10 Best Laptops for Game Development & Design

For every game developer, a laptop is necessary for creating any game project. It is an essential condition for turning your design ideas into reality.

To provide stable work productivity, you need to find a laptop with the perfect CPU, RAM, and screen quality to meet your fast processing needs.

I will introduce you to the best laptops for game development & game design, so you have more options when looking for your next new laptop!

The 10 candidates below are great laptops with the right specs for your needs. They have high storage capacity and incredible data processing speed.

Scroll gently so as not to miss important information!

1. Acer Nitro 17

Acer Nitro 17

Important Specifications

  • Screen Size: 17.3″
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Hard Disk: 1TB
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060

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What we like

  • Perfect overall
  • Anti-glare screen
  • Quick connection
  • Ability to process data
  • Modern design, personality

Things to consider

  • No touch screen
  • Heavy weight: 6.6lbs

Product highlights

The Acer Nitro 17 is the perfect model you should consider for an investment. The device’s design and features are great for game development and serve your work optimally.

The device has a solid, modern, and stylish construction, allowing you to move it quickly to different workspaces. The device frame is carefully contoured, ensuring long-term sustainability for the product.

With this device, performance is a specific strength. The device is equipped with 16GB RAM and 1TB solid state drive, combined with a new generation AMD processor, allowing it to provide the ability to store and download data quickly.

Support for the operation of the device must include the ability to connect to sensitive Wi-Fi. It helps to process work more efficiently.

This device line must mention the battery life. The device can work up to about 8 hours after each charge. Thus, it will not interrupt your work progress.

With the visual performance, I am pretty pleased with the device. It integrates perfect anti-glare to protect the user’s eyes well.

2. Lenovo ThinkPad X1

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 9th Gen 9

Important Specifications

  • Screen Size: 14″
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Hard Disk: 512GB
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
  • Graphics Card: Integrated

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What we like

  • Live sound
  • Lasting
  • Flexibility
  • Large storage space
  • Integrated graphics

Things to consider

  • Poor camera quality

Product highlights

A lightweight laptop will be better for your frequent travel requirements.

For this category, I recommend the Lenovo ThinkPad X1. This device has a neat design, with a weight of only about 2.48 pounds, which is convenient for you to carry everywhere.

This version of ThinkPad X1 is much improved compared to previous models. The most typical is in the ability to access and process data.

The laptop is equipped with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB hard drive, allowing to increase the efficiency of accessing, downloading, and storing data for better work. The laptop’s Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor is essential for upgrading the speed of processing multiple data simultaneously.

The keyboard system of the device is to float above the ordinary plane to create a comfortable feeling for the user.

3. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo

ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15-inch OLED

Important Specifications

  • Screen Size: 15.6”
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Hard Disk: 1TB
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-10870H
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070

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What we like

  • Lasting
  • Modern design
  • Large storage space
  • Impressive performance
  • Super picture quality

Things to consider

  • Great weight

Product highlights

Image with a game developer is the most essential. Laptops can create detailed, clear pictures that will help serve design ideas well.

The most typical for this category, it is impossible not to mention the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15. This version is with an ultra-wide 4K screen for a more immersive monitoring experience.

Anti-glare technology is also applied in this product to ensure absolute safety for the user’s vision.

The performance of this product is also excellent. It owns 16GB RAM and ample storage space of up to 1TB, helping increase processing, download, and data storage capacity. At the same time, the arrival of the intel core i7-10870H processor increases the device’s overall power.

Unfortunately, this device is not gentle for your travel requirements. It is relatively heavy and can make it difficult for you during the operation.

4. ASUS ROG Strix G16

ASUS ROG Strix G16

Important Specifications

  • Screen Size: 16″
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Hard Disk: 512GB
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-13650HX
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060

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What we like

  • Lasting
  • Flexibility
  • Long battery life
  • Attractive designs
  • Perfect working performance

Things to consider

  • Low hard drive capacity

Product highlights

If you have to work on poor-performance equipment, your work performance will decrease. Therefore, you must find a laptop powerful enough for basic and advanced work requirements, and the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a prime example.

