our experience, these have been the most useful Dungeons and Dragons books to have on the shelf.
Best Dungeons and Dragons books
1. Player’s Handbook
The best Dungeons and Dragons book overall
Specifications
For: EveryoneFeatures: Core rules and character creation
Reasons to buy
+Everything beginners need+Extensive character creation options+A one-stop shop for all things D&D
Reasons to avoid
-Traits can be limiting
Of all the D&D books out there right now, this is arguably the most important. As a detailed guide on gameplay, rules, how to create a character, and more, it’s a one-stop-shop for everything you need in order to begin your tabletop adventure. That’s true no matter how experienced a player you are, too; along with entry-level advice, the Player’s Handbook is crammed with advanced mechanics for combat and spellcasting. In essence, this is the Dungeons and Dragons bible. It’s beyond useful for players of every stripe, and it’s always handy to have a copy close by.
Even though it doesn’t include every playable species or class in the game, the Player’s Handbook also has more than enough to give you countless hours of gameplay. With nine races to choose from (including the classic elves, dwarves, and halflings), numerous backgrounds you can use, and rules for almost every class, it’s the place to start when making an adventurer for your next campaign.
This is one the best Dungeons and Dragons books for Dungeon Masters as well. Besides featuring info on everything from gods of the multiverse to equipment stats, it provides a few ideas for what the party can do on the side. Do they have a job? Hobbies? The Player’s Handbook gives you plenty to chew on, and we can’t recommend it enough.
2. Dungeon Master’s Guide
The best Dungeons and Dragons book for DMs
Specifications
For: Creating adventuresFeatures: Campaign and world-building tools
Reasons to buy
+Inspiring tips+Extensive creation tools+Pages of advice on world-building
Reasons to avoid
-Left wanting more
If you’ve ever thought about creating adventures for your group, the Dungeon Master’s Guide is essential reading. Besides arming you with all the tools you need for overseeing a game, it covers everything from making an awesome quest to forging a world of your own.
It’s not overwhelming, either. Regardless of what you want to do (be it crafting loot-filled ruins or getting tips on how to use miniatures in-game), the book’s advice is straightforward and easy to understand. Because there are so many helpful prompts, it’s practical as well.
The section on creating non-playable characters is particularly handy. It provides a wealth of traits, mannerisms, and quirks to choose from that can result in memorable individuals that are easier to roleplay. In addition, the fact that you can end up with countless permutations based on its suggestions is useful for time-strapped DMs.
3. Monsters of the Multiverse
The best Dungeons and Dragons book for new characters
Specifications
For: Players and DMsFeatures: 33 new playable races, 250+ monsters
Reasons to buy
+New races to play+Intriguing lore+Loads of unique monsters
Reasons to avoid
-We’ve seen a lot of it before
Tired of the same old character types? Monsters of the Multiverse should go straight onto your wishlist. It allows you to play something beyond traditional fantasy staples and offers 33 new races (ranging from fairies to owl-people) that can be used for your next hero. This makes it one of the best Dungeons and Dragons books by default; it lets your imagination run wild.
Crucially, all of the above will fit into any world. Although most started life elsewhere, they’ve been updated for this book with setting-neutral info. When combined with all-new lore and hand-written, pithy notes from existing characters, it’s a fascinating dive into D&D’s wilder side.
In addition, it features a sprawling 282-page bestiary filled with unusual and powerful monsters. Whole chapters are dedicated to beasts we often see as cannon-fodder, and you’re given a broader, less black-and-white view that makes them more well-rounded than they have been in the past. This isn’t about pigeon-holing cultures into categories of ‘good’ or ‘evil’; it takes a more measured, thoughtful approach.
4. Monster Manual
The best Dungeons and Dragons book for DIY adventures
Specifications
For: Creating encountersFeatures: Rules for almost every monster
Reasons to buy
+Hundreds of entries+Fantastic artwork+Lots of backstory and lore
Reasons to avoid
-Almost TOO much choice
The Monster Manual is a must-have if you’re running your own game; it helps Dungeon Masters call upon a host of nasty creatures to use in battle. Featuring classic foes like goblins and more unusual entries such as the many-eyed beholder, it’s full of surprises with which to challenge your players. Basically? This is the ultimate collection of baddies.
It’s one of the biggest Dungeons and Dragons books, too. There are over 350 pages to enjoy with lavish illustrations throughout, making it one of the most comprehensive fantasy bestiaries out there. Even if you don’t play D&D, it’s an inspiring read from start to finish thanks to the extensive worldbuilding inside.
However, it’s more than a curiosity for DMs. For them, it’s borderline-essential. With stats, abilities, and flavor text for hundreds of creatures, there’s something within the Monster Manual to suit every campaign you can think of. You’ll find useful context on where these enemies can be encountered too, not to mention why. That helps DMs weave monsters into the story naturally, making for a more immersive experience overall.
5. Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
The best Dungeons and Dragons book for advanced players
Specifications
For: Advanced players and DMsFeatures: New subclasses, DM tools, and inclusive traits
Reasons to buy
+Inventive new subclasses+Playful, whimsical tone+Very accommodating
Reasons to avoid
-Origins section is too short
Few D&D books make bigger promises than Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. In fact, it sets out to fundamentally change the game. And you know what? It works. Although there are the usual spells and magical items you’d expect, this one adds the Artificer class (tech whizzes that let you play as a medieval Iron Man) to shake things up. New subclasses have been thrown in for good measure, too. These are almost universally excellent, ranging from psionic warriors that battle with the power of their mind to fungi-based Druid circles that feel as if they’ve been pulled from The Last of Us.
What’s more, tweaked character traits are a revelation (even if they could do with more depth). Allowing players to escape rules that potentially force them toward one playstyle or another, it upends the table and lets you live your best fictional life. Want to be an academic orc who’d rather hit the books than smack someone with their axe? Now’s your chance.
In much the same vein, DMs are given more ideas, tools, and quest hooks than they’ll know what to do with. Tasha’s Cauldron winds up being the best D&D update in years as a result.
- Read more: Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything review
6. Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
The best Dungeons and Dragons book for advanced DMs
Specifications
For: Advanced DMs and playersFeatures: New backgrounds, subclasses, and DM tools
Reasons to buy
+Excellent subclasses+Fun character backstories+Numerous DM tools
Reasons to avoid
-Some overpowered options
The title isn’t an exaggeration; this supplement provides players and Dungeon Masters alike with new rules for almost every part of the game. No matter whether you’re looking for fresh spells, unusual subclasses, or traps in which to catch unsuspecting adventurers, Xanathar’s Guide has you covered.
However, we’d argue that DMs will get the most out of this Dungeons and Dragons book. There are dozens of encounter tables here to make exploration more exciting (and easier, for that matter) along with extensive rules on traps. Even downtime rivalries and pastimes are included, so the advice here should give your games additional spice.
Tying this esoteric knowledge together are asides from Xanathar (a beholder crime lord whose most prized possession is a goldfish), and these add flavor to proceedings. Wry notes are scattered throughout, leaving us with a memorable read.
7. Candlekeep Mysteries
The best Dungeons and Dragons book for oneshot games
Specifications
For: Short, one-off sessionsFeatures: 17 oneshot adventures
Reasons to buy
+One-off adventures+Fresh perspectives+Memorable storylines
Reasons to avoid
-Some adventures are better than others
Although prewritten adventures make up some of the best Dungeons and Dragons books, they’re a massive time commitment. Candlekeep Mysteries bucks that trend. Offering a series of one-off stories that can be plugged into any campaign, world, or setting, these quests can be completed in a single sitting. That makes them a great fit for groups that can’t meet regularly enough for weekly or monthly sessions.
