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Top 10 Best Laptops For Game Development In 2022 Reviews

If you’re interested in game development, you will need to perform intensive tasks, no matter if creating 2D or 3D games. Obviously, 3D games will be even more graphically intensive, and you’ll need a PC that’s up to it.

Some programs it will need to run have pretty high minimum requirements. Popular programs include Unreal Engine, RPG Maker, Unity, Autodesk Maya, Blender, Cinema 4D, Zbrush, 3DS Max, and more. We have put together a range of laptops that are capable of running any of these programs for both students and professional game developers.

So, let’s go through them and find the perfect option for your next game project…

Top 10 Best Laptops For Game Development In 2022 Reviews

Top 10 Best Laptop for Game Development Review

  1. ASUS Zenbook Pro Duo – Best Premium Laptop for Game Development
  2. HP Omen – Best Rated Laptop for Game Development
  3. Razer Blade Pro – Best 17 inch Screen Laptop for Game Development
  4. Gigabyte Aero 15X – Best Slim Laptop for Game Development
  5. Acer Predator Helios 300 – Best Mid Range Laptop for Game Development
  6. Apple Macbook Pro – Best Intel Core i9 Laptop for Game Development
  7. MSI GF63 Thin – Best Budget Laptop for Game Development
  8. ASUS TUF – Best AMD Laptop for Game Development
  9. HP Spectre X360 – Best Laptop for Game Development with Active Stylus
  10. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Best Ultra Portable Laptop for Game Development

1 ASUS Zenbook Pro Duo – Best Premium Laptop for Game Development

Not only do you want the ability to create games, but the laptop also needs to run those games to test them out. The ASUS Zenbook Pro Duo is one absolute beast of a machine. One of its defining features is the handy secondary display.

This makes it possible to have your work displayed on the main screen while keeping tools, references, and source files on the secondary screen. All the other essentials are here, too, like a powerful CPU, GPU, and plenty of RAM.

Not just a pretty face…

Without a powerful CPU, most other hardware is meaningless. The Zenbook Pro Duo is packing a 9th Generation Intel Core i7-9750H. Using 6 cores and 12 threads, it runs at a speed of between 2.6 GHz and 4.5 GHz.

Multitasking is important, and with 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, this makes it possible. Especially when onboard is the dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU to do the graphical heavy lifting with its 6 GB of memory.

Bask in the glory…

There’s nothing better than seeing your hard work come to life. Having two UHD 4K 3840 x 2860p displays will provide immense enjoyment. The main gloss screen is 15.6 inches, with the secondary matte measuring 14 inches diagonally, both with full touch capacity.

Connectivity is covered with two USB 3.1 ports, a single Thunderbolt 3 port, HDMI out, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Gain fast and efficient access to the internet wirelessly with the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology. Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 is also included.


ASUS Zenbook Pro Duo

Our rating:4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)

Pros

  • Dual spectacular 4K UHD touchscreen displays.
  • Powerful hardware, including CPU, GPU, and RAM.
  • Latest in connectivity options and technology.

Cons

  • This laptop is not cheap at all.
  • No Ethernet port or SD card reader.

2 HP Omen – Best Rated Laptop for Game Development

If there is one thing gamers crave, it is the highest screen refresh rates possible. HP’s Omen is equipped with a screen capable of producing a 300 Hz refresh rate. That is like music to any gamer’s ears. Or is that eye?

This isn’t just a one-trick pony either. The Omen is also filled with some serious hardware that can handle any current game development software. For an awesome laptop that is fantastic for both creating, and playing this is something you should seriously consider.

Handles tasks with ease…

Directing the show is Intel’s 10th generation Core i7-10750H processor. Its 6 cores and 12 threads run between 2.6 GHz and 5 GHz, providing some serious horsepower. Especially being paired with 32 GB of DDR4 RAM that can be expanded up to 64 GB.

Helping provide that 300 Hz is the powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super. With 8 GB of memory, it can perform some serious graphical magic. Add to that 512 GB of PCIe NVMe storage with super-fast access, and we are talking some serious business.

Buttery smooth…

This has to be one of the best gaming displays out there. The 15.6 inch WLED Full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution IPS panel is incredible. Motion is buttery smooth with the 300 Hz refresh, and one of the fastest IPS response rates of only 3 ms.

High-speed networking is available using either the RJ45 port for wired or Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless speeds. Also included USB 3.1, Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0a, 3.5 mm audio, SD card reader, and Bluetooth 5.0.


HP Omen

Our rating:4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)

Pros

  • Incredibly smooth Full HD 300 Hz display.
  • Super powerful GPU and 32 GB of RAM expandable to 64 GB.
  • All the latest technology in connectivity options.

