10 Best Laptops for Game Development in September 2023 [Unity 3D]

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Are you looking for the best laptop to use if you are a game developer? There are so many laptops out there, and it can be hard to choose. What is your budget? Do you need something portable or heavy-duty? This blog post will help answer those questions and more!

We have compiled a list of the 10 best laptops for game development that we think would work well for most people. Check them out and find one that's right for you!

Things to Keep in Mind while Buying laptops for Game Development

RAM

The more you have, the better your game development will be. Having a low RAM may not sufficiently run your games. While 8GB is the minimum, we recommend that you buy a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM.

Processor

The CPU or central processing unit is the brain of your computer. This is where all the tasks are processed, and you need a good one if you want to develop games on it. Look at specs like core count, clock speed, cache size, etc.

The minimum requirement is Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, but for advanced games, you might need Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7. Processor speed does not make much of a difference, so go for the one that has more cores instead!

Storage

The type of storage is also important when it comes to game development. The more space you have, the better. Look for SSDs which are way faster than traditional HDDs, and if possible, purchase a laptop with two drives in RAID mode so that there's always an extra backup available.

The minimum is 256GB SSD, but it is highly recommended to go for 512GB SSD. However, ensure that your games are compatible with the storage type you are getting.

GPU

This is a big one. You want to have at least an NVIDIA GeForce GTX or NVIDIA GeForce RTX card with good GPU memory for development purposes.

If you can't afford it right now, don't worry because there are still some great options without this feature.

Display

This is the most basic yet essential factor that you must consider before purchasing a laptop and can make or break your experience. You need at least Full HD (1920x1080) resolution to be able to develop games properly.

However, having a high-resolution display might have some disadvantages as well so if possible, look for laptops with both 1080p and UHD (3840x1080) display options.

Keep in mind that most laptops with the 1080P option are usually cheaper than those with Ultra HD displays. If you want to buy a laptop for game development, look at these specs first!

Operating System

The OS you use is also a big factor. Windows OS is preferred by most people as it has better compatibility with games and development tools, but if possible go for Linux-based OS like Ubuntu which is free of cost!

Battery Life

Laptops for game development should also have a good battery life so that they can be used on the go.

If possible, look for an option that says "gaming" or has higher capacity batteries to last longer. This one is not very important though as most laptops now provide sufficient battery life that too with LED backlighting.

10 Best Laptops for Game Development In 2023

We have compiled a list of the best laptops for game development. Check them out and find one that's right for you!

IMAGE PRODUCT FEATURES BUTTON
Acer Predator Helios 30

Acer Predator Helios 300

  • CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2060
  • RAM: 16 GB
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo

ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo

  • CPU: 10th gen Intel Core i7-10750H
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2060
  • RAM: 16GB
HP Spectre x36

HP Spectre x360

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7
  • Graphics: Integrated
  • RAM: 16GB
Gigabyte AERO 1

Gigabyte AERO 15

  • CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2060
  • RAM: 16GB
MSI GS75 Stealt

MSI GS75 Stealth

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-10875H
  • Graphics: RTX 2070
  • RAM: 32GB
Razer Blade Pro 1

Razer Blade Pro 17

  • CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10875H
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2070
  • RAM: 64GB
HP OMEN 1

HP OMEN 15

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3070
  • RAM: 16GB
ASUS ROG Strix G1

ASUS ROG Strix G15

  • CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10870H
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2070
  • RAM: 16GB
Lenovo Legion

Lenovo Legion 5

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 7-4800H
  • Graphics: RTX 2060
  • RAM: 16GB
ASUS TUF FX505DT

ASUS TUF FX505DT

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 R5-3550H
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1650
  • Storage: 256GB SSD

1. Acer Predator Helios 300

Best Laptops for Game Development
Features
  • Screen: 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080)
  • CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2060
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD
  • Ports: HDMI 2.0, MiniDP, USB 3.2 Type C Gen 2 port, USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports
  • Speaker: Two Built-in Stereo Speakers
  • Weight: 5.07 pounds
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CPU and GPU

This Acer Predator Helios 300 has an advanced Intel Core i7-10750H processor which is the best for game development.