More importantly, those adventures are great. Despite being united by some sort of mystery driving the plot (hence the name), there’s a tremendous amount of variety on offer. Traditional tales of derring-do, horror, satirical comedy, and more can be found within the pages of this D&D book, so there’s bound to be something to suit your party.
There’s a refreshing variety of perspectives on offer throughout, too. Candlekeep Mysteries isn’t limited to classic European fantasy, either; adventurers will visit places inspired by mythologies and cultures from around the world. Because so many of the stories told there are sure to stay with you for a long time, it’s well worth a look.
8. Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
The best Dungeons and Dragons book for horror fans
Specifications
For: Horror fansFeatures: New horror settings and worldbuilding tools
Reasons to buy
+Over 30 horror settings to play in+Inspiring tips on worldbuilding+Intriguing quest ideas
Reasons to avoid
-Lacks fun in-character notes
This D&D book is unsettling, but that’s the point. A whistle-stop tour of horror tropes both old and new, it’s crammed with tips on how to inject the genre into your games. Based around the horror-tinged realms of Ravenloft (prison-worlds created to contain evil Dark Lords in their own personal hell), it provides a baked-in excuse to explore any kind of fear-inducing cliche you can think of.
Like Candlekeep Mysteries, it’s got creativity to spare as well. In spite of a brisk pace that rattles through over 30 realms in total, the worldbuilding of Van Richten’s Guide is second to none. You get a real sense of each domain even though they’re only given three to four pages each, and all of them contain numerous quest hooks to fuel your campaigns. Some of these are compelling enough to maintain full-length adventures in their own right, so there’s plenty of value for your money here.
The same can be said about the book’s suggestions for creating your own horror worlds and characters. Namely, it’s insightful while also being laser-focused on what makes the genre tick (if you enjoy creating your own homebrew settings, it’s hard not to come away inspired). Sure, the genre isn’t for everyone. But the tips in Van Richten’s Guide are. This is comfortably one of the best Dungeons and Dragons books as a result.
For some models to go with your Dungeons and Dragons books, check out the best WizKids miniatures. You can also get some advice on how to create your first character in D&D or the best D&D class for beginners via our guides.
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]]>The post The best cheap Nintendo Switch bundle deals – all the latest sales in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>We generally see Nintendo Switch deals come and go in waves in both the US and UK, with bounties of stock available one week and shelves left barren the next. If you don’t quite make it to the stock below, then, we can safely say more will be along shortly. While Nintendo Switch OLED stock took a slight hit at the start of the month, we’re back to full capacity now, with plenty of consoles on the shelves. If the recent wobble has taught us anything, though, it’s that these devices aren’t set in stone, and could still trickle out of grasp.
You’ll find all the latest Nintendo Switch deals on the console by itself just below, and our pick of the best bundles available right now further down the page.
Today’s best Nintendo Switch deals
If you’re looking for Nintendo Switch deals on the console by itself, we’re rounding up all the latest prices from retailers across the web just below. You’ll find the best offers on the shelves right now in these comparison charts, but if you’re after a bundle deal, you’ll find all the latest discounts further down the page.
If you’re just looking for a handheld-only console, it’s worth checking out the Nintendo Switch Lite deals below. They are considerably cheaper than the main console (and much cheaper than the OLED model), but you are getting limited functionality without a docked mode. The standard price on these devices is $199 / £199.
Best Nintendo Switch bundles – US
(opens in new tab)Nintendo Switch OLED | $349.99 $339.99 at Walmart (opens in new tab)
Save $10 – We’ve seen the Nintendo Switch OLED stuck at $342 for a few weeks now, which makes this extra drop down to $339.99 so exciting. While that’s still $9 away from the record low $330 price, this is a particularly rare discount.
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Nintendo Switch | 128GB memory card | $320 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
You’re saving around $15 on this Nintendo Switch bundle at Amazon, with the 128GB official memory card coming in at $20 rather than its usual $34.99 MSRP. These bundles come and go with Amazon’s Switch stock, so we wouldn’t wait too long on this new arrival.
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Nintendo Switch | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | $349.98 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
While not as strong as the $299 Mario Kart 8 Nintendo Switch bundle we see over Black Friday, you’re still saving $10 on the full $59.99 MSRP of this must-have title with this offer. Considering we very rarely see too many bundle discounts in the US, those on the hunt for a standard edition console should take note here.
Best Nintendo Switch bundles – UK
Nintendo Switch | £259.99 £229.99 at The Game Collection (opens in new tab)
Save £30 – The Game Collection has been offering a £239 sales price on the Nintendo Switch by itself for some time now, but we’ve just spotted an additional £10 off that sales price. Considering this is the cheapest price we’ve ever seen on the standard edition, this is a must-see Nintendo Switch deal.
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Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch Sports | £289 £279 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £`10 – Currys was offering this Nintendo Switch bundle for £269 last week, but has bumped that back up to £279 today. Still, you’re getting a great price and still saving some cash on this new release and standard console.
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Nintendo Switch | Pokemon Legends Arceus | £299 £279 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £20 – Currys’ latest Nintendo Switch deals have the latest Pokemon title and a standard edition console for just £279 right now. That’s just £20 more than the cost of the device by itself.
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Nintendo Switch | Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga | £299 £279 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £20 – This is a great price on a recent release included in a Nintendo Switch bundle. You’re saving £20 on this Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga package, cutting the game’s price in half when bought with the £259.99 console.
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Nintendo Switch OLED | Minecraft | £329 £309 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £20 – You can pick up a free copy of Minecraft with this latest Nintendo Switch deal at Currys, and save £20 in the process. This is a game we often see included in bundles, but it’s a little rarer to find it at the console’s regular price.
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Nintendo Switch OLED | Stealth carry case | £309.99 at Argos (opens in new tab)
You can pick up a free Stealth carry case with your Nintendo Switch OLED at Argos right now. That’s excellent value if you’re keen on keeping your device protected straight from the off. However, this stock is regionally based, so it’s worth checking in with your local store for availability.
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Nintendo Switch OLED | PowerA Slim Case | £319.98 £309.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save £10 – You’re essentially picking up a free PowerA Slim case with your Nintendo Switch OLED thanks to this offer from Amazon. That’s perfect for those looking to keep their shiny new console protected from the off.
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Nintendo Switch OLED | Nintendo Switch Sports | £339 £319 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £20 – Nintendo Switch Sports usually comes in at £39.99, so grabbing it with a £309 Nintendo Switch OLED for just £319 is a particularly strong offer. This is one of the best bundles going right now.
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Nintendo Switch OLED | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | £349 £329 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £20 – If you’re looking to pick up a classic right from day one, this is the Nintendo Switch bundle for you. Currys has £20 off this Switch OLED and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe package right now, bringing the price down to £329. That means you’re getting the classic kart racer for just £20.
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Nintendo Switch OLED | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | £349 £329 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £20 – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild usually retails for between £50 and £60, so picking it up for just £20 on top of the £309 RRP of the OLED console itself is an excellent deal. You’ll find this offer available on both the white model (opens in new tab) and red and blue version at Currys.
Nintendo Switch Accessories
Eager to get some extras for your Nintendo Switch? We’ve gathered up a few essentials right here. For example, you’ll find some of the best Nintendo Switch accessories out there right now, be it Nintendo Switch SD cards to the best Nintendo Switch chargers.
If you’d like to play some local multiplayer with family or friends, on the other hand, we’ve also rounded up best Nintendo Switch controllers. Need some more Joy-cons or a Pro controller? This is the place to start.
Now that Bluetooth audio is finally available, it’s time to invest in some Nintendo Switch gaming headsets. These cups are generally cheaper than their PC counterparts, but you can still save plenty of cash. You’ll find all the latest prices on our top picks just below.