This device comes to deliver the best performance for game development. The device has 16GB RAM, 512GB hard drive, and Intel Core i7 processor; they are stable for all your desires for speed and efficiency.

The device’s excellent performance is evident through its modern and impressive configuration. The all-metal chassis is sleek, lightweight, and durable to be your all-day companion.

The battery life of the device is also quite good. On average, it can maintain operation for about 6-7 hours after each charge. This duration is enough to satisfy your work. But unfortunately, its sound quality is relatively average.

5. LG gram 17

LG gram 17

Important Specifications

  • Screen Size: 17″
  • RAM: 32GB
  • Hard Disk: 2TB
  • CPU: Intel Core i7 Evo
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX3050 4GB

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What we like

  • 2TB SSD storage capacity
  • Good-looking
  • Color visibility
  • 32GB LPDDR5 RAM
  • Suitable for heavy work

Things to consider

  • High price

Product highlights

Ample storage space allows for storing many different documents and documents at the same time.

Given the demanding nature of game development, it requires a device with stable memory for downloading and saving important documents.

And the LG gram 17 is such a product. This model has up to 2TB of memory, so you can save as much as you like.

32GB RAM and Intel Core i7 processor also help to increase processing speed and access many different websites. LG gram 17 is a particular version, much improved in appearance and features compared to previous products.

It has a robust design and personality, but the weight is significant for moving needs. With this device, it stands out by its ability to display colors. The colors in the device are vivid and attractive and can protect the eyes of the user.

6. Apple MacBook Air

Apple 2024 MacBook Air

Important Specifications

  • Screen Size: 13.6″
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Hard Disk: 256GB
  • CPU: M3 chip
  • Graphics Card: Integrated

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What we like

  • Easy to use
  • Gorgeous screen
  • Large working hours
  • Vivid, realistic images
  • Fast data processing speed

Things to consider

  • Restrict the use of certain apps

Product highlights

The Macbook Air is also an excellent idea for game development and design.

In terms of performance, the device proved to be more memorable than other devices in the same collection.

It has 8GB of unified memory, making your entire system faster and more responsive. So, it will better support the performance of your work tasks.

This Macbook version 2024 has a size of 13.6 inches combined with a variety of advanced screen technologies, bringing vivid images with surprising realism.

However, with this 2024 Macbook Air, it will be limited to accessing some other applications about coding related to your game development.

7. MSI Raider GE76

MSI Raider GE76

Important Specifications

  • Screen Size: 17.3″
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Hard Disk: 1TB
  • CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H
  • Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 3060

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What we like

  • Strong Design
  • Cool and strong
  • Visual performance
  • Impressive custom keys
  • Special graphic features

Things to consider

  • Poor camera quality

Product highlights

Robust design can help inspire the development of your game idea. Featured in this category, I present to you the MSI Raider GE76 laptop.

This version has a personality with a strong style of a professional gamer. It is suitable for a broad audience, including new and experienced game developers.

The graphics feature in this machine is said to be perfect. It is powered by NVIDIA GeForce, allowing the most popular games to be played today.

This device also epitomizes admirable data processing power. The machine owns the latest generation Intel core i9 processor, which helps provide high performance to handle the desired task quickly.

But its camera quality disappointed me quite a bit. It’s dimmer than I imagined.

8. Apple 2018 MacBook Air

Apple 2018 MacBook Air

Important Specifications

  • Screen Size: 13″
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Hard Disk: 256GB
  • CPU: Intel Core i5
  • Graphics Card: Integrated

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What we like

  • Image quality
  • Gentle, delicate
  • Reasonable price
  • Fast data processing
  • Impressive configuration

Things to consider

  • Poor battery life
  • Renewed product

Product highlights

If you are looking for a laptop for game development with an impressive budget, then the Apple 2018 MacBook Air is a perfect offer for you. Compared to previous devices, this version has a stable price and is suitable for many users.

In this device, the configuration is the highlight to help attract users’ attention.

The machine has a slim, sophisticated design with elegant colors, helping to increase the inspiration for your work. This device is also highly light for you to conveniently move to many different workspaces.