Cons

  • Speakers aren’t very loud, so external powered speakers or headphones are recommended.
  • Very short battery life, so you will need a wall socket handy.

3 Razer Blade Pro – Best 17 inch Screen Laptop for Game Development

Sticking with the incredible displays, only this time in a larger 17-inch size, the Razer Blade Pro can also provide a 300 Hz refresh. The design doesn’t have as aggressive lines that the HP Omen does and could be passed off for an office laptop.

It’s not until you take a look at the specifications and hardware that you quickly realize that this isn’t any ordinary office laptop. There will be no issues, as this machine is well above the minimum requirements for most development software.

At the core…

Running on Intel’s 10th generation i7-10875H chip with an incredible 8 cores and 16 threads, it runs between a blazing 2.3 GHz and 5.1 GHz. There is 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, which is capable but can be expanded to a maximum of 64 GB.

Assisting with the graphics is Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 2080 Super with 8 GB of memory at a speed of 15.5 Gbps. This allows for designing even more complex and detailed environments and models during development.

A feast for the eyes…

Not only can you create incredibly detailed renders, but you can also view them in high detail in a flawlessly smooth motion. This is thanks to the huge 17 inch Full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution 300 Hz refresh rate IPS panel display.

We can’t not mention the Chroma RGB backlit keyboard. While this can sometimes be a kind of obnoxious gaming feature, Razer has some of the best customizable RGB lighting out there. It will truly have you mesmerized.


Razer Blade Pro

Our rating:4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Pros

  • Spectacular 17 inch Full HD 300 Hz display.
  • Powerful GeForce RTX 2080 Super GPU.
  • Intel Core i7 processor with 8 cores and 16 threads.

Cons

  • 16 GB of RAM could have been more at this price.
  • Limited portability with such a large-sized screen.

4 Gigabyte Aero 15X – Best Slim Laptop for Game Development

Not all of us can afford to splash out on the latest technology and are restricted by our budgets. Especially if you’re a student, you’ll want something affordable yet capable and also transportable to carry between classes.

The Gigabyte Aero 15X covers all those areas and more. While it is not the absolute latest in technology, it provides some awesome bang for your buck performance. It even manages to achieve all of this in a light and thin frame.

A strong contender…

Gigabyte has fitted the Aero 15X with an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H processor. It uses 6 cores and 12 threads to run at speeds between 2.2 GHz and 4.1 GHz. This is still plenty sufficient to run most developer software smoothly.

16 GB of DDR4 RAM allows for efficient multitasking, while the dedicated GPU takes care of graphics. Using Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1070 with 8 GB of memory, incredibly lifelike rendering is possible.

Fast-paced action…

Viewing all your hard work can be done using the 15.6 inch Full HD 1920 x 1080p anti-glare IPS display panel. Frame rates can run up to 144 Hz, which will provide amazingly fast and fluid movement in even the most detailed surroundings.

A long battery life of up to ten hours per charge will keep you going throughout the day, even with all that power under the hood. There is also a huge range of connectivity, including three USB 3.1, Thunderbolt 3, SD card reader, Mini DP 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and RJ45 Ethernet.


Gigabyte Aero 15X

Our rating:4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)

Pros

  • Affordable performance and portability for students.
  • Smooth frame rates of up to 144 Hz.
  • Long battery life for all day usage off a single charge.

Cons

  • Bloatware will require uninstalling before use.
  • Many drivers will require updating on first boot.

5 Acer Predator Helios 300 – Best Mid Range Laptop for Game Development

Sticking once again with the affordable performance laptops, Acer’s Predator Helios 300 really packs a punch. Making it even more appealing is that you can upgrade both the RAM and storage easily when you’re ready.

For developers, this machine ticks all the boxes. It has a powerful CPU and GPU, can multitask, and has a beautiful screen. You can also enjoy fun features like the backlit 4-zone RGB keyboard, complete with cool effects.

Run demanding programs with ease…

At the heart of the Predator is Intel’s 10th generation i7-10750H 6 core and 12 thread processor. Running between 2.6 GHz and 5 GHz, this is a real powerhouse. Combined with 16 GB of dual-channel DDR4 RAM, even the most demanding programs are no match.

Acer has gone with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 2060 dedicated GPU. It is incredibly fast with 6 GB of memory with a speed of up to 14 Gbps. Amazingly detailed renders are still possible, even at this price point.

But is it the Best Laptop for Game Development?

A Full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution 15.6 inch IPS display panel needs to be seen to be believed. With up to a 144 Hz refresh rate and a 3 ms response time, along with a maximum 300 nits of brightness, visuals hit the next level.

Enjoy lightning-fast internet over either a wired or wireless network. Plug in using the Gigabit Ethernet port, or connect wirelessly using the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology. Of course, all the other connection options are available, like USB 3.1, Thunderbolt 3, and Bluetooth 5.0.