Which Nintendo Switch should you buy?
There are now (or soon to be) three models of Nintendo Switch to choose from. Each one does offer a different experience, though, so it’s important to choose the right version for you.
- Nintendo Switch (standard): This is the standard console experience as introduced back in 2017 (though most consoles on the shelves these days are the 2019 versions with a boosted battery life). Offering detachable controllers that can be shared between two people and a portable screen that allows you to play on TV or in handheld mode, it’s perfect for multiplayer and single-player games.
- Nintendo Switch Lite: The Nintendo Switch Lite is a handheld-only alternative, pitched as an entry-level console for kids or anyone playing on the go. While it’s a lot cheaper, it can’t be used on TV, doesn’t have detachable controllers, and lacks some features like joypad rumble. However, it will still play all the same games.
- Nintendo Switch OLED model: The latest version of the Switch features a 7-inch OLED screen, improved kickstand, and a slightly more streamlined build but aside from a few external updates, it offers all the same functionality as the standard Switch, complete with the same performance as well.
Where to find more Nintendo Switch deals
Whether you’re looking to find your own Nintendo Switch bundles or you’re after some cheap accessories and games, there are plenty of retailers offering solid savings on Ninty’s gadgets throughout the year. You’ll find all the stores we head to for Nintendo Switch deals just below.
US
- Amazon: sometimes offers memory card bundles (opens in new tab)
- Best Buy: regular savings on cheaper games (opens in new tab)
- CDKeys: big discounts on digital titles (opens in new tab)
- GameStop: best for merchandise and bundle offers (opens in new tab)
- Target: budget accessories and regular discounts on big titles (opens in new tab)
- Walmart: regularly offers savings on official accessories (opens in new tab)
UK
- Amazon: regularly offers cheaper bundles with budget accessories (opens in new tab)
- Argos: frequent special offers with cheap games and cases (opens in new tab)
- CDKeys: big savings on digital games (opens in new tab)
- Currys: often includes additional free gifts with bundles (opens in new tab)
- Game: regular bundle offers and cheap pre-owned games (opens in new tab)
- The Game Collection: heavy discounts on physical games (opens in new tab)
- Very: save on accessories and games (opens in new tab)
You’ll need something to keep that console safe – we’re rounding up all the best Nintendo Switch cases available right now. We’re also showing you how to find the right Nintendo Switch Online price for you, and rounding up all the latest Ring Fit Adventure deals as well.
The post The best cheap Nintendo Switch bundle deals – all the latest sales in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>The post The best gaming laptop 2022 – all the latest models compared appeared first on Game News.
]]>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:
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.
“In 2022, the Razer Blade 15 is still doing exactly what its ancestors did – leading in high-end components and luxury performance.”
Razer Blade 15 review
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:
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.
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:
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.
Faster action titles ran without a hitch, with that 360Hz refresh rate display acting as the cherry on the stunningly powerful cake.
Alienware M15 R7 review
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
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.
You’ll be hitting 60fps+ in most games as long as you’re happy not playing everything maxed out.
Asus TUF Dash F15 review
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:
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.
Whether trundling through Red Dead Redemption 2’s snowy landscapes or skimming webpages, everything feels sharp and snappy
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 review
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:
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.
Despite its noisy fans, the Alienware x17 R1 is a beast of a gaming laptop that will serve as an ideal desktop replacement for any serious gamer.
Alienware X17 review
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:
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.
The Alienware X14 earns its place on the mid-range shelf but will appeal more to those after a premium feel than those chasing framerates.
Alienware x14 review
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:
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.
It’s incredible to think that there’s so much oomph and beastly power in this tiny thing.
Razer Blade 14 review
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:
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.
All but the most demanding games should run comfortably above 60fps at maximum graphical settings
Acer Nitro 5 review
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
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.
]]>The post Best RTX 3080 PC deals in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>The cheapest RTX 3080 PC deal we’ve been able to find is the Alienware Aurora R10 for only $1,672.98 (was $1,790) (opens in new tab). This is one of the cheapest RTX 3080 PCs that we’ve seen in some time, featuring a Ryzen 9 CPU, whereas Ryzen 7s are far more common in this price range. In the UK, we’ve found the Vibox VII-47 for £1,774.95 (was £1,900) (opens in new tab) that comes with a 12th gen i7 CPU and 32GB RAM.
For those interested in portable power, we’re also rounding up the best RTX 3080 laptop deals as well. We’re seeing some of the more competitive rates on some of the best gaming laptops that money can buy, so don’t delay if you’ve had your eye on a portable powerhouse. Alternatively, hunt for GPUs for less with the best cheap graphics card deals, too.
Save on Alienware RTX 3080 PCs at Dell (opens in new tab)
Fortunately, you can save some cash on our favorite gaming PC featuring the RTX 3080 (both Intel and Ryzen configurations). It’s a great way to get into high-end PC gaming with the reliable build quality and a small enough form factor for desks and home entertainment system setups.
Best RTX 3080 PC deals in July 2022
RTX 3080 PC deals – US
Alienware Aurora R10 | $1,672.98 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
This is one of the cheapest RTX 3080 PCs that we’ve ever seen, as this Ryzen 7-powered PC comes in at well under the $1,700 mark. Simply put, we don’t see many machines selling at this price. Features: AMD Ryzen 7 5800, RTX 3080, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
CLX SET | $2,330 $1,899.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $430 – The CLX SET machine is outstanding value for money at just over the $2,000 mark. It’s worth remembering that CLX is one of the higher-end boutique brands with a price tag to match, so this discount is certainly appreciated. Features: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, RTX 3080, 16GB RAM, 240GB SSD + 2TB HDD.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Acer Predator Orion 5000 | $2,300 $2,099.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $200 – This is a stellar rate on the latest Acer Predator Orion 5000 machine at a very competitive price. You’re getting amazing build quality of this machine, as well as the latest 12th Gen i7 processor, DDR5 memory, and a superfast Gen 4.0 drive. Features: Intel Core i7-12700, RTX 3080, 16GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
CUK Continuum Micro Gamer | $2,200 $2,099.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save $100 – This is the cheapest price that we’re able to verify on the CUK Continuum Micro Gamer, and an overall stellar offer for the high-end machine of this spec. You’re getting double the RAM than what is seen at this rate. Features: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, RTX 3080, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme | $2,299.99 at Best Buy
(opens in new tab)Though not a deal, the biggest strength of this CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme build is the addition of the super powerful Ryzen 9 5900X processor. We rarely see this processor in rigs of this price range. Features: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, RTX 3080, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
ABS Legend (RTX 3080 Ti) | $3,900 $3,229.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save $670 – As far as RTX 3080 Ti builds go, this is one of the better ones we’ve found online from a reputable brand. Considering how powerful this PC is, this is a great rate with the discount factored in. Features: Intel Core i9-11900KF, RTX 3080 Ti, 16GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD.
UK RTX 3080 PC deals
Vibox VII-47 | £1,900 £1,774.95 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
This is an exceptional rate for the Vibox VII-47 and a great machine all round for the money. We think this RTX 3080 is certainly worthy of your time and attention. Features: Intel Core i7-12700F, RTX 3080, 32GB RAM, 480GB SSD + 2TB HDD.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
HP Omen 30L | £1,944 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Although this isn’t strictly an RTX 3080 PC deal, the sub-£1,950 price point makes this HP Omen 30L configuration a very tempting value-for-money offer in 2022. You’re getting powerful components inside, too, including the 5000 series AMD Ryzen CPU. Features: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, RTX 3080, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
OcUK Gaming Gallium | £2,500 £1,999.99 at Overclockers UK (opens in new tab)
Save £500 – This is the starting price for the OcUK Gaming Gallium build which comes shipped with respectable hardware as standard. You have the option to spec the build to order at an additional cost should you desire a faster CPU, more RAM, etc. Features: AMD Ryzen 5 5600x, RTX 3080, 16GB RAM, 500GB NVMe SSD.
