Best Laptop for Game Development – Ultimate Guide

Best Laptop for Game Development
Best Laptop for Game Development

Game development is a highly demanding task that requires powerful hardware to run smoothly. Unfortunately, many people who are interested in game development struggle to find the right laptop that can meet their needs. They often face issues such as insufficient RAM, low storage capacity, poor graphics performance, and overheating, which can severely affect their productivity and creativity. As a result, they may end up spending a lot of time and money trying to find a laptop that can handle their workloads.

The good news is that there are several ways to address these problems and find the best laptop for game development. First and foremost, it’s important to do your research and find a laptop that is specifically designed for gaming and has the necessary hardware components such as a high-speed processor, a dedicated graphics card, and at least 16 GB of RAM. You should also look for a laptop with a large storage capacity and an efficient cooling system to prevent overheating.

At a Glance:

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to finding the best laptop for game development. We will review some of the top laptops for game development currently available on the market. We will also discuss the key features and specifications to look for when selecting a laptop.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced game developer, this article will provide you with valuable insights and tips to help you find the best laptop for your needs. So, sit back, relax, and read on to discover how you can take your game development to the next level.

Before starting the list, let us tell you that we have been reviewing different laptops for a while here. You can check our Laptop section for more reviews like that.

Summary

AwardDesignLaptopRetailer
Best gaming development laptop
Best PickApple MacBook Pro
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Best laptop for Unity game development
MSI P65 Creator
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Best laptop for Unreal Engine
Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop
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Best budget laptop for game development
Budget PickASUS TUF F17 Gaming Laptop
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Best laptop for 3D game development
ASUS ROG Zephyrus S15 Gaming Laptop
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Best laptop for 2D game development
HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop
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Best laptop for gaming and coding
Staff PickAlienware M17 R4 Laptop
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Best laptops for game development under $1000
MSI GL65 Gaming Laptop
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Best laptop for game developers
LG gram 17Z90P Laptop
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Best game dev laptops
Razer Blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop
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Best Laptop for Game Development

Apple MacBook Pro

Best Pick

Best gaming development laptop

Apple MacBook Pro
Apple MacBook Pro
BrandApple
Dimensions15 x 11.5 x 4.2 inches
Weight6.2 pounds
ASINB091V55WNY

The Apple MacBook Pro is a powerful addition to Apple’s line of high-end MacBooks. This model is equipped with the latest Apple M1 chip, featuring an 8-core GPU, making it ideal for heavy-duty tasks such as video editing, photo and text editing, and game development.

The MacBook Pro also includes 16GB of RAM, providing ample performance for users who rely on their machines for critical functions. A 512GB SSD storage drive ensures fast access to files.

The MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar is an innovative feature, featuring customizable controls that can be accessed from the touchpad. Additionally, this laptop has a battery life of up to 20 hours, which makes it perfect for users on the go.

In terms of design, the MacBook Pro is sleek and lightweight, making it easy to take with you to work or school. The built-in HD webcam makes it a great choice for video calling, recording, and sharing videos and photos. The 13-inch screen is also visually appealing.

Overall, the Apple MacBook Pro is an excellent choice for students looking to start their career as game developers or anyone needing a powerful and portable laptop for heavy-duty tasks.

Pros

  • 13-inches screen
  • M1 Chip
  • 8-core GPU
  • 16GB Ram
  • 512GB SSD
  • 20hr battery timing

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No Windows

MSI P65 Creator

Best laptop for Unity game development

MSI P65 Creator
BrandMSI
Dimensions15.08 x 10.24 x 0.69 inches
Weight4.1 pounds
ASINB07TN4C5VZ

The MSI P65 Creator is a high-end laptop that’s for people who need a high-end machine that can handle demanding tasks like game development. This laptop has sleek but not too much thin and is relatively weighty. That’s why it may weigh you down a bit.

The laptop’s 15.6-inch 4K UHD display offers stunning colors and details that make everything look sharper and more realistic than ever before. With its powerful specifications, you can run multiple programs simultaneously without any trouble or lag.