Regarding workability, the machine is perfect and can provide fast data processing speed. This feature is thanks to the Intel core i5 processor and 256GB hard drive integrated into the device.

9. Lenovo IdeaPad 1

Lenovo IdeaPad 1

Important Specifications

  • Screen Size: 15.6″
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Hard Disk: 512GB
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen5-5500U
  • Graphics Card: Integrated

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What we like

  • Easy to use
  • Lightweight
  • Attractive sound
  • Reasonable price
  • Super quality pictures

Things to consider

  • Not sustainable

Product highlights

For starters, operating a laptop for game development can be challenging.

To solve that worry, you can choose Lenovo Ideapad 1, and this version is designed specifically for beginners to help them adapt faster to work.

Besides, the device has also successfully acquired most global customers because of its versatile and flexible structure. This device has a compact design and is lightweight, allowing you to take it anywhere you like.

With typical data processing speed and storage space features, the machine is ideal for your game development. And it is the perfect investment you need to consider.

10. HP HD+ Laptop

HP 17.3″ HD+ Laptop

Important Specifications

  • Screen Size: 17.3″
  • RAM: 32GB
  • Hard Disk: 1TB
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-1255U
  • Graphics Card: Integrated

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What we like

  • Flexibility
  • Screen size
  • Touchscreen
  • Long battery life
  • High-quality sound
  • Comfortable keyboard

Things to consider

  • Not suitable for solid games

Product highlights

You need to find a touchscreen laptop with a high-quality keyboard to make it more convenient for game development.

It will help a lot with your design activities and ideas. In this respect, the HP laptop version is the best offer. The keyboard is flexible, slightly higher than the surface, making it easier and more comfortable to press.

This laptop is also the perfect proposition for immersive sound quality. State-of-the-art built-in speakers enable great sound to make your work experience more immersive.

Not only that, but it is also highly light for you to carry around in all different work situations.

Buying Guides

For game application development, laptops will have higher configuration and memory requirements than regular laptops.

Here is a detailed buying guide that you should refer to.

CPU

CPU is an essential and decisive factor in the ability to process data and operate game development software.

Choosing devices with Intel core processors is necessary because they can provide the best performance and experience for your work.

Besides Intel core, the AMD processor is also ideal for game development. If using other processors, it may be weak and not able to meet your requirements.

RAM

The more RAM a laptop has, the faster it runs and the more efficiently it handles tasks. With requirements for game development, you need a device with enough RAM, at least 8GB. If you have enough budget, a laptop with 16GB RAM is an excellent proposition for your work.

Memory type

The type of memory you get in your laptop will accurately reflect the operating speed for developing each game project. There are two types of memory, HDD and SSD. So should you choose HDD or SSD?

It is advisable to look for a laptop equipped with an SSD, as it is guaranteed to provide stable data processing performance for game development. With HDD, it is weaker and can interrupt your work.

Screen

Monitors for a game developer are also vital. The laptop screen you choose must have a high resolution to track details in the game accurately. 1920×1080 full HD resolution can be the ideal and perfect suggestion for your work.

Screen size is also essential to facilitate game development ideas. And you need a big screen to make it easier to view images.

FAQs

Is a gaming laptop good for game development?

Gaming PCs are usually with powerful processors and RAM with ideal performance. Of course, it is also suitable for perfect game development.

How much RAM do I need for game development?

You need a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM for game application development. Using 4GB RAM might also work, but it’s not smooth and fast.

If you want to process your work tasks quickly, a device with 16GB RAM is more than ideal.

Do you need a powerful PC for game development?

The short answer is yes. A new powerful enough laptop can help you operate smoothly for your work requirements.

Do I need a high-end PC for coding?

Writing code is a complex task with high laptop performance requirements. Specifically, your laptop needs at least 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD to be favorable for writing code.

Which is better for coding, PC or laptop?

Notebooks are better for your coding work. It ensures the faster running of specialized software for coding than desktop laptops.

Conclusion

The 10 laptops above are the perfect products for your usage requirements. Each product will bring a typical feature to your work. From my experience, the Acer Nitro 17, ASUS ROG Strix G16, and MSI Raider GE76 are the ideal suggestions for creating attractive game versions.