Chromebooks are not designed for gaming. They don’t have enough graphic horsepower to run the latest titles or the most demanding games. So, if you’re looking for a laptop that will be able to play all your favorite PC games without any hassles, it may not work out with a Chromebook as well because of its poor graphics performance and older CPU/GPU power than other well-known gaming laptops. This article provides an overview of whether or not Chromebooks are a good gaming laptop for you.
Can You Use a Chromebook for Gaming?
Chromebooks are becoming more popular as people realize that they can be used for a lot more than just browsing the web and checking email. Chromebooks can run Android apps and emulators, as well as Linux programs, making them a surprisingly competent option for gaming on the go. Additionally, cloud game streaming services like Google Stadia make it possible to play high-end games on Chromebooks without any of the hardware requirements.
What Games Can a Chromebook Run?
Chromebooks can run a wide range of games, including native Android games and ports from PC or console platforms. While they may not be as powerful as traditional gaming laptops, Chromebooks offer a more affordable option for playing games. Cloud game-streaming services such as Google Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud with Game Pass, and Steam Link are also supported.
There are several ways for gamers to get their Chromebook gaming on. If you want to play older games, you can use emulation software like BlueStacks or Andy to run them on your device. Alternatively, you can use NVIDIA GeForce Now to stream high-end PC games from your computer to your Chromebook. If you have a Steam account, you can also use the Steam Link app to stream games from your PC directly to your TV. Finally, Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming is a subscription service that offers access to over 100 console and PC games for $10 per month. With so many options available, there’s no reason Chromebook gamers should be left out in the cold.
3 Best Chromebook for Gaming
Google Pixelbook Go 13.3″ – Lightweight
The Google Pixelbook Go is a Chromebook that was released in 2019. It is a lightweight laptop with powerful processing capabilities, making it a great choice for gaming. Android and Linux apps run well on the Pixelbook Go, and it has 12-hour battery life. The Google Pixelbook Go is a great machine for the cost. It is lightweight, has a backlit keyboard, and a 1080p webcam. The design is attractive and it is very sturdy.
Acer Chromebook Spin 713
The Acer Spin 713 is a sleek, lightweight and powerful Chromebook that features an 11th generation Intel Core i5 processor mated to Intel Iris Xe graphics. The 2K IPS display has a unique 3:2 aspect ratio for more vertical screen space, making it perfect for productivity or entertainment.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a 360-degree convertible notebook that has a 3:2 aspect ratio and weighs just 3 pounds. It is made with MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability and features great connectivity options. Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is the best Chromebook for gaming, productivity and entertainment. It comes with an 8th Gen Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 Processor, 8GB of RAM and an IPS display. The aluminum chassis and MIL-STD durability make it a great choice for on-the-go use.
Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga – Best Chromebook Gaming Laptop With AMD Embedded Graphics
The Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga is a 13-inch 1080p IPS display laptop with an AMD Ryzen 5 3500C chip and 8GB of RAM. It has a MIL-STD-810G certification, which means it can withstand tough environments. The ThinkPad C13 Yoga has a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader. It has Wi-Fi 6, two USB 3.2 gen 1 Type-A headers, two USB 3.2 gen 1 Type-C (one with power delivery), and a microSD card slot. Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga is a great option for those looking for a Chromebook that can also handle gaming.
It has AMD Vega integrated graphics and up to 256GB SSD and 8GB RAM. Additionally, it has an excellent I/O: 1 x HDMI video output jack, 2 x USB 3.2 gen 1 Type-A headers, 2 x USB 3.0 ports, and headphone/mic combo jack. Its dimensions (WxDxH) are 14″ x 10.5″ x 0.8″.
The Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga is a laptop that is available in both Type-C and USB-C ports. It also has a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, and MIL-STD-810G certification. However, the aspect ratio of the laptop may be cramped on a 13 inch screen as it is only offered in 16:9 format. Additionally, battery life is middling at around 6 hours according to some reviews online.
5 Best Games for Chromebooks
There are plenty of games that work well on Chromebooks. We recommend the best games for Chromebooks, based on their popularity and compatibility with Chrome OS. These include free games as well as those you can purchase.
1. Alto’s Odyssey
Alto’s Adventure: The Sequel is even more stunning than the award-winning mobile game that preceded it. Alto’s Odyssey is more of the same, and that is not an insult. It expands on the tap-to-jump action with a new hold-to-wall-grind move. Additionally, Odyssey is as peaceful as ever-more-luscious settings, with vivid and tranquil sights. You’ll need a touchscreen Chromebook to play, but because there are no on-screen controls to tap – you simply tap anywhere you like – it’s pleasant to play on bigger displays as well.
