Whether you’re a professional game developer or just getting started, you need a laptop that can handle the demands of game development. From 3D modeling and rendering to programming and testing, developing games is a demanding process that requires a powerful machine.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best laptops for game development, whether you’re looking for a high-end workstation or a more budget-friendly option. We’ve also included a buying guide on what to look for in a game development laptop. So, if you’re in the market for a new game-development laptop, read on!
Our Best Laptops for Game Development
When it comes to game development, there are a few key things you need to look for in a laptop. Firstly, you need a powerful machine to run the development software you need. Secondly, you need a laptop with a large screen to see all the details of your work. And finally, you need a portable machine so you can take it with you to gaming conventions and meetups.
With these things in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the five best laptops for game development. If you’re in the market for a new machine to help you with your game development work, check out our top picks below.
- ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo
- MacBook Pro 2021
- Lenovo Legion 5
- MSI Stealth 15M
- Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i
1. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo
The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo laptop is a powerful computer designed for game development. It has a large screen, a fast processor, and a variety of ports and features that make it an excellent choice for game developers.
The ZenBook Pro Duo also comes with a powerful Intel Core i9-12900H processor and NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti graphics, so it has the power to handle demanding games. It also has 32GB LPDDR5 RAM clocked at 4800 MHz. Plus, it has an ample 1TB SSD storage to store all your files and data. Both the RAM and SSD are non-upgradeable.
The ZenBook Pro Duo could be a game-changer for game development. The laptop features two OLED screens— one for the main display (14.5” 2.8K 120Hz) and one for a secondary touch-screen (12.7” 2.8K 120Hz) that sits above the keyboard. This gives developers a ton of extra screen real estate to work with, which could make developing mobile games much more manageable. As for the ports, it has two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, an SD Card reader, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack.
The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo is a powerful laptop perfect for game development. It has a large screen, a fast processor, and a dedicated graphics card. This laptop also has a ton of RAM, which is essential for game development. The only downside to this laptop is that it is a bit expensive. However, if you are serious about game development, the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo is an excellent option for $2,299.99.
Key Features
- Dual 2.8K 120Hz OLED screens
- Intel Core i9-12900H CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
- 32GB LPDDR5 4800MHz memory
- 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage
- 76Wh large battery
- Windows 11 Pro
Pros
- Dual screen real estate for more productivity
- High-resolution OLED display with touch support
- Excellent CPU and GPU performance
- Thin & light (3.7lbs)
- Great battery life
- Full HD IR Camera
- Excellent I/O support
Cons
- RAM is soldered
- Differently placed small trackpad
- No palm rest on the laptop
- No additional storage slot
- A bit expensive
- No Ethernet
2. MacBook Pro M1
The MacBook Pro M1 is the latest laptop from Apple, and it’s an excellent choice for game development. It has a powerful M1 Pro/Max processor and a large screen, making it perfect for working on large and complex projects. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line laptop for game development, the MacBook Pro M1 is a great option.
As for performance, the MacBook Pro comes in two variants— M1 Pro and M1 Max. The M1 Pro and the M1 Max deliver fantastic performance to meet your game development needs. You get up to 200 Gbps bandwidth with the M1 Pro and up to 400 Gbps with the M1 Max. The MacBook Pro is not going to disappoint with its performance.
The MacBook Pro comes in two different sizes— 14.2-inch and 16.2inch. The screen is a Liquid Retina XDR (mini LED) display with 120Hz ProMotion. There is also a new 1080p HD webcam hiding inside the display notch. Plus, the trackpad is excellent for precise movements, and the new full-size function keys are fantastic. It also includes a good number of ports, including three Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack.
The MacBook Pro also has one the best battery life of any laptop. It has up to 17 hours of battery life. The MacBook Pro has three studio-quality mics, a six-speaker sound system, MagSafe 3, and Touch ID for biometric authentication.
The MacBook Pro 14” starts at $1,999, and the MacBook Pro 16” at $2,499. The base configuration of the MacBook Pro includes the M1 Pro chip with an 8-core CPU and 14-core GPU, 16GB unified memory, and 512GB SSD storage. You can configure the MacBook Pro to an M1 Max chip with a 10-core CPU and a 32-core GPU with up to 64GB unified memory and 8TB SSD storage. If you are looking for a MacBook that can handle all your game development needs, then the MacBook Pro is an excellent choice.