This computer features an Intel Core i7-9750H Processor that runs at speeds of 2.6 to 4.5Ghz. This gives you incredible power to multitask for complex tasks such as editing complex videos, photo manipulations, running several applications, opening multiple windows simultaneously, or watching multiple HD videos with no freezing or delays.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card is one of the best feature of this laptop that make it superior to other laptops of this class. It also has 32GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB Teton Glacier SSD, providing ample storage for all your files and programs. The innovative design of this laptop ensures good ventilation for staying cool, especially during intense gaming or development sessions.

Generally, the MSI P65 Creator is a top-of-the-line laptop that offers both style and substance. It’s an excellent choice for game developers who demand the best performance from their devices.

Pros

  • 15.6 inches 4K UHD Display
  • Ultra-Thin and Light
  • Intel Core i7-9750H
  • GeForce RTX 2060
  • 32GB DDR4 RAM
  • 1TB Teton Glacier SSD

Cons

  • Too expensive

Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop

Best laptop for Unreal Engine

Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop
Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop
BrandLenovo
Dimensions‎10.02 x 14.29 x 0.94 inches
Weight‎4.84 pounds
ASINB089K536VS

If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle gaming, developing games, and entertainment, then the Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop might be the perfect choice for you. Its 15.6 inches FHD IPS display is crystal clear and provides an immersive gaming experience.

The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card is a powerhouse that delivers high-performance visuals even when the settings are cranked up to the max. With a 1TB PCIe solid-state drive and 16GB DDR4 memory, this laptop boots up quickly and easily allows you to multitask.

The best part is, you can work for a full 9 hours on this laptop without worrying about running out of battery. It comes with a charger that keeps you powered up and productive all day long.

Moreover, the 9th Gen Intel Quad-Core i5-9300H processor is designed for speed and responsiveness, so you can tackle any task with ease. Plus, the integrated backlight keyboard makes it easy to work in low-light conditions.

There are also other features like a webcam, speakers, Intel Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and more, making this laptop versatile and perfect for a variety of uses. All in all, the Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop is a great investment for people who needs a powerful, reliable, and portable device.

Pros

  • 9th Gen Intel Quad-Core i5-9300H
  • 15.6-inch FHD IPS
  • 16GB DDR4 Ram
  • 1TB PCIe SSD
  • 4GB GTX 1650
  • Backlit Keyboard

Cons

  • Heavy in weight

ASUS TUF F17 Gaming Laptop

Budget Pick

Best budget laptop for game development

ASUS TUF F17 Gaming Laptop
ASUS TUF F17 Gaming Laptop
BrandASUS
Dimensions15.71 x 10.59 x 1.02 inches
Weight5.73 pounds
ASINB08ZLC661T

The ASUS TUF F17 Gaming Laptop is for game developers who want both style and performance. This laptop is designed with a slim form factor, making it easy to carry around. Even though it is lightweight but it still has a large 17.3-inch Full HD display that delivers stunning visuals with vibrant colors and wide-view angles.

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 4GB graphics card provides up to 1585MHz of processing power, ensuring smooth and seamless gameplay. The TUF F17 is also equipped with a powerful Intel Core i5-10300H processor and 8GB of RAM, ensuring that game developers can multitask and work on demanding projects.

The feature that makes it unique is its military-grade build quality, which ensures durability and reliability. It is built to handle the toughest challenges, making it an excellent choice for game developers who need a machine that can keep up with their day-to-day work.

The TUF F17 also features a 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, which provides fast storage and efficient performance. The laptop also has an LED-backlit keyboard that ensures working even in low-light conditions.

Comprehensively, the ASUS TUF F17 Gaming Laptop is one of the best laptops for game developers due to its excellent performance, durability, and affordability. It has all the features that game developers need to work efficiently and effectively so that they can take their game development work to the next level.

Pros

  • 17.3 inches FHD IPS-Type Display
  • Intel Core i5-10300H
  • GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
  • 8GB DDR4 Ram
  • 512GB PCIe SSD

Cons

  • Less ram and storage

ASUS ROG Zephyrus S15 Gaming Laptop

Best laptop for 3D game development

ASUS ROG Zephyrus S15 Gaming Laptop
ASUS ROG Zephyrus S15 Gaming Laptop
BrandASUS
Dimensions‎14.17 x 9.92 x 0.74 inches
Weight‎4.19 pounds
ASINB086X5GF3G

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus S15 Gaming Laptop is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the popular ROG Zephyrus. This improved laptop boasts enhanced features and configurations that provide a better performance gain for gamers and game developers alike.