And if you’re looking to try your luck with individual components, these are the best prices available on the RTX 30 series in all its various forms.
Graphics card stock
RTX 3050 prices | RTX 3060 prices | RTX 3060 Ti prices | RTX 3070 prices | RTX 3070 Ti prices| RTX 3080 prices | RTX 3080 Ti prices | RTX 3090 prices | RTX 3090 Ti prices
Laptop deals and stock
RTX 3050 laptop | RTX 3060 laptop | RTX 3070 laptop | RTX 3080 laptop
PC deals and stock
RTX 3060 PC | RTX 3070 PC | RTX 3090 PC
Upgrade the rest of your setup with the best gaming chairs, best gaming desks, and best gaming monitors.
The post Best RTX 3080 PC deals in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>The post The cheapest RTX 3050 laptop deals in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>That’s where we come in. We’ve been tracking gaming laptop deals for years now, so we know a good price when we see one. You’ll find all our top picks for the best RTX 3050 laptop deals just below, and we keep this page well stocked with new models every week. It’s important to note that picking up an RTX 3050 laptop means you won’t exactly be getting the best gaming laptop configuration on the market. This is Nvidia’s entry level card, so you won’t be getting the best possible visuals out of your games.
However, RTX 3080 laptops and RTX 3070 laptops can run up quite a bill, so if you’re happy with dropping your fps a little, you can find some excellent value a little further down the price bracket. Plus, you’re still picking up the latest generation here, so you’re future proofed for updates to come.
- Best in the US: Gigabyte G5 |
$999$699 at Best Buy (opens in new tab) - Best in the UK: Asus TUF |
£799.99£649.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
RTX 3050 laptop deals in the US
Gigabyte G5 RTX 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $999 $699 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $300 – You can save $300 on this Gigabyte G5 machine at Best Buy right now, a massive discount over the original $999 sales price. $699 is the cheapest price we’ve seen for an RTX 3050 laptop recently, and you’re getting a solid spec here indeed. These machines almost never offer up the 16GB RAM on offer here, or the 512GB SSD. You’ll also find a solid i5-11400H processor under the hood as well.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
MSI Katana GF66 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $799 $749 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save $50 – The MSI Katana has taken a $50 discount at Amazon this week, which might not sound like much by itself but is in fact a record low price. You’re still picking up a 144Hz display, i5-11400H processor and 512GB SSD with this RTX 3050 laptop, but sticking to the entry level 8GB RAM.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Asus TUF 17.3-inch gaming laptop | $999.99 $799.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $200 – There’s a $200 discount up for grabs on this massive 17.3-inch Asus TUF RTX 3050 Ti laptop at Best Buy this week. That’s excellent news if you’re looking for a little more grunt in your machine without breaking the bank. You’ll also find an i5-11400H processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD inside as well.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Dell G15 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,168.99 $799.99 at Dell (opens in new tab)
Save $369 – This is one of the best RTX 3050 laptop deals we’ve seen at Dell recently, with the G15 offering a boosted Ti version of the card with a solid i5-11260H processor and 512GB SSD for just $799.99. That’s a total saving of $369 – perfect if you’re looking for a little more power in your starter rig.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
HP Victus 16.1-inch gaming laptop | $929.99 $839 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save $90 – Amazon has a $90 discount on this slightly larger 16.1-inch HP Victus RTX 3050 laptop right now, bringing it down to $839. That’s slightly more than its $769 record low price but we haven’t seen that offer for a few months now. You’re getting an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD here.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Dell G15 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,368.99 $849.99 at Dell (opens in new tab)
Save $519 – If you’re looking for a more sophisticated version of the Dell G15, you’ll find a $519 discount on this RTX 3050 Ti model. That brings the price down to $849.99 on this 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD model, sporting a speedy Ryzen 7 5800H processor.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
MSI GF63 Thin 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,056.99 $849.99 (with $100 rebate) at Newegg (opens in new tab)
Save $207 – Packing 16GB RAM and an RTX 3050 Ti GPU, this MSI GF63 offers a spec list that’s comfortable in the lower mid-range, but at an entry level price. If you’re after that MSI flair, with a 144Hz refresh rate and i5-11400H CPU no less, this is worth a look.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
HP Omen 16.1-inch gaming laptop | $1,329.99 $899.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $430 – Best Buy has a massive $430 discount on this 16.1-inch HP Omen this week – stunning value considering there’s a boosted RTX 3050 Ti graphics card and 16GB RAM under the hood. Not only that, but you’re also picking up an Ryzen 7 processor and 512GB SSD to boot.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Lenovo Legion 5 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,199.99 $899.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $300 – Packing an RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, Ryzen 7 5800H processor, and a 512GB SSD, this Lenovo Legion 5 is looking particularly good value at just $899.99. You’re saving $300 at Best Buy here, from an original $1,199.99 MSRP.
RTX 3050 laptop deals in the UK
Asus TUF 15.6-inch gaming laptop | £799.99 £649.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save £150 – There’s an excellent £649.99 price tag on this Asus TUF gaming laptop at Amazon right now, all thanks to a £150 saving. You’re certainly not skimping on the specs here either, with a 144Hz display, 512GB SSD, and i5-11400H processor. Of course, at this price, that 8GB RAM is to be expected but will still see you through plenty of games.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Gigabyte G5 15.6-inch gaming laptop | £849 £749 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £100 – We rarely see 16GB RAM in RTX 3050 laptops under £800, but this Gigabyte G5 model is doing just that this week at Currys. You can pick up this i5-11400H configuration, with 512GB SSD to boot, for just £749 right now – £100 down from the £849 RRP.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
MSI Katana GF66 15.6-inch gaming laptop | £1,199 £899 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £300 – This is one of the first RTX 3050 Ti laptop deals we’ve seen sporting the latest i7-12700H processor. That means you’re getting some serious value for money here, with a lightning fast CPU and turbo charged version of the 3050 card. All that grunt is supported by 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, and wrapped up with a 144Hz refresh rate display.
- US RTX 3050 laptop retailers: Best Buy (opens in new tab) | Amazon (opens in new tab) | Dell (opens in new tab) | Newegg (opens in new tab)
- UK RTX 3050 laptop retailers: Amazon (opens in new tab) | Currys (opens in new tab) | Ebuyer (opens in new tab) | Laptops Direct (opens in new tab)
While not as fierce around the RTX 3050, many are wondering where to buy RTX 3060 graphics cards these days, as well as where to buy RTX 3070 GPUs as well. RTX 3080 stock is particularly difficult to get your hands on.
That makes building your own machine a little tricky, which is why we’re also rounding up all the latest RTX 3060 PC, RTX 3070 PC, and RTX 3080 PC deals on the shelves right now. If you’re really looking to push the boat out, you’ll also find a selection of RTX 3090 PC deals up for grabs.
The post The cheapest RTX 3050 laptop deals in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>The post Rode RodeCaster Pro II review: “An encompassing solution for all creators” appeared first on Game News.
]]>Design
The RodeCaster Pro II is a sleek bit of kit which is comprehensive yet understandable on the face of it. From a top-down point of view, you’ve got a 5.5-inch HD touchscreen with haptic feedback, six channel fading sliders with corresponding channel buttons above them (with dedicated mute and monitoring below), as well as a rotary encoder dial, dedicated recording button, and eight physical smart pads on the right-hand side. Suffice to say, you’re certainly getting the full gallery experience here, with this setup proving immediately familiar to anyone who has ever been inside a recording studio or radio desk.