Acer Predator Helios 300

Our rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • Affordable performance laptop.
  • 10th generation Intel i7 CPU.
  • Full HD screen with 144 Hz refresh and 3 ms response time.

Cons

  • Shorter battery life than other competitors.
  • Fans get noisy when performing demanding tasks.

6 Apple Macbook Pro – Best Intel Core i9 Laptop for Game Development

There is a huge range of Windows-based laptops to choose from. But how can we put together high-performance laptops and not include Apple? There is just something special about Apple’s products.

Not only do they look fantastic, they just work and do exactly what they’re supposed to. This is particularly true when you take a look at the latest, top-of-the-line Macbook Pro. If you’re already a part of the Apple ecosystem, then this is a no-brainer.

Huge processing power…

Under the hood of this beast is the Intel Core i9 processor with 8 cores that can turbo boost up to an amazing 5 GHz. There is 16 GB of DDR4 RAM for multitasking, and somehow Apple always manages to extract maximum performance from every component.

The Macbook Pro uses an AMD Radeon 5500M dedicated graphics card with 6 GB of memory. This allows users to design, animate, and render complex 3D models with desktop-style graphics capabilities.

Keeping your retinas happy…

Viewing your hard work is done on the 16-inch Retina display with a class-leading 500 nits of brightness. With a screen resolution of 3072 x 1920p and supporting the P3 wide color gamut, images are crystal clear with precise color accuracy.

Connectivity is completely simplified, consisting of four Thunderbolt 3 ports and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Thunderbolt is incredibly versatile, offering support for charging, DisplayPort, and data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps.


Apple Macbook Pro

Our rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • High performance and stunning design like only Apple can.
  • Beautiful and amazingly bright 16-inch Retina display.
  • Simplified connectivity with four Thunderbolt 3 ports.

Cons

  • Apple products only play well within the Apple ecosystem.
  • Noticeably heavy when transporting regularly.

7 MSI GF63 Thin – Best Budget Laptop for Game Development

Next up in our Best Laptop for Game Development reviews, not everyone is going to want to create complex and demanding models and environments, especially if you’re only learning. Some of these laptops might be a bit overkill, and you might not want to spend that much.

That’s where machines like MSI’s GF63 Thin become a perfectly viable option. Still completely capable of running the necessary programs, all wrapped in a thin, light, and durable shell.

Highly capable performance…

MSI has chosen a 9th generation Intel Core i5-9300H processor running 4 cores and 8 threads. Capable of between 2.4 GHz and 4.1 GHz of power, even the most demanding of tasks are possible, although with slightly longer waiting.

Basic multitasking is possible with 8 GB of DDR4 RAM for memory. Helping to spread the processing load is the dedicated graphics card. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050i with 4 GB of memory and running up to 8 Gbps.

For your viewing pleasure…

Images come to life with the 15.6 inch Full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution IPS display panel. With a maximum refresh rate of 60 Hz, motion is still smooth and fluid but is one of the areas that a sacrifice is required.

One of the standout features of this laptop is that it has up to seven hours of battery life off a single charge. There is also bright keyboard backlighting, and a brushed aluminum chassis, offering both added protection and striking clean looks.


MSI GF63 Thin

Our rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • Capable performance at an affordable price.
  • Durable and attractive brushed aluminum chassis.
  • RAM can be upgraded up to 64 GB.

Cons

  • Maximum refresh rate of only 60 Hz.
  • NVMe storage drive needs upgrading to something faster.

8 ASUS TUF – Best AMD Laptop for Game Development

All of the laptops so far have come equipped with an Intel processor, and we can’t forget about AMD’s Ryzen. It’s the perfect pairing in ASUS’s TUF range, as they both offer impressive performance at a reasonable price.

Once again, this laptop uses some slightly older technology that can still deliver on game development requirements. The good news is that you can create awesome results without needing to get a loan.

Ryzen to the top…

Running on AMD’s Ryzen 5-3550H processor, there are 4 cores and 8 threads. The base clock speed is 2.1 GHz and can boost up to 3.7 GHz. Memory is provided by 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, making basic multitasking possible.

Graphics stick with the AMD chips, too, featuring the Radeon RX560X dedicated GPU. There is 4 GB of memory that can run at speeds of up to 7 Gbps. This helps make basic 3D designing and rendering a reality.

Large and attractive screen…

No more squinting to see those finer details on the large 17.3 inch IPS panel screen. Images are crisp and sharp with Full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution using IPS panel technology. This greatly improves color accuracy and offers wider viewing angles.

Connectivity is covered with three USB ports, an HDMI output port, and a 3.5 mm combined headphone/microphone port. Fast internet speeds can be achieved using the RJ45 wired Ethernet port or dual-band wireless Wi-Fi 5.


