3 Gaming Laptops to Consider Instead of the Lenovo Legion Go S

      In recent years, the popularity of gaming handhelds has surged significantly. With each new model, we are witnessing improvements in performance and ergonomics, making them a viable option for gaming on the move. After all, why carry a bulky laptop when you can easily take a portable device like the Lenovo Legion Go S for casual gaming?

      Some of my friends have even experimented with these Windows-powered handhelds as temporary PCs for work. However, let's be honest. While they offer convenience, handhelds cannot compete with the raw performance, immersive experience, and overall value that a gaming laptop provides.

      What should you consider?

      If you're considering the Legion Go S, there are a few important points to keep in mind. As highlighted by Digital Trends, spending $760 on a quad-core silicon designed for PC gaming has its limitations. Additionally, there are challenges related to Windows optimization for handhelds and concerns about battery life.

      If you’re looking into laptop alternatives, there are several aspects to remember for an optimal experience. Firstly, choose an option with a faster display; even a 120Hz or 144Hz panel can significantly enhance your gaming experience.

      Game files require considerable storage space, so ensure that the machine has at least 1TB of SSD storage. While configurations may come with an upsell, aim for a higher capacity nonetheless. Most importantly, resist the urge to overspend on a flashy new graphics card simply because it's the latest model.

      Opting for an older generation of silicon while still having a capable GPU can save you a significant amount. Furthermore, consider the benefits of both Intel and AMD options. Keeping all these technical factors in mind, here are three gaming laptops that fall within the budget of the Legion Go S:

      Acer Nitro V15

      Acer

      Closest in price to the Legion Go S is the Acer Nitro V15, a well-received AMD-powered budget laptop. If your budget is limited to the handheld’s range but you seek a competent package, this Acer model is an attractive choice.

      The base configuration starts at $749, which is lower than the Lenovo handheld, and features a hexa-core AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor paired with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4050 mobile graphics. This setup is suitable for 1080p gaming, allowing you to comfortably play AAA titles like Far Cry 6, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Borderlands 3 at medium to high settings with frame rates between 45-60 fps.

      You also benefit from a 15.6-inch full-HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate, which is a pleasant surprise at this price point. The memory setup includes 16GB of DDR5 RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. Unlike older models, this version boasts a backlit keyboard. The laptop's port selection is also decent, featuring several options, including a Thunderbolt port.

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      Dell G15 (5530)

      Dell

      Regularly rated among the best gaming budget laptops, the Dell G15 has a starting price of $1000 but delivers an excellent package. It is one of the most aesthetically pleasing gaming laptops in its category, particularly regarding thermal design.

      This model includes a 15.6-inch full-HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, driven by a 14-core Intel Core i7-13650HX processor, along with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. It is one of the few laptops in this price range that offers a higher-end 13th Gen Intel processor, which positively impacts performance.

      On the graphics side, it features Nvidia’s RTX 4060 mobile GPU capable of 140 watts peak output. In benchmark tests, it performs comparably to laptops with capped GeForce RTX 4070 mobile graphics. For instance, in Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1080p with the highest graphics settings, it comfortably exceeds 100 fps, while Cyberpunk 2077 maintains over 60 fps at the same resolution, which is quite impressive.

      The port selection is diverse, although it includes only one USB-C port. Regardless of the configuration, you get dual fans, four heat pipes, and ample external vents for effective heat management. Overall, this laptop is a solid option if maximizing gaming performance for the price is your main priority.

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      Gigabyte G6X KG

      Gigabyte

      If you found the Dell laptop appealing and are inquiring about an option that provides a bit more for future-proofing, the Gigabyte G6X is worth considering. It doubles the RAM to 32GB, upgrades storage to 1TB, and adds an extra USB-C port.

      This model features a large 16-inch full-HD display with a 165Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it is powered by a 14-core Intel Core i7-13650HX processor that boasts a peak frequency of 4.9 GHz along with a boost mode output of 157W