2. Roblox
Roblox is one of the finest games ever created since it is full of user-created worlds and games. As such, you will always come across something that piques your interest. One of my favorite Roblox games is the Squid Game-inspired tournaments, where you can compete against other Roblox players from all around the world in lethal rounds of Red Light, Green Light.
Additionally, you can opt to be a maker. You are able to create your own game. Rather than becoming a player, you might pursue a career as a game producer. Take a look at all of these informative articles on how to launch your own game.
3. Among Us
The multiplayer game Among Us surged in popularity as players relished the ability to play a deadly impostor while others convene “emergency meetings” to identify which of them is the hazardous invader.
Among Us is suggested for Chromebooks due to the game’s optimization for Chrome OS laptops; players will be able to experience the game in its entirety in full-screen mode. Indeed, some Chromebooks come pre-installed with Among Us (e.g. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2). Among Us is one of the year’s top mobile games, so don’t miss your chance to play the whodunnit on your Chromebook.
4. Into the Dead 2
Into the Dead 2 is one of the top Chromebook games available for users of Chrome OS looking for some thrilling, spooky, apocalyptic action. Into the Dead 2 is a scary Zombie apocalypse simulator. You’ll take on the role of a man who strayed a bit too far from home. He has a wife and daughter waiting for him at home, but a swarm of zombies is threatening to obstruct his return.
Armed with a rifle, you must make your way out of zombie-infested locations by shooting them. You can amass weapons and enhance your artillery. As you attempt to survive the zombie apocalypse, this is one of the most action-packed Chromebook games available.
5. 3D Sniper
Put yourself in the shoes of an amazing, unmatched sniper who is assigned missions to eliminate the world’s terrible villains. Eliminate bank robbers downtown, rescue hostages from criminals, and eliminate prominent figures to keep the globe safe from terrible villains.
This action-packed game is a lot of fun! You can assassinate your victim from a moving vehicle or from a high vantage point. You are frequently sent jobs with only a basic description of your target — take care not to kill an innocent citizen! Additionally, you must ensure that you do not wait too long to murder your target, or he may vanish from your field of vision, causing you to fail your job.
How to play games on a Chromebook
There are three ways to play games on a Chromebook – as a web app, an Android app, or remotely via one of the two prior methods.
On the majority of recent Chromebooks, you may play games in one of three ways: as a web app, an Android app, or remotely via one of the previous two methods. While gaming on a Chromebook might entail playing the same games as on a PC, one could argue that the range of games available on a Chromebook is more than on a PC.
When you combine the strength of a web or Android app with the portability of a Chromebook, your gaming horizons may grow even further. However, it is at this moment when gaming goes away from the Chromebook and onto the cloud.
Distant or cloud gaming makes use of a remote PC or console to transmit the generated material to your Chromebook. You subscribe to a service such as Google Stadia and download a little web app or Android application. Typically, an Xbox or other third-party controller may be connected to the Chromebook, or you can simply use the keyboard and mouse.
During games, the Chromebook and accompanying software will accept button or key inputs, transfer them up to the cloud PC through the Internet, and then display the results of your actions. It occurs so rapidly that you are essentially “playing” the game on your Chromebook.
There will always be some input latency, which will reduce the responsiveness of rapid, twitchy games. You’ll get better outcomes, for example, with urban broadband connections than with rural DSL.
FAQ
Can you game on a Chromebook 4?
Some games can be played as a web app, an Android app, or remotely. Gaming on a Chromebook can mean playing the same games you’d play on a PC, but with richer options due to the variety of games available.
Are Chromebooks good for Roblox?
Yes, Chromebooks are good for Roblox. All of these Chromebooks support Google Play, which makes it as simple as downloading the Roblox software from the Google Play Store to play Roblox games.
Are Chromebooks any good for gaming?
Chromebooks are surprisingly competent for gaming on the go. Chromebooks can run many different emulators for playing retro video game ROMs. Cloud game-streaming offers a nifty solution to gaming on a Chromebook.
Chromebooks are not recommended for gaming. They have lower hardware specifications than typical PCs, and their software is not as optimized for gaming like that of other platforms. Chromebooks also do not support certain features, like 4K displays or high-end graphics cards, that may be necessary for some gamers.
Can an Acer Chromebook run GTA 5?
Acer Chromebook cannot run GTA 5 because Acer Chromebook does not have a dedicated graphics card and a good processor. Native Android games such as Asphalt 9 and PUBG Mobile run smoothly on Chromebooks. Cloud gaming services including Google Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud with Game Pass, and Steam Link run smoothly with either Android apps or in a browser.