Turning the RodeCaster Pro II around and you’re presented with all the connectivity options that you would hope to find in a premium mixing desk / interface combo such as this. Power is delivered through USB-C, and there are two dedicated further USB-C ports for connectivity for devices such as your computer, and phone as well as iPad or other gaming tablets.
There’s also an Ethernet port for those wanting a wired connection. As far as outputs are concerned, you’re spoiled for choice here with 4x 1/4-inch outputs for headphone monitoring and left and right outputs for speakers or external devices. You can even record directly to Micro SD.
The aesthetics of the RodeCaster Pro II match the overall clean and straightforward design language that the Australian audio brand is known for and, on the surface, isn’t immediately too different from the first model from nearly four years ago. My particular review unit came with a specially engineered plastic hard cover that lightly sits on top of the interface (which retails for $50). While certainly a nice to have and non-essential add-on, I’d recommend the cover to anyone wanting to keep the various buttons, dials, pads, and sliders dust-free.
Features
Living up to the promise of being the ‘world’s most powerful all-in-one audio production solution’, you won’t be surprised to hear that the RodeCaster Pro II is full to bursting with features for just about any use you can think of. The quad-core audio engine, complete with 512MB of internal flash memory, powers the Studio-grade Aphex audio processing and Resolution preamps for low noise to high gain pickup which I’ll explain in detail a little further on.
For PC streamers, you’re also to connect to two computers at once through USB-C running separate audio sources which will no doubt be ideal for the hardcore streamers using the main rig and a laptop for chat monitoring, too. This is also useful for those wanting specific control over their volume mixers for the likes of Discord, Apple Music, your game audio, and microphone input, but more on that later.
One of the most useful features of the Rodecaster Pro II is how it integrates with the Rode Central desktop application which can be used to tweak your settings, customize the RGB lighting, and save your specified presets as well as download firmware updates. New features are coming all the time, with a major update being released in my time testing the unit, so you’ll want to be connected to the internet if possible here for the best software version possible. For maximum compatibility, the device is also MFi certified for iOS devices, and can connect through Bluetooth as well.
Performance
In my extensive testing with the RodeCaster Pro II, I’ve been continuously impressed with what this all-in-one production interface can do. I should clarify that while the main purpose of this device may be aimed at podcasters, I have been using it in everything from streaming across Twitch and YouTube, to recording music, and as my main setup for voice calls alongside the Rode NTH 100 and Rode PodMic. If you’re already immersed in the Rode ecosystem for any of the Australian brand’s gear, then you’ll be well catered to with this interface.
There’s a level of versatility and control to the RodeCaster Pro II that makes it ideal for streaming, and that’s perhaps going to be the greatest strength of this device when compared to some other audio interfaces. For example, while the unit has six physical sliders which can be dialed to your desired level, you can then further fine-tune more specifically with options in the touchscreen interface. I found in my testing that using the specifically engineered ‘PodMic’ setting in the operating system made by mic be picked up cleanly with strong control over the pre-amp and dampening settings. It’s worth noting that other Condensor / cardioid microphones, such as the Shure SM7B are included, too, so you’re not just limited to Rode-only gear here.
You can make things as easy or as complicated as you want here, and for me, that meant moving the gallery-style slider up roughly 3/4 of the way to avoid any clipping, and then scaling back the sensitivity in the software. This is where those Revolution preamps come into their own, with an accurate, and clean sound profile meaning I didn’t have to use a booster or crank the gain to be heard accurately. A small touch, but one that in all my years of using interfaces and XLR microphones is certainly appreciated here as a quality of life upgrade.
We’ve briefly touched on Smart Pads above, innovating on the original’s sound pads with a new level of customizability here. Not unlike the Elgato Stream Deck and other powerful live streaming shorthand bits of kit, these colored pads can be programmed to do a wide range of different things. Through the Rode Central software, you can upload and program your own sound effects, modulation, and sound bites onto these. While I cannot speak as to what other people will use them for, I used these pads with a fade-in and out feature as well as utilizing the Back Channel Mode to cleanly check in on my feed without having to mess around with my physical settings. You could very easily use them as hotkeys for donation notifications, bits, subscriber jingles, or whatever else appeals in a pinch.
The four Neutrik combo inputs on the front (either for XLR or 1/4-inch jack) proved to be very effective for tracking electric guitar. I was surprised to find specified settings for running instruments through the RodeCaster Pro II, and the same extent in volume, gain, and level control very much applies to direct signal as well. The suite of preamps and post-processing effects can be tailored to your preferences, but in my testing, I choose to keep things as clean and ‘dry’ as possible. I did notice that the Revolution pre-amp made by guitar sound a fair bit brighter and louder without coming in too hot when tracking through Cockos Reaper and using plugins like Bias FX 2, Bias AMP 2, and EZ Mix 2. My previous interfaces to the RodeCaster Pro II, a Behringer U-phoria UMC202 HD, and before that the Focusrite Scarlett Solo really do pale in comparison here.
What’s particularly powerful about the Rodecaster Pro II for musicians is how you can use the deck’s physical and software-based mixing features to delicately balance the sound of your instruments and vocals being tracked at the same time. While many audio interfaces do give you options to plug both (or more) in at once, I’ve never felt the confidence to mix on the fly so effortlessly as what I’ve heard through this unit.
Should you buy the Rode Rodecaster Pro II?
If you’re someone who wants to take content creation in any form to the next level then the Rode Rodecaster Pro II is an easy recommendation for musicians, podcasters, live streamers, and anyone else who wants more control over their audio. If you’re someone who already has experience with the original Rodecaster Pro from December 2018, I personally believe that there’s enough new here to justify an upgrade to the latest and greatest, too.
How we tested the Rode RodeCaster Pro II
I’ve been using the RodeCaster Pro II for around three weeks in everything from producing music in programs such as Reaper using plugins from Bias and Toontrack, to live streaming in OBS Streamlabs. I have also been using the RodeCaster Pro II to power my PodMic microphone through the 48V Phantom Power to talk with friends on various desktop applications as well as speak to colleagues through Google Meet.
Complete your setup with one of the best webcams, best green screens, and best ring lights on the market.
The Verdict
5
5 out of 5
Rode Rodecaster Pro II
The RodeCaster Pro II innovates on the original model as an all-in-one powerhouse interface and audio production studio. Whether you’re a streamer, musician, or podcaster, the brand’s latest effort is an encompassing solution for all creators.
The post Rode RodeCaster Pro II review: “An encompassing solution for all creators” appeared first on Game News.
]]>The post The cheapest RTX 3050 laptop deals in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>That’s where we come in. We’ve been tracking gaming laptop deals for years now, so we know a good price when we see one. You’ll find all our top picks for the best RTX 3050 laptop deals just below, and we keep this page well stocked with new models every week. It’s important to note that picking up an RTX 3050 laptop means you won’t exactly be getting the best gaming laptop configuration on the market. This is Nvidia’s entry level card, so you won’t be getting the best possible visuals out of your games.
However, RTX 3080 laptops and RTX 3070 laptops can run up quite a bill, so if you’re happy with dropping your fps a little, you can find some excellent value a little further down the price bracket. Plus, you’re still picking up the latest generation here, so you’re future proofed for updates to come.