It also possesses an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GPU that can run any high graphics games at ease. The laptop is built with an aluminum chassis and has a red-backlit keyboard, which looks really cool! It also provides great viewing angles.

RAM and Storage

This laptop comes with the latest RAM (16 GB DDR4-2933 MHz) and storage of 512GB NVMe SSD so you can easily run your games without any hiccups.

This becomes very important when you start working on large projects and need all the memory to be used by your games.

You don't have to worry about slowdowns due to an insufficient amount of memory while developing games or running multiple applications simultaneously.

Display and Keyboard

Get ready for some quality "me" time on this 15.6" Full HD 144hz 3ms IPS display topped off by its sleek RGB keyboard that includes full key rollover support for fast-paced firing action in FPS games.

The display can get bright up to 300 nits through its matte screen finish but only gets moderately dim at 50 nits making it not ideal for use in dark environments like on flights or inside rooms without a light source nearby.

Ports and Connectivity

The Acer Predator Helios 300 features a USB-C Gen 2 port that provides 40 Gbps data transfer speeds up to 20 Gbps.

It also has HDMI and Mini DisplayPort so you can easily connect it to your monitor or TV.

However, if your games require external storage or networking, you will be required to use an adapter.

2. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo

Best Laptops for Game Development
Features
  • Screen: 15.6 4K UHD 3840 x 1600
  • CPU: 10th gen Intel Core i7-10750H
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2060
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 1TB SSD
  • Ports: USB 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, and Type-C
  • Weight: 5.50 lbs
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CPU and GPU

The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo is one of the best laptops for game development with its latest Intel Core i7-10750H Processor (12M Cache, up to 5.0 GHz) and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics.

The laptop is built with an aluminum chassis and has a backlit keyboard, which looks really cool! t also provides great viewing angles.

RAM and Storage

This laptop comes with the latest RAM (16GB DDR4 MHz) and storage of 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, so you can easily run your games without any hiccups.

It becomes very important when you start working on large projects and need all the memory to be used by your games.

You don't have to worry about slowdowns due to an insufficient amount of memory while developing games or running multiple applications simultaneously.

You don't have to buy additional components like extra storage drives because it already comes inbuilt for your convenience.

Display and Keyboard

It has a 15.60 inch IPS panel with 3840 x 1600 pixels which are great for game development as it produces sharp images.

The laptop also features an ergonomic full-size aluminum keyboard that's comfortable to type on while providing a good travel distance (0.75mm) between keys, thus resuming faster than standard keyboards!

It also includes the ASUS ScreenPad - an advanced touchpad/display combo where you can set shortcuts or run widgets from your fingertips without having to switch windows so multitasking becomes easier!

It is an ultrathin notebook that weighs only 0.95kg making it easy to move around after finishing work hours or during traveling sessions outside of home base if necessary.

Ports and Connectivity

It has a USB Type-C port that allows for up to 40Gbps data transfer speeds, Gigabit LAN Port (RJ45), and HDMI connector so you can easily connect your laptop to external devices and also features Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.

3. HP Spectre x360

Best Laptops for Game Development
Features
  • Screen: 3.3" FHD (3840X2160)
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Graphics: Integrated
  • Storage: 512 GB SSD
  • Ports: 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ; 2 USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C with Thunderbolt 3
  • Speaker:  Bang & Olufsen Quad Speakers
  • Weight: ‎2.8 pounds
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CPU and GPU

The HP Spectre x360 is a powerful laptop that has an Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor that can give you great performance in game development.

It's also equipped with 16GB RAM, 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.0 SSD, and an Integrated graphics card that can help you run all your games smoothly without any lag!