With a 15.6-inch FHD IPS type screen that has a 300Hz refresh rate, this laptop is perfect for playing or making games, streaming media content, and watching videos. Its SUPER GeForce RTX 2070 Graphics Card ensures that you can play or even make the top gaming titles without any issues.

The 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10875H Processor with 8-Cores is fast enough to handle all your daily tasks, making this gaming laptop perfect for both gaming and multitasking. With 16GB DDR4 RAM and a 1TB SSD storage drive, you can expect exceptional performance from this machine.

This ASUS ROG Zephyrus S15 is a powerful laptop that’s smaller in size, yet it packs a punch when it comes to performance. It’s designed to always be on, and its sleek and beautiful design makes it feel lightweight yet sturdy for everyday work and entertainment. The optional per-key RGB backlit keyboard adds a touch of personalization and style to this machine, making it ready to handle your daily grind.

The longer battery life allows you to work, study, or play for extended periods. This gaming laptop is an excellent investment for gamers and game developers who want a powerful machine that’s also portable and stylish.

In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S15 Gaming Laptop is a great choice for those who want a powerful and portable gaming machine that can handle even the most demanding tasks. Its enhanced features and configurations, combined with its sleek design, make it one of the most suitable gaming laptops in the market today.

Pros

  • 15.6 inches 300Hz FHD IPS Type display
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER
  • Intel Core i7-10875H
  • 16GB DDR4
  • 1TB SSD
  • Per-Key RGB Keyboard

Cons

  • The battery may drain fast
  • No webcam

HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop

Best laptop for 2D game development

HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop
HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop
BrandHP
Dimensions14.1 x 9.1 x 0.7 inches
Weight‎4.41 pounds
ASINB08D6Z3YTF

Coming up next we have the HP Envy x360 2-in-1 laptop. The thing you may like the most is its 2-in-1 feature which means it can be used as a laptop as well as a tablet. Now you can use it for development whenever you want, and when you are done with your work, you can easily change it to a tablet for entertainment purposes or for reading newspapers.

The gray color is a unique touch that also sets it apart from other laptops in its class. Its sleek and slim design is perfect which makes it a great choice for both business and personal use.

In addition to its portability and versatility, the HP Envy x360 is also a high-end device, making it a top choice for professionals. With its 512GB SSD storage, you can store all your important documents safely and securely. The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U processor offers fast processing speeds to help you get through your work quickly and efficiently, without any lag time.

This 2-in-1 laptop is packed with features that will make it a great choice for gaming, multitasking, and everyday computing needs. With its 32GB of RAM, you’ll have plenty of memory to handle multiple applications at once.

Overall, the HP Envy x360 2-in-1 laptop is an impressive device. Its powerful features, secure design, and versatile options make it a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality laptop.

Pros

  • 2-in-1 Laptop
  • 15.6 inches FHD Touchscreen
  • AMD Ryzen 5 4500U Processor
  • 32GB RAM
  • 512GB SSD

Cons

  • No graphics card
  • Only suitable for new game devs

Alienware M17 R4 Laptop

Staff Pick

Best laptop for gaming and coding

Alienware M17 R4 Laptop
Alienware M17 R4 Laptop
Brand Alienware
Dimensions‎11.59 x 15.74 x 0.87 inches
Weight6.55 pounds
ASINB08XFQ9JQ3

Experience the refreshment of a 17.3-inch display with an integrated RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6 GPU. With a high refresh rate, you’ll enjoy lightning-fast and smooth graphics and video processing. The 100% sRGB color gamut is ideal for video game development and photo editing and is most suited for professional-grade work with wide color space.

Moreover, it supports NVIDIA-GSYNC technology so you can easily fix the screen at the right ratio for more accurate color representation and less ghosting as the screen refreshes. Also, this laptop is fitted with an innovative Alienware keyboard that provides a premium programming experience.