- Best in the US: Gigabyte G5 |
$999$699 at Best Buy (opens in new tab) - Best in the UK: Asus TUF |
£799.99£649.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
RTX 3050 laptop deals in the US
Gigabyte G5 RTX 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $999 $699 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $300 – You can save $300 on this Gigabyte G5 machine at Best Buy right now, a massive discount over the original $999 sales price. $699 is the cheapest price we’ve seen for an RTX 3050 laptop recently, and you’re getting a solid spec here indeed. These machines almost never offer up the 16GB RAM on offer here, or the 512GB SSD. You’ll also find a solid i5-11400H processor under the hood as well.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
MSI Katana GF66 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $799 $749 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save $50 – The MSI Katana has taken a $50 discount at Amazon this week, which might not sound like much by itself but is in fact a record low price. You’re still picking up a 144Hz display, i5-11400H processor and 512GB SSD with this RTX 3050 laptop, but sticking to the entry level 8GB RAM.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Asus TUF 17.3-inch gaming laptop | $999.99 $799.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $200 – There’s a $200 discount up for grabs on this massive 17.3-inch Asus TUF RTX 3050 Ti laptop at Best Buy this week. That’s excellent news if you’re looking for a little more grunt in your machine without breaking the bank. You’ll also find an i5-11400H processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD inside as well.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Dell G15 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,168.99 $799.99 at Dell (opens in new tab)
Save $369 – This is one of the best RTX 3050 laptop deals we’ve seen at Dell recently, with the G15 offering a boosted Ti version of the card with a solid i5-11260H processor and 512GB SSD for just $799.99. That’s a total saving of $369 – perfect if you’re looking for a little more power in your starter rig.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
HP Victus 16.1-inch gaming laptop | $929.99 $839 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save $90 – Amazon has a $90 discount on this slightly larger 16.1-inch HP Victus RTX 3050 laptop right now, bringing it down to $839. That’s slightly more than its $769 record low price but we haven’t seen that offer for a few months now. You’re getting an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD here.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Dell G15 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,368.99 $849.99 at Dell (opens in new tab)
Save $519 – If you’re looking for a more sophisticated version of the Dell G15, you’ll find a $519 discount on this RTX 3050 Ti model. That brings the price down to $849.99 on this 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD model, sporting a speedy Ryzen 7 5800H processor.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
MSI GF63 Thin 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,056.99 $849.99 (with $100 rebate) at Newegg (opens in new tab)
Save $207 – Packing 16GB RAM and an RTX 3050 Ti GPU, this MSI GF63 offers a spec list that’s comfortable in the lower mid-range, but at an entry level price. If you’re after that MSI flair, with a 144Hz refresh rate and i5-11400H CPU no less, this is worth a look.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
HP Omen 16.1-inch gaming laptop | $1,329.99 $899.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $430 – Best Buy has a massive $430 discount on this 16.1-inch HP Omen this week – stunning value considering there’s a boosted RTX 3050 Ti graphics card and 16GB RAM under the hood. Not only that, but you’re also picking up an Ryzen 7 processor and 512GB SSD to boot.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Lenovo Legion 5 15.6-inch gaming laptop | $1,199.99 $899.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $300 – Packing an RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, Ryzen 7 5800H processor, and a 512GB SSD, this Lenovo Legion 5 is looking particularly good value at just $899.99. You’re saving $300 at Best Buy here, from an original $1,199.99 MSRP.
RTX 3050 laptop deals in the UK
Asus TUF 15.6-inch gaming laptop | £799.99 £649.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save £150 – There’s an excellent £649.99 price tag on this Asus TUF gaming laptop at Amazon right now, all thanks to a £150 saving. You’re certainly not skimping on the specs here either, with a 144Hz display, 512GB SSD, and i5-11400H processor. Of course, at this price, that 8GB RAM is to be expected but will still see you through plenty of games.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Gigabyte G5 15.6-inch gaming laptop | £849 £749 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £100 – We rarely see 16GB RAM in RTX 3050 laptops under £800, but this Gigabyte G5 model is doing just that this week at Currys. You can pick up this i5-11400H configuration, with 512GB SSD to boot, for just £749 right now – £100 down from the £849 RRP.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
MSI Katana GF66 15.6-inch gaming laptop | £1,199 £899 at Currys (opens in new tab)
Save £300 – This is one of the first RTX 3050 Ti laptop deals we’ve seen sporting the latest i7-12700H processor. That means you’re getting some serious value for money here, with a lightning fast CPU and turbo charged version of the 3050 card. All that grunt is supported by 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, and wrapped up with a 144Hz refresh rate display.
- US RTX 3050 laptop retailers: Best Buy (opens in new tab) | Amazon (opens in new tab) | Dell (opens in new tab) | Newegg (opens in new tab)
- UK RTX 3050 laptop retailers: Amazon (opens in new tab) | Currys (opens in new tab) | Ebuyer (opens in new tab) | Laptops Direct (opens in new tab)
While not as fierce around the RTX 3050, many are wondering where to buy RTX 3060 graphics cards these days, as well as where to buy RTX 3070 GPUs as well. RTX 3080 stock is particularly difficult to get your hands on.
That makes building your own machine a little tricky, which is why we’re also rounding up all the latest RTX 3060 PC, RTX 3070 PC, and RTX 3080 PC deals on the shelves right now. If you’re really looking to push the boat out, you’ll also find a selection of RTX 3090 PC deals up for grabs.
The post The cheapest RTX 3050 laptop deals in July 2022 appeared first on Game News.
]]>The post PS5 restock updates – Your guide to buying a PlayStation 5 appeared first on Game News.
]]>But, that’s where we come in. We’ve been tracking PS5 stock relentlessly and come bearing a few tips and tricks to help guide you towards the coveted console. And with so many awesome upcoming PS5 games on the near horizon, not to mention the release of PSVR 2, now’s a great time to buy a PS5.
That’s why we make sure to stick with the trusted retailers – think Walmart (opens in new tab), Best Buy (opens in new tab), Target (opens in new tab), and Sony (opens in new tab) in the US and PlayStation direct (opens in new tab), Amazon UK (opens in new tab), and GAME (opens in new tab) in the UK – so you don’t have to worry about being shipped a brick in a PS5 box or having to deal with scalper prices.
When you finally do get your hands on a PS5 we’ll still be here to help, so be sure to head on over to our best PS5 accessories and best PS5 headsets guides to complete your setup.
Where to buy a PS5: check these stores for stock
- USA PS5 ($499.99): Amazon (opens in new tab) | Best Buy (opens in new tab) | Walmart (opens in new tab) | Target (opens in new tab) | GameStop (opens in new tab) | B&H Photo (opens in new tab) | Newegg (opens in new tab) | Adorama (opens in new tab) | Sony | Sam’s Club (opens in new tab)
- USA PS5 Digital Edition ($399.99): Amazon (opens in new tab) | Best Buy (opens in new tab) | Walmart (opens in new tab) | Target (opens in new tab) | GameStop (opens in new tab) | B&H Photo (opens in new tab) | Newegg (opens in new tab) | Adorama (opens in new tab) | Sony | Sam’s Club (opens in new tab)
- UK PS5 (£449.99): Amazon (opens in new tab) | Very (opens in new tab) | John Lewis (opens in new tab) | Argos (opens in new tab) | Currys (opens in new tab) | Box (opens in new tab) | eBuyer (opens in new tab) | AO (opens in new tab) | Game (opens in new tab)
- UK PS5 Digital Edition (£359.99): Amazon (opens in new tab) | Very (opens in new tab) | Argos (opens in new tab) | Currys (opens in new tab) | Box (opens in new tab) | eBuyer (opens in new tab)
Let’s have a closer look at some retailers below. We’ll let you know what they’ve been up to lately and how likely they are to get PS5 restock updates any time soon.
Where to buy PS5 – USA
Amazon (opens in new tab) – last PS5 restock on June 2
Amazon has said it’s giving priority PS5 access to Prime members through March 31, so expect a restock to happen before the end of the month. Just remember, PS5s should be $499 for the standard version and $399 for the digital edition, so resist buying one from a reseller charging a premium!