The touch screen is big enough for developing mobile games or just testing out some ideas from scratch when inspiration strikes during breaks in between work hours.

RAM and Storage

It comes with a massive amount of memory (16GB DDR-2933 MHz) so it'll be able to multitask even the most demanding tasks comfortably.

It has a lot of storage space as well since its maximum HDD capacity is up to 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.0 SSD which provides plenty of room for storing files such as images, videos, music, etc.

All these combines make it a great choice for game development!

Display and Keyboard

It has a 15.60-inch touchscreen with 3840x2160 resolution, which is good enough to run games at 1080p on medium settings or lower.

The display also supports stylus inputs from an active pen that comes included with the laptop so you can draw directly onto the screen and make changes in real-time without having to switch between applications!

Ports and Connectivity

It has a USB Type-C port that can reach data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, two Thunderbolt ports, and an HDMI port so you can easily connect it to external devices! It also features Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.

Overall, the HP Spectre x360 is a great laptop choice for game developers as it has powerful specifications, a large touchscreen display with stylus support, and plenty of ports and connectivity options!

4. Gigabyte AERO 15

Best Laptops for Game Development
Features
  • Screen: 15.6 Display
  • CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2060
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD
  • Ports: HDMI, mini-DP, and 1x Thunderbolt 3 USB-c ports
  • Speaker: Built-in high power stereo speakers
  • Weight: ‎5 pounds
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CPU and GPU

The 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics will give you strong performance for your game development needs.

With this Intel Core processor, you can multitask, edit photos or videos, and play high-definition games without any lag.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card will let you explore vivid colors, realistic textures, and fluid animations.

RAM and Storage

The Gigabyte AERO 15 has 16GB RAM which is more than enough to run apps or multiple programs at once while developing a game without any slowdown.

It also comes with a 512 GB NVMe PCIe SSD that is super fast: it can boot up your laptop, load large files and programs quickly without any lag, and even wake your laptop from sleep mode.

Display and Keyboard

The 15.6" Full HD IPS display has a 178-degree viewing angle so you can clearly see what's on the screen while working in multiple windows or playing games.

It also comes with an N-key rollover, which means each key is independently scanned to prevent ghosting and dropped keys.

Ports and Connectivity

The Gigabyte AERO 15 has a Thunderbolt Type-C port, three USB Type-A ports (one is powered for charging), one HDMI port, an SD card slot, and a headphone/mic combo jack so you can easily connect it to your external devices.

With its Killer Wi-Fi AX1650 and Bluetooth v.50, you can connect this laptop to your wireless devices so that you stay connected on the go!

5. MSI GS75 Stealth

Best Laptops for Game Development
Features
  • Screen: 17.3" FHD (1920x1080)
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-10875H
  • RAM: 32GB
  • Graphics: RTX 2070
  • Storage: ‎512 GB SSD
  • Ports: USB 3.1, Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, USB Type-C, Headphone, Microphone, RJ-45
  • Speaker: Dynaudio Speakers
  • Weight: ‎5.29 lbs
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CPU and GPU

The latest Intel Core i7-10875H 2.3- 5.1GHz processor with 32GB RAM will provide you with the processing power you need for running multiple programs at once while developing your game or apps.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q 8G GDDR6 graphics card provides powerful performance for high-definition games and videos without any lag.

RAM and Storage

With 512GB NVMe PCIe SSD you can launch your programs up to 70% faster than when using a traditional hard drive.

32GB of DDR4 RAM lets you open more tabs in Chrome without slowing down the computer.

The GS75 Stealth also has a 512GB NVMe PCIe SSD, which lets you store your photos, videos, and other files quickly.

Display and Keyboard

The 17.3" Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display will give you an accurate color range while working in multiple windows or playing games--it's perfect for when you're multitasking!

The SteelSeries Per-Key RGB backlighting keyboard allows gamers to customize their lighting across three zones using over 100 different effects.