Key Features
- Liquid Retina XDR display with 120Hz ProMotion (mini LED)
- Up to 10-core CPU
- Up to 16-core GPU with the M1 Pro and up to 32-core GPU with the M1 Max
- Up to 32GB RAM with the M1 Pro and up to 64GB RAM with the M1 Max
- Up to 8TB SSD storage
- 17 hours of battery life
- macOS
Pros
- Premium Aluminium chassis
- Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion
- Outstanding performance with the M1 Pro and M1 Max chipsets
- Long battery life
- Large trackpad
- Extensive display support
- One of the best keyboards on any laptop
- 1080p webcam
- Good selection of ports
Cons
- Bulkier and heavier than the 13” Pro model
- Expensive configuration
- RAM and storage are non-upgradeable
- Lack of USB Type-A ports
- No Ethernet port
3. Lenovo Legion 5
The Lenovo Legion 5 is a powerful laptop that is designed for game development. It has a large screen, a fast processor, and a high-quality graphics card. This laptop also has a lot of storage space so that you can keep all your game development files on it. The Legion 5 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to develop games professionally.
The Legion 5 has a powerful octa-core AMD Ryzen 7-5800H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM and 130W TGP. This laptop also has 16GB of RAM, which is plenty for most game development tasks. Plus, it has 1TB of PCIe SSD storage which should be plenty for you.
The Lenovo Legion 5 has a 15.6-inch IPS display with 1080p resolution, anti-glare coating, 100% sRGB, 3ms response time, and a 165Hz refresh rate. It also has a relatively lightweight design and a backlit keyboard. Plus, the port selection is excellent. It has four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with power delivery and DisplayPort 1.4, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, an HDMI 2.1 port, RJ-45/Ethernet port, and a headphone jack.
If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle game development, the Lenovo Legion 5 is a great option. It has the power you need to get the job done, plus it’s reasonably priced. Plus, it has a price tag of just $1,509.79, which makes it an excellent value for a gaming laptop. So check it out and see if it’s the right laptop.
Key Features
- 15.6” IPS 165Hz display
- AMD Ryzen 7-5800H CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 512GB PCIe SSD storage
- 8GB Graphics Memory
- Windows 11 Home
Pros
- Fantastic performance
- Large, high refresh rate 165Hz display
- Excellent I/O support
- Good battery life
- Fairly thin & light
- Full-size arrow keys
- Great value for the price
Cons
- No SD or microSD card slot
- The 720p webcam is disappointing
- A bit bulky
4. MSI Stealth M15
The MSI Stealth 15M laptop is a powerful computer designed for game development. It is equipped with a high-performance processor, large amounts of RAM, and a powerful graphics card. The laptop also has a large, 15-inch display that is perfect for game development and testing.
As for the performance, the MSI Stealth M15 has an Intel Core i7-11375H CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 with GDDR6 6GB VRAM. It also has 16GB DDR4 RAM clocked at a frequency of 3200 MHz and 512GB PCIe SSD storage.
The Stealth M15 has a large 15.6-inch display with 1080p resolution. This laptop also has a display of 144Hz refresh rate. The laptop design is thin and light at 3.7 pounds. As for the ports, it has two USB 3.2 Type-C ports with one supporting Thunderbolt 4, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, an HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone jack.
This laptop has everything you need to develop games on the go. It’s powerful enough to handle demanding tasks like game compiling and testing and portable enough to take with you on the go. If you’re looking for a laptop to help you develop games, the MSI Stealth 15M is a great option. It is available for $1,399 on Amazon.
Key Features
- 15.6” 1080p 144Hz LCD screen
- Intel Core i7-11375H CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU
- Laptop with 16GB RAM (DDR4 RAM)
- 512GB PCIe SSD storage
- 6GB Graphics Memory
- Windows 11
Pros
- Bright, colorful 144Hz display laptop
- Thin and light
- Fantastic performance
- RGB keyboard
- Thin & light design
Cons
- Average speakers
- Mediocre battery life
- It gets hot during heavy tasks
- No built-in webcam
5. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i
Lenovo has always been a trusted name when it comes to laptops and computer hardware. The company has a wide range of laptops for different needs, and the IdeaPad Gaming 3i is one of their best additions. The IdeaPad Gaming 3i is a gaming laptop specifically designed for game development. It is priced at under $1000, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious gamers.
The IdeaPad Gaming 3i is powered by an Intel Core i5-11300H processor and an NVIDIA GTX 1650 graphics card with 4GB GDDR6 VRAM. It has 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The RAM is expandable up to 32GB and the storage up to 2TB.