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Walmart (opens in new tab) – last PS5 restock on June 2
The traditional Thursday PS5 restocks might well be back folks. Sometimes you’ll see a time on the listing page when PS5 stock is set to go live on the day. If you just miss out, stick around as it usually updates with another time shortly after for a second or third resupply the same day.
If you fancy giving Walmart Plus a go for free right now by the way, for free speedy delivery, discounted fuel, and other benefits, there’s currently a 15-day free trial (opens in new tab).
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
GameStop (opens in new tab) – last PS5 restock on June 24
Things are picking up at GameStop with PS5 stock seemingly coming in at least once a week on a regular basis recently. Wednesdays or Thursdays seem to be your best bet. Bundles are often available, so if you spot any you like, dive in as they sell out (slightly) slower than solo consoles.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Target (opens in new tab) – last PS5 restock on April 15
After a long period of sticking with PS5 restocks on a Wednesday or Thursday, Target has really started messing with the formula of late. Friday was a thing, then all of a sudden we now have a Monday drop. The early starts of 6-10am ET seems to be holding though and stock is dependent on where about in the US you are. So throw in your zip code and try your luck!
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Best Buy (opens in new tab) – last PS5 restock on June 7
This store hasn’t been as prolific of late, but given the huge reach we’d never count it out. We’ve given up trying to predict Best Buy PS5 days as the Thursday/Friday pattern it once favored has been all over the place lately with weekend and Monday drops popping up at random. Great, more randomness.
Where to buy PS5 – UK
Amazon (opens in new tab)
Various Amazon websites in mainland Europe have had stock recently, so we’re thinking a PS5 restock drop could be UK-bound at any moment. Keep trying your luck as Amazon hasn’t had anything for a while, so the next shipment could be a big one.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Very (opens in new tab)
Very has been quiet for a PS5 restock since March. When it does get it, there’s often an online rolling queue which perhaps gets around the scalper bots problem, giving more genuine buyers a shot at finding the PS5 in stock. Note: Very often deletes the PS5 product listing page when out of stock, so you might have to search manually for the PS5 on the site.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Currys (opens in new tab)
The Currys website has been one of the best in the UK as far as bricks and mortar stores adapting to online go and it’s been a regular on our PS5 restock updates alerts over the last few months. It often gives people a heads-up on when the next chance to buy a PS5 online will be, although we’re not massive fans of having to join a digital queue on the busier days (get yourself signed in and everything in advance folks next time stock is coming), we’ll keep you updated here next time that’s announced too. Currys has also just launched an online PS5 ballot system (opens in new tab) for a chance to buy one in person, so that’s a hat more than worth throwing your name into if you’re tired of the search.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Argos (opens in new tab)
Calling all you night owls, Argos might be your best store to buy a PS5 from while stock is this bad nationwide. That’s because the store tends to put stock online in the middle of the night, often around 3 or 4am. There’s very little, if any, warning ahead of time too. We often check out the PS5 stock rumor mill first thing on Twitter in the morning and have seen plenty of threads from frustrated day walkers, although nothing so far this week.
Where to buy PS5 – Canada
- Canada PS5 ($629.99): Amazon (opens in new tab) | Walmart (opens in new tab) | Best Buy (opens in new tab)
- Canada PS5 Digital Edition ($499.99): Amazon (opens in new tab) | Best Buy (opens in new tab) | Walmart (opens in new tab)
Another item you might want to pick up once you’ve been able to buy a PS5 is one of the options on our best PS5 external hard drives page to increase your storage capacity. Or if you’ve got the need for speed, the best PS5 SSD might be worth a look.
The post PS5 restock updates – Your guide to buying a PlayStation 5 appeared first on Game News.
]]>The post Amazon Prime Day Fire Stick deals 2022: discounts that are still live in the aftermath appeared first on Game News.
]]>There were discounts on your bog-standard Fire Stick as well as the 4K version and even the Fire Cube. We’ve rounded all the discounts up and dropped them below so you can have a look at what Amazon Prime Day Fire Stick deals were available. We’re also keeping an eye on Prime Day TV deals, too, in case you want to have a top-tier streaming setup for less.
Keep in mind that you’ll need an Amazon Prime membership in order to take advantage of these prices, if you don’t already have a subscription, don’t worry – there’s a link further down the page where you can find a 30-day free trial.
Try out a 30-day Amazon Prime free trial (opens in new tab)
If you want to get your hands on the best Prime Day Fire Stick deals then an Amazon Prime membership is the way to go. Fortunately, you can try out the service risk-free for 30-days risk-free. A subscription costs $14.99 / £7.99 per month, should you want to keep the Amazon benefits rolling once the trial time is done.
The best Prime Day Fire Stick deals in the US
Fire TV Stick Lite | $30 $11.99 at Amazon
Save $18 / 60% – This is a huge saving of better than half price on the entry-level Fire Stick model, smashing the previous historic lowest rate by a full $8. We’ve never seen the budget model anywhere near this affordable before, so cannot guarantee it’ll hang around forever at this price.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote | $39.99 $16.99 at Amazon
Save $23 – This is a massive 58% saving which brings the Fire TV Stick down to a brand new all-time low. This product goes on sale often to $23 but never as low as $16.99. This deal is a must-see for anyone looking to transform their TV into a smart TV.
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Fire TV Stick 4K | $49.99 $29.99 at Amazon
Save $25; 50% – This is a return to the historic lowest price we’ve ever seen on the Fire TV Stick 4K, having hit this rate once before over the Winter sales events. Simply put, there’s never been a better time to invest in the 4K stick for less.
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Fire TV Stick 4K Max | $55 $34.99 at Amazon
Save $20 – The Fire TV Stick 4K Max returns to the lowest ever price, which we originally saw back over last year’s Black Friday sales event. This is a rate that hasn’t been beaten, and we’re not expecting that to change in the next two days.
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Certified Refurbished Fire TV Cube | $99.99 $49.99 at Amazon
(opens in new tab)Save $50.00 – This refurbished unit is currently half off of the MRSP of a new unit. If you are on the hunt for a great budget option then this Fire TV Cube is tested and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same warranty period as a brand new device. It has never come this low before so this is a must-see deal.
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Fire TV Cube, Hands-free streaming device with Alexa, 4K Ultra HD | $119.99 $59.99 at Amazon
Save $60 – You can currently get this Fire TV Cube for half price which brings it down to its lowest price point ever. The previous lowest price was at $69.99, this discount is an entire $10 lower making this deal a must-see this Prime Day.
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Amazon Fire TV 50-inch 4K | $470 $259.99 at Amazon
Save $210; 45% – Although not strictly a Fire Stick deal, this Fire TV offer is too good to pass up here, with this 50-inch 4K model including all the functionality built right in. This is already a great price for such a large Ultra HD display, but adding in the Fire features, and at the lowest recorded rate no less, this is an easy recommendation in our minds.
The best Prime Day Fire Stick deals in the UK
Fire TV Stick Lite | £30 £12.99 at Amazon
Save £17- 57% – Simply put, this is the cheapest price that we’re able to verify on the Fire TV Stick Lite and a rate that we don’t see being beaten tomorrow, though anything’s possible. If you want Full HD streaming, you can’t ask for more for under £13.
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Fire TV Stick with Alexa | £40 £17.99 at Amazon
Save £22 – 55% – This is the historic lowest ever price of the Alexa-powered Fire TV Stick besting the previous rate by £2. There has never been a better time to get your hands on the entry-level Fire TV Stick at under £20 for the first time.
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Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa | £50 £22.99 at Amazon
Save £27 – 54% – Now you can get the Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa at the historic lowest ever price, exceeding the previous lowest rate we saw over Black Friday last year. At better than half price, this is a sterling time to get into 4K content for a very aggressive price.