All of this enhances the look of your laptop so it looks great wherever you are!

Ports and Connectivity

The MSI GS75 Stealth has three USB Type-A ports (one is powered), one Thunderbolt port, HDMI port, an SD card slot, and a headphone/mic combo jack so you can easily connect it to your external devices.

With its Killer Wi-Fi AC 1550i 802.11ac MU-MIMO wireless technology, you can stay connected on the go!

6. Razer Blade Pro 17

Best Laptops for Game Development
Features
  • Screen: 17" 4K (3840 x 2160)
  • CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10875H
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2070
  • RAM: 64GB
  • Storage: 1TB SSD
  • Ports: USB 3. 2 Gen 2, 2. 5Gb Ethernet, UHS-III SD Card Reader, Wi-Fi 6, and Thunderbolt 3
  • Weight: 10.14 lbs
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CPU and GPU

The latest Intel Core i7-10875H processor with 64GB RAM will provide you with the processing power you need for running multiple programs at once while developing your game or apps.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU can handle high-end graphics and video editing so that you don't have to worry about lag time when playing games or working on animations in Adobe After Effects.

RAM and Storage

The Razer Blade Pro 17 also has a 1TB PCIe NVMe, which lets you store your photos, videos, and other files quickly.

In terms of memory, it has 64GB of DDRL 2666MHz RAM, which is upgradeable to 128GB.

Display and Keyboard

The 17" IPS-Grade 300Hz Display is large enough for easy game development while giving you vivid colors.

The Per-Key Razer Chroma RGB allows you to customize your keyboard to match your needs.

With 16.8 million colors and 11 key-presses, the keyboard ensures that every game you play will have a unique look.

The RGB lighting effects are fully customizable so you'll never tire of the same old things. 

Ports and Connectivity

The Razer Blade Pro 17 has four USB Type-A ports (two are Thunderbolt), one HDMI port, an SD card slot, a headphone/mic combo jack, and a Gigabit Ethernet port so you can easily connect it to your external devices.

The Razer Core V2 External Graphics enclosure allows you to add up to an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card for high-powered gaming when the laptop is plugged in at home or work.

7. HP OMEN 15

Best Laptops for Game Development
Features
  • Screen: 15.6"QHD (2560 x 1440)
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3070
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD
  • Ports: 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C 5Gbps signaling rate ; 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate; 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate; 1 Mini DisplayPort; 1 HDMI
  • Speaker: Bang & Olufsen; DTS:X Ultra; Dual speakers
  • Weight: 5.43lbs
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CPU and GPU

With the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H Processor with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Graphics, you can play your favorite games without lag.

You have enough power to run multiple programs at once while developing your game or apps.

The 8GB GDDR6 VRAM NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 is the best graphics card for taking graphics to the next level.

You won't have to worry about playing games at high resolutions and with high frame rates anymore.

RAM and Storage

With a 512GB PCIe SSD, you can save games, apps, or other files quickly for easy access.

The 16GB of RAM will provide more than enough processing power for running multiple programs simultaneously while developing your game or apps.

With 256-bit AES memory encryption at rest and Intel Authenticate protection from hacking attempts, you can rest assured that your files are safe.

Display and Keyboard

The 15.6" 144Hz IPS-Grade Display is large enough for easy game development while giving you vivid colors with a 165Hz refresh rate, which means fast-moving graphics will look great without any lag or interruption in the gameplay experience.

The full-size, island-style, 4-zone RGB backlit, shadow black keyboard, and 26-Key Rollover is perfect for endless gaming sessions.

This keyboard is designed to last and with the steel backplate and reinforced USB Data+Power Ports, you can be sure that it is secure.

This keyboard also has a Windows Hello fingerprint reader which makes logging into your laptop easy with just a touch of your finger.

Ports and Connectivity

With three USB Type-A ports, one of which is a Thunderbolt port for fast data transfer and connectivity with other devices you can easily connect your external devices.