ASUS TUF

Our rating:4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Pros

  • AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and Radeon dedicated GPU.
  • Large 17.3 inch Full HD IPS display panel.
  • Fast internet speeds are possible with Ethernet or Wi-Fi 5.

Cons

  • 3D applications will be slower to run.
  • Fans keep the laptop cool but are very noisy.

9 HP Spectre X360 – Best Laptop for Game Development with Active Stylus

Due to the lack of a dedicated GPU, this laptop will be more suited for creating 2D games. What makes the HP Spectre X360 a standout in this category is its ability to perform incredibly well as a drawing slate with its included active stylus.

Including an active stylus, a 13.3 inch capacitive touch screen, and the ability to convert from laptop to tablet mode really suits artistic applications. The included hardware still packs an impressive punch, even if a GPU is lacking.

It’s what’s on the inside that counts…

Inside the HP Spectre X360 at its heart is the 10th generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor. Also fitted with 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, this laptop can run highly demanding tasks while simultaneously multitasking.

Storage can be accessed and loaded extremely quickly from the 512 GB SSD. Using the latest PCIe NVMe technology, the Windows 10 operating system, and programs load almost instantly, drastically reducing waiting times.

Screen and slate…

Whether you are viewing or drawing on the 13.3 inch screen, it will be filled with brilliantly sharp, vivid, and clear detail. The Full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution touch screen features WLED backlighting with full stylus support.

Additionally, there is a range of useful features included too, like an HD webcam including kill switch, and fingerprint reader. High-speed data transfer of up to 40 Gbps is possible with two Thunderbolt 3 ports.


HP Spectre X360

Our rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • Converts from laptop to tablet and includes an active stylus.
  • Super-fast load times with PCIe NVMe SSD.
  • HD webcam and fingerprint reader.

Cons

  • Will struggle with 3D, but is fantastic for 2D applications.
  • Only a single USB Type-A port.

10 Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Best Ultra Portable Laptop for Game Development

Can we even call this a laptop, or is it actually a tablet? While it might appear like a tablet, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 packs the full power of a PC. While it too lacks a dedicated GPU, it can still be used for 2D and basic 3D applications.

The biggest benefits are how compact, light, portable, and convenient the Surface Pro 7 is. Perfect for those who are always on the move, or who already have a main workstation and would like a backup device.

Small in size, big on power…

Surprisingly Microsoft has managed to pack the latest powerful hardware inside a tablet device. For the CPU, there is a 10th generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor. Idling at a battery-saving 1.3 GHz, it can boost up to 3.9 GHz when needed.

Even advanced multitasking is possible using the 16 GB of DDR4 RAM. Stored data can be accessed very quickly from the 512 GB SSD. To have this level of hardware packed into such a small and convenient space is incredible.

Let your inner artist loose…

One of the greatest features of any Surface Pro is the Surface Pen stylus. Bring out your inner artist with features like pressure sensitivity, and tilt recognition. Draw and view your creations on the stunning 12.3 inch 2736 x 1824p resolution screen.

What makes this tablet more of a laptop? Besides the impressive hardware, of course. By adding the Surface Type cover, you have the advantage of a comfortable backlit keyboard that also provides protection as a cover.


Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Highly portable tablet with the power and function of a laptop.
  • Latest technology hardware included for powerful performance.
  • Surface Pen allows for a true artist experience.

Cons

  • Better suited to 2D applications than 3D.
  • Unimpressive battery life.

Looking for the best Laptops for gaming?

Then check out our reviews of the Best Gaming Laptops Under 2000 Dollars and the Best Laptop for Sims 4 on the market in 2022

. We think you may also enjoy our Best CPU For Gaming Reviews, our Corsair K100 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review, and our ASUS VG248QE Gaming Monitor Review.

And to complete your gaming setup, be sure to check out our Best Expensive Gaming Keyboards Review, our Best FM2+ CPU For Gaming Review, our Best Budget Gaming Chairs Under 200 Reviews, our Best Gaming Desks Review, and our review of the Best Kids Gaming Chairs you can buy.

So, What is the Best Laptop for Game Development?

Making a decision on the best game development laptop presented a number of factors to consider. Processing power is king, the more RAM, the better, and a powerful graphics card is a huge plus.

The laptop we concluded offers the most is…

HP Omen

With the combination of a powerful CPU and GPU, even the most demanding of tasks are handled with ease. Add the included 32 GB RAM, and this thing kicks butt. Once you factor in the 300 Hz IPS panel, it’s clear as to why we reached our decision.

Happy game developing.

About Paul S. Brunet

Known as the "Tech Lover", Paul is an expert of current and trending technology. Here at TinyGrab, he makes "tech" easy to understand for the average person.

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