Featuring a fast Intel i7-10870H processor, Alienware M17 R4 Laptop will handle pretty much anything you throw at it. The 16GB RAM will be plenty to run your programs like Unity, Unreal Engine, Visual Studio, and whatever other software you decide to install on the system.

The 1TB solid-state drive should hold all of your digital media including music, movies, and other files. The storage space will allow you to develop games without worrying about running out of room. See this best laptop for gaming and coding in action with all the features and specifications it has.

Pros

  • 17.3-inch FHD
  • Intel Core i7-10870H
  • 16GB RAM
  • 1TB SSD
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
  • Windows 10 Home

Cons

  • Costly
  • No optical drive
  • Bulky

MSI GL65 Gaming Laptop

Best laptops for game development under $1000

MSI GL65 Gaming Laptop
MSI GL65 Gaming Laptop
BrandMSI
Dimensions‎1.08 x 14.08 x 9.76 inches
Weight‎5.07 pounds
ASINB0912CGY5Q

A stylish and lightweight laptop that is designed to keep you going for days at any time. MSI combines style and performance in a fashionable and sleek design that is sure to impress. Black-colored casing in a sleek and slim design makes it a great addition to your everyday use. It is easy to carry around every day thanks to its lightweight design.

A 15.6 inches display with a panel resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels makes it suitable for playing games, working, or studying. A powerful yet compact internal hardware provides you with the performance you need to get through any task you have planned for the day.

An Intel Core i5-10300H processor ensures MSI GL65 Gaming Laptop can handle most tasks without breaking a sweat. With up to 16GB DDR3 RAM and a 512GB HDD, this machine can handle most tasks without a hitch. Integrated with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU it will be able to handle any task that may require while developing any game.

This gaming laptop supports all major game engines thanks to the Windows 10 installed in it. Backlit keys ensure comfortable night-time work. After all these features, there should be no doubt why the MSI GL65 Gaming Laptop is one of the best laptops for game developers.

Pros

  • 15.6 inches display
  • Intel Core i5-10300H
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
  • 16GB RAM
  • 512GB NVMe SSD
  • Budget laptop

Cons

  • Low refresh rate

LG gram 17Z90P Laptop

Best laptop for game developers

LG gram 17Z90P Laptop
LG gram 17Z90P Laptop
BrandLG
Dimensions15 x 10.3 x 0.7 inches
Weight2.98 pounds
ASINB0923R8QNS

Traveling has never been easier with the power of a 17-inch laptop in your hands. Its compact size and ultra-lightweight design make it a convenient option to take on the go. The 17 inches WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS display maximizes your comfort and productivity by giving you crystal clear image quality.

The LG gram 17Z90P Laptop is one of the best laptops for game developers you can buy right now. Featuring an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD, this laptop is a great way to access your files, browse the web, stream movies, and edit photos/videos without any problems.

The battery can withstand a multitude of uses and is a great asset for a laptop. The 17-hour battery life is a must-have for those who want to use their laptops all day. What’s more, the rugged design ensures maximum protection from scratches and drops.

Designed for versatility and articulation, this best laptop for game development provides a casual style and an onboard HD webcam for crystal-clear images. Quickly connect to your HDTV using the built-in HDMI port. Plus, its unibody design and backlit keyboard keep you comfortable in any light condition.

Pros

  • 17 inches 2560 x 1600 IPS Display
  • 10th gen Intel Core i5
  • 8GB RAM
  • 512G SSD
  • Durable and portable
  • 17 Hr Battery Life

Cons

  • Low-end GPU
  • Less ram

Razer Blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop

Best game dev laptops

Razer Blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop
Razer Blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop
Brand Razer
Dimensions‎13.98 x 0.78 x 9.25 inches
Weight7.43 pounds
ASINB086MFZBM9

This one of the best game dev laptops features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics processing unit. This means you will have an incredible performance with the possibility to play the latest, most demanding games and will also be able to do any graphics-intensive work with ease.

The thin-bezel display is also big enough to view everything at once without any distractions. With this laptop, you’ll experience color reproduction that is off the charts. You’ll finally see clearer, more vibrant colors on the screen. Plus, the 15.6″ Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution allows you to place multiple programs on one screen for easier multitasking.