The screen on the IdeaPad Gaming is a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with an anti-glare coating. The laptop is also relatively lightweight at 4.8 pounds. It also has a decent selection of ports, including two USB 3.1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.1 Type-C port, one HDMI port, an RJ-45/Ethernet port, and a headphone jack.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i is an excellent option for game developers who are looking for an affordable gaming laptop. It has the power and features you need for game development and won’t break the bank. The base configuration is available for $723. The 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD configuration of the laptop are available for $809, which seems to be the best value.
Key Features
- 15.6” IPS display
- Intel Core i5-11300H CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- 16GB DDR4 memory
- 512GB SSD storage
- 4GB Graphics Memory
- Windows 11 Home
Pros
- Bright, colorful display
- Fantastic performance
- Affordable price
- Lightweight
- Great battery life
Cons
- No Thunderbolt 4
- Wi-Fi 6 and not 6E
- No SD or microSD card slot
- 720p webcam
- No USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
Comparison Chart
| Laptop | Display Size | CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage | OS | Price |
| ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo | 14.5” and 12.7” | Intel Core i9-12900H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | 32GB | 1TB | Windows 11 Pro | $2299 |
| MacBook Pro 2021 | 14.2” and 16.2” | 8-core M1 Pro | 14-core GPU | 16GB | 512GB | macOS | $1999 |
| Lenovo Legion 5 | 15.6” | AMD Ryzen 7-5800H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 | 16GB | 512GB | Windows 11 | $1509 |
| MSI Stealth M15 | 15.6” | Intel Core i7-11375H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | 16GB | 512GB | Windows 11 | $1399 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i | 15.6” | Intel Core i5-11300H | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | 16GB | 512GB | Windows 11 | $723 |
Laptops for Game Development: Buying Guide
When it comes to game development, having a good laptop is critical. It would be best if you had a machine that is powerful enough to handle large and complex files, as well as one that has a graphics card that can render 3D images. Plus, you’ll want a laptop with a large screen to see all the details of your work.
With so many different laptops on the market, it can be tough to know which one is the best for game development. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this buying guide, we’ll show you a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a machine.
So whether you’re a beginner or a pro game developer, read on for our guide to picking the best laptops for game development.
1. CPU
When it comes to game development, you need a laptop with a powerful processor. Look for a laptop with an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 processor with at least six cores.
2. GPU
A good graphics card is essential for game development. A good graphics card will ensure that your games look great. We recommend getting a GTX 1650 or better GPU for game development. Also, check the frequency and the TGP output of the GPU. The higher the frequency and the TGP, the better the GPU performance.
3. RAM & Storage
Two of the most important things to keep in mind are the computer’s memory (RAM) and storage. Your computer’s RAM will affect how quickly the computer can process information and load programs. The more RAM you have, the faster your computer can operate. We recommend having at least 16GB of RAM for game development.
Storage is necessary because it affects how much information your computer can save. When looking at laptops for game development, you should ensure that the computer has at least 512GB of SSD storage.
4. Display
When choosing a laptop for game development, you should look for a display with a high resolution and a high refresh rate. We recommend at least 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. You should also consider other factors like screen size, sRGB, and anti-glare coating.
5. Battery Life
You’ll want to ensure the laptop you choose has enough battery life to last you throughout the day. After all, you’ll likely be spending long hours working on your game, and you don’t want to be tethered to a power outlet. Ideally, you should look for a laptop that can last for at least 5-6 hours on a single charge.
6. I/O
A good laptop for game development should have a wide range of ports. Make sure the laptop you’re buying has all the USB ports you need. Thunderbolt 4 and Ethernet ports are very good additions if you can find them on one.
7. Keyboard and Touchpad
Finally, let’s not forget the keyboard and touchpad. The keyboard should be backlit and have good travel and tactile feedback. As for the touchpad, make sure it’s responsive and spacious enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best laptops for Game Development?
Our top picks for the best laptops for Game Development in 2023 are:
- ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo
- MacBook Pro 2021
- Lenovo Legion 5
- MSI Stealth 15M
- Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i
How much RAM do I need for game development?
Ideally, you should get a minimum of 16GB RAM for game development. If you can get more, that’s better. Lastly, ensure that the RAM is DDR4 or newer and has a clock speed of 3200 MHz or higher.
What processor do I need for game development?
You need a good CPU and a GPU for game development. We recommend getting an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 regarding the CPU. A GTX 1650 or better should do the job for the GPU.
Which is the best game development laptop under $1000?
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i is one of the best options for game development under $1000. Starting at just $723, it offers an Intel Core i5-11300H processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage.
Final Words
We hope you found our article on the best laptops for game development useful. Our top 5 picks are a great starting point for anyone looking to get into game development. We also included a buying guide and comparison chart to help you make the best decision for your needs.
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