The HDMI port allows you to output video from the laptop to an HDTV or monitor without any lag or slowdown making it perfect for presenting at conferences, events, meetups, etc.

8. ASUS ROG Strix G15

Best Laptops for Game Development
Features
  • Screen: 144Hz 15.6” FHD 1920x1080
  • CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10870H
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2070
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD
  • Ports: USB 3.2 Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4, Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, and HDMI 2.0b
  • Weight: 5.07 lbs.
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CPU and GPU

With the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070, you can game with ray tracing without lag.

Play your favorite games at high frame rates to provide an immersive gaming experience that is unlike any other.

The Intel Core i7-10870H Processor will process all of your programs so that there are no slowdowns or lags in your workflow or gameplay.

RAM and Storage

With a 512GB PCIe SSD, you can save games, apps, or other files quickly for easy access.

The 16GB of RAM will provide more than enough processing power for running multiple programs simultaneously while developing your game or apps.

With 256-bit AES memory encryption at rest and Intel Authenticate protection from hacking attempts, you can rest assured that your files are safe.

Display and Keyboard

The 15.6" 144Hz IPS-Grade Display is large enough for easy game development while giving you vivid colors with a 165 Hz refresh rate, which means fast-moving graphics will look great without any lag or interruption in the gameplay experience.

The full-size, island-style, RGB backlit, shadow black keyboard with 26-Key Rollover is perfect for endless gaming sessions.

Ports and Connectivity

With three Type-A USB ports, one of which is a Thunderbolt port for fast data transfer and connectivity with other devices you can easily connect your external devices.

The HDMI port allows you to output video from the laptop to an HDTV or monitor without any lag or slowdown making it perfect for presenting at conferences, events, meetups, etc.

9. Lenovo Legion 5

Best Laptops for Game Development
Features
  • Screen:15.6", FHD 1920x1080
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 7-4800H
  • Graphics: RTX 2060
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD
  • Ports: HDMI 2.0. Micro HDMI. U B 3.2 Gen 1 Ports: 4. U B Type-C
  • Speaker: Dolby Atmos
  • Weight: ‎10.33 pounds
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CPU and GPU

The AMD Ryzen 7-4800H processor with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 will give you a smooth gaming experience.

With up to 16GB of RAM, there is no lag or slowdown in processing power when running multiple programs simultaneously such as Adobe Photoshop while playing your favorite games.

The 144 Hz refresh rate provides an optimal gameplay experience without lag for your favorite games.

RAM and Storage

With up to 16GB of RAM, you can run multiple programs simultaneously without any slowdown or lag in processing power.

The 512 GB PCIe SSD provides fast data transfer speeds so that there is no delay when opening applications on your device.

Display and Keyboard

The 15.6" monitor is large enough for easy viewing of all aspects of the game without any lag or screen tearing when playing games on this device.

The full-size, island-style, RGB backlit keyboard with 26-Key Rollover will provide an optimal gameplay experience.

Ports and Connectivity

With four USB ports, one of which is a Thunderbolt port you can easily connect devices such as your external hard drive or controller to your laptop.

The HDMI port allows for easy connection with other devices like HDTVs and monitors without any lag in the video signal transfer from the device.

With Bluetooth connectivity, you can even connect your wireless headphones or other Bluetooth devices to take advantage of all the features on this laptop.

10. ASUS TUF FX505DT

Best Laptops for Game Development
Features
  • Screen: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080)
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 R5-3550H
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1650
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Ports: 1 x Type-A USB 2.0, 2x Type-A USB 3.1, 1x RJ45 LAN jack for LAN insert, 1x HDMI 2.0
  • Weight: 4.80 lbs
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CPU and GPU

The AMD Ryzen 5 R5-3550H processor will give you a smooth gaming experience while the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 4GB graphics provide an optimal gameplay experience.

With up to 8GB of RAM, there is no