The 512GB SSD has plenty of space to store all your files, photos, videos, and music, and even install programs you want to keep at all times. All this will be stored on the solid-state drive that has a blazing-fast read/write speed to keep everything running smoothly.

The Razer Blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop features the latest 10th generation Intel Core i7-10750H processor, with a boost to an impressive 5.0Ghz. With this processor, multi-tasking becomes a breeze, with the ability to fire up multiple programs with ease. It has 16GB of memory that will also help you in doing any task.

Pros

  • Intel Core i7-10750H
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
  • 15.6 inches FHD 1080p
  • 16GB RAM
  • 512GB SSD
  • CNC Aluminum
  • Chroma RGB Lighting

Cons

  • Isn’t suitable for traveling
  • Pricey
What Kind Of Computer Do You Need To Make Games – How to get started in game development

Buying Guide

Laptops are now more powerful than ever before. Many people seek to use the laptop for game development because of the increased convenience and mobility it offers, but laptops differ in many ways from desktop PCs such as CPU speed, GPU performance, portability, and battery life.

The right choice will depend on what you need your laptop for. Here are some important factors to consider when buying a laptop for game development.

RAM: It’s good to have at least 16GB RAM, and go higher if possible. This will help with bigger projects that can use up all available memory on your computer while working in Unity or Unreal Engine.

Graphics Card: If you are making something in VR or AR, then ensure that your laptop has a decent graphics card with support for the latest APIs – Vulkan and DX12. A good example would be NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti.

However, if you are not into the development of games requiring high-performance hardware, then there is no need to invest in such a high-end laptop.

Processor: A good processor is always required for faster performance and better multitasking support, but it all depends on other factors like RAM and Graphics card (explained above).

For the game development field, the laptop that you are going to buy should have a processor that can handle all the work and can provide proper processing so that you won’t feel any lag while developing a new project.

We’d suggest you go with the laptop having at least an i7 4th generation processor in it, and in case your project demands more processing power than processors like i5 10th gen or i7 9th gen will be sufficient.

Hard Drive: SSD has become an essential part of any laptop these days, but it’s still good to have a hard drive along with the SSD for better performance. However, if you are looking forward to building projects that require huge files in order to render properly, then having an SSD is what you should invest in.

Display: If you are working on something that requires multiple monitors, then a laptop with a decent resolution will be perfect. It’s also good to have a high refresh rate and support for G-Sync or Free Sync when it comes to developing games.

Build Quality: The build quality of the laptop is always an important factor in determining how much you should invest in, it because if your computer can’t take the pressure of day-to-day use, then it probably won’t last long or work well. So, go with a laptop that has good build quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best laptop for game development?

It depends on what you’re developing and how much money you want to spend, but generally speaking something with a dedicated graphics card will be better than one without one. That said, it’s not necessary to buy an expensive high-end model if your budget doesn’t allow it.

Do I need to buy a laptop with high specs for game development?

It depends on the type of games you want to develop and how much money you’re willing to spend. If your budget is limited, it may be better not to waste funds on high-end components that will only benefit specific genres of games.

While laptops with high specs are generally better for game development, they aren’t necessary to buy if you have a limited budget. If your resources allow it, buying one with high specs is always appreciated.

Is a graphics card necessary for laptops?

If you want to develop games or do any work with computer graphics, then yes. It’s best if your laptop has a dedicated card.

Can I use my gaming laptop for game development?

If you have a gaming laptop with an adequate graphics card, then yes. Many professional game developers use laptops that are specifically designed for high-end games, so if your budget allows it buying one may be the best option because they’re built to be efficient and long-lasting.

Conclusion

So here is the list of the best laptop for game development. It is clear that there are many different types of laptops for game development, but the best one will be the one that fulfills all your needs. With our list to guide you, it should be easy to find a great machine with top-notch performance and graphics capabilities so you can work on games without any hiccups or lags!

We have also included an in-depth look at each item’s specs as well as what type of computer hardware they include. Hopefully, this helps answer some questions about which laptops are good for developing purposes.

Have fun browsing through these laptops – let us know if we missed something!


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