It's that time of the year when Amazon Prime Day brings forth a deals extravaganza, and we've scoured the retailer (alongside Best Buy and Walmart's rival deals) to find the most incredible gaming laptop deals exclusively for you during this shopping event. Say goodbye to limitations and hello to the ultimate gaming freedom with gaming laptops that combine portability and power like never before. If you want to save more cash, check out the Walmart+ Deals, Best Buy's deals (which include price-matching for Amazon Prime Day deals), and our favorite returning Amazon Prime deal.
Prime Day July 2023: Best PC Laptop Deals
Gaming laptops let you play your entire PC catalog while you are out and about, without worrying about support (like with Steam Deck, etc.), and right now you can bring home some super solid, inexpensive models like the ASUS TUF A17 for just $599, or save 34% on an incredibly powerful Razer Blade 14, bringing it down from $3499 to $2299.
No longer confined to desktop setups, PC gamers can now experience the thrill of their favorite games anytime, anywhere, thanks to gaming laptops. And the best part? The prices have dropped significantly, making gaming laptops an enticing option that won't break the bank. In fact, when you consider that laptops come with built-in displays and keyboards, choosing a gaming laptop can be a cost-effective decision.
To ensure you make the most of Prime Day 2023, we've curated a handpicked selection of the best gaming laptop deals. We've left no stone unturned in our quest to bring you the finest offers. Whether you're seeking budget-friendly options or aiming for the pinnacle of gaming performance, our collection has something to suit every gamer's taste.
Amazon Prime Day July 2023: Best PC Desktop Deals
The cornerstone of PC gaming is the all-powerful desktop. While building your own is absolutely a fantastic option, and it can be cheaper most of the time, pre-built PCs are a LOT more competitively priced nowadays than they used to be, and you can bring home a great one from ROG for just $1049, or iBUYPOWER for just $1259.
A great tip I'd give to aspiring PC builders is to find a cheaper PC that has most of what you want, then scroll down and pick up a really powerful (compatible) graphics card to give it a lot more oomph. Doing this can give you a really great balance of 'easy to get started' and 'bang for your buck'.
Looking for more? Check out all of the Prime Day gaming laptop deals.
Key Considerations When Purchasing a Gaming Laptop or PC
Choosing the right gaming laptop can be an exciting endeavor, but it's important to keep a few factors in mind to ensure you make the best decision. Let's dive into the essentials while keeping the process fun and easy!
1. Finding the Perfect Video Card
To determine the ideal video card for your gaming needs, consider two factors: the resolution of your monitor and the games you enjoy. If you have a 4K display, which boasts significantly more pixels than QHD or 1080p monitors, you'll need a powerful GPU to handle the increased demand. Additionally, some games require more performance than others, but adjusting settings can help optimize your experience. As a general guideline:
- 1080p Resolution: Opt for an RTX 3050 Ti to RTX 3060 Ti (or RX 6600M to RX 6700M).
- QHD Resolution: Look for an RTX 3070 to RTX 4080 (or RX 6700M to RX 6900M XT).
- 4K Resolution: Consider an RTX 4080 to RTX 4090.
2. Gaming PC vs. Gaming Laptop
In the past, gaming laptops often fell short compared to their desktop counterparts. However, times have changed! While gaming PCs still offer more bang for your buck, gaming laptops have significantly closed the gap. Most competent gaming laptops effortlessly handle 1080p gaming, and with the latest GPUs, you can even achieve smooth gameplay at 1440p or 4K. For instance, the new mobile RTX 4090 outperforms a desktop RTX 3080, a card designed for 4K gaming. If portability is a priority, gaming laptops are the way to go. To explore this topic further, check out our detailed article on the gaming laptop vs. gaming desktop dilemma.
3. Console vs. Gaming PC
Although consoles have made impressive strides in graphical advancements, gaming PCs continue to reign supreme in terms of technical performance. While the PS5 and Xbox Series X are powerful, gaming laptops have the potential to surpass them. Moreover, gaming laptops offer unparalleled backward compatibility, and the vast libraries available on platforms like Steam, Xbox Live, Origin, and Battle.net put console collections to shame. Additionally, most games released for current-gen consoles are also available on PC, often with more customization and graphics options. Unless you're considering the unique niche of the Nintendo Switch, console gaming ties you down to your home, while gaming laptops grant you the freedom to play anywhere.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision when purchasing your dream gaming laptop. Happy gaming!
Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.