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Fire TV Stick 4K Max | £55 £32.99 at Amazon
Save £22 – We’ve never seen the highest-end Fire TV Stick available at this price point before. This is the lowest price which smashes the pre-holiday sale back in December by a full £5. You’re getting the full suite of features as well as WiFi 6 support for the same as the standard model today.
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Fire TV Cube | £110 £54.99 at Amazon
Save £55 – 50% – We’ve never seen the Fire TV Cube this cheap before, and we’re unsure if this price will be beaten on the day. If you’ve wanted the hands-free 4K all-in-one box for less then this early Prime Day deal is certainly worth considering.
FAQs
What to expect from Amazon Prime Day Fire Stick deals
In order to get an accurate picture of what this year’s Amazon Prime Day Fire Stick deals will look like, we can cast our minds back to the last November. The Black Friday period offered up the deepest discounts we’ve seen yet on several of Amazon’s streaming units on everything from the budget options to the premium offerings.
Granted, the savings are rarely too extensive, but there is a consistent pattern that can be observed between all major current-generation Fire Sticks through the world’s largest online retailer. For example, the Fire Stick 4K retails for $49.99, however, we’ve seen this model sell between $30 and $39.99 throughout much of 2022. The lowest-ever historic price that we’re able to verify took place over Black Friday, where this device sold at $24.99 – marking the only time we’ve seen the Fire Stick 4K at under the $30 range to date. It’s the same for shoppers across the pond, too, as the Fire Stick 4K fell to £24.99 in November. We wouldn’t be surprised to see the Fire Stick 4K sell at the $25 mark over the 48-hour Prime Day period this year.
It’s a similar story on the budget end of the scale, too. The Fire TV Stick Lite, which normally sells for $29.99, enjoyed its historic lowest ever price over the winter sales events, too, at just $17.99 last November. Throughout 2022, we’ve seen this unit selling at the $20 mark in January and March, so it wouldn’t be too out of left field for this Full HD streaming box to match (or exceed) that Black Friday rate on the day. The cheapest rate in the UK lends credence to this prediction, as the Fire TV Stick Lite was available at its lowest-ever rate of £14.99 in December.
What may be surprising, however, is the price history of the Amazon Fire TV Cube, with the second generation unit experiencing deeper discounts in 2022 than the previous year. While the $119.99 box had its MSRP slashed to $80 last year, we’ve actually seen it as cheap as $69.99 in April 2022. In the UK, the Fire TV Cube sold for £59.99 in November and December, but also as recently as April 2022, too. What does this mean for the upcoming Prime Day Fire Stick deals? Well, we could see the Fire TV Cube retail for half price if this trend is to continue.
Fire Sticks are far from the only thing available in the sales, as we’re also gearing you up for this year’s Prime Day gaming PC deals, Prime Day iPad deals, and Prime Day laptop deals, too.
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]]>How much is this going to cost, though? We’ve gone into detail below, so click the relevant section to jump straight to that info (or if you’re feeling impatient, you can always check in with the Disney Plus website (opens in new tab) itself). However, be aware that Disney Plus gift cards always provide a full year of the service no matter where you buy it – there isn’t another option for a small period of time.
To get the full scoop on how Disney Plus gift cards work, keep on scrolling down the page – we have plenty more nuggets of wisdom for you here courtesy of our dedicated bargain-hunting team. Just remember, these cards can only be activated by new subscribers. That means recipients who already have a membership for Disney Plus will not be able to redeem any card you give them. With that in mind, we’d highly recommend checking before committing to a purchase.
Disney Plus gift card – USA
Disney Plus gift card (1 year) | $79.99 at Disney Plus (opens in new tab)
Want an easy but thoughtful present for a loved one? Disney Plus offers a digital gift card that can be delivered to any email address you like on the day of your choosing. That makes timing it for special occasions very simple, whether it’s a few weeks away or today. Just make sure the recipient doesn’t already have Disney Plus – otherwise they won’t be able to redeem the card.
Disney Plus gift card – UK
Disney Plus gift card (1 year) | £79.90 at Disney Plus (opens in new tab)
Got a loved one that adores Disney? So long as they don’t already have a membership to the streaming service, this is the perfect gift. Besides being delivered to an email address of your choosing instantly, it saves you around £16 compared to paying for a normal monthly subscription. Just make sure the recipient doesn’t already have Disney Plus, as they won’t be able to redeem the card.
Disney Plus gift card – Canada
Disney Plus gift card (1 year) | $119.99 at Disney Plus (opens in new tab)
It may have taken a while to arrive, but you can finally pick up a Disney Plus gift card in Canada. It’s got the same great value, too – you’re receiving 12 months for the price of 10 with this offer. Be sure they don’t already have Disney Plus, though, as existing members can’t use the card.
Disney Plus gift card – Australia
Disney Plus gift card (1 year) | $119.99 at Disney Plus (opens in new tab)
Although it took a while to arrive, Disney fans in Australia can now take advantage of the official gift card that offers a full year of the streaming service. Just remember, the recipient can’t already have Disney Plus – if they do, the card won’t work.
Disney Plus gift card – everything you need to know
Can you get a physical Disney Plus gift card instead of a digital one?
Hoping to pick up an actual Disney Plus gift card you can hold in your hands? That might be a little tricky. Physical cards are hard to come by, and they’re only available in select USA Disney Stores and the Disney Parks. Consequently, most of us will need to make do with the standard digital code.
Disney Plus gift card – worldwide deals
Unfortunately, Disney Plus gift cards haven’t been released everywhere the streaming service can be found. That means you’ll need to check and see if there’s an equivalent for your region.
If you don’t have any luck, be warned: you cannot use Disney Plus gift cards from outside of your country, as it won’t work and you’ll have wasted both your money and time.
If your region doesn’t offer Disney Plus gift cards yet, don’t fret – there are plenty of gift ideas that can tide you over in the short term. We’d recommend starting with the excellent Disney Villainous board game, or The Haunted Mansion board game; they’re ideal for any Disney fan looking for something new.
More Disney Plus offers
Want to see what all the fuss is about yourself? While the Disney Plus free trial is sadly no more, the deals we’ve been left with are still aggressively reasonable. You’ll find the latest offers below.
As for more info on whether the streaming service is worth your time, be sure to check out our Disney Plus review.
Disney Plus + Hulu + ESPN Plus (USA only) | $13.99 per month (opens in new tab)
If you want the best-value option for Disney Plus, it’s this one. Despite being more expensive per month, it gets you three times the amount of content and fills out some gaps in Disney’s programming. Namely, Hulu offers mature dramas while ESPN throws in more sport than you’ll know what to do with.
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Disney Plus + Hulu (no ads) + ESPN Plus (USA only) | $19.99 per month (opens in new tab)
The ads on Hulu can be a real nuisance, and this offer allows you to avoid them entirely. Mileage for this one will of course vary, but because interruptions seem to be more frequent on newer shows you’ll want to watch, it’s worth the extra few bucks so far as we’re concerned.
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Disney Plus | $7.99p/m (USA) (opens in new tab) / £7.99p/m (UK) (opens in new tab) / $11.99p/m (CA/AU) (opens in new tab)
Looking for the cheapest possible option? It’s this one. The standard monthly membership for Disney Plus won’t cost you much more than a few coffees, and it can be cancelled at any time.
Looking to upgrade your setup and make the most out of Disney Plus’ 4K capabilities? Don’t forget to drop in on our guides to the best gaming TVs (available here for UK readers) and the best gaming sound system.
The post Disney Plus gift cards – delivery, info, prices, and why you should buy one appeared first on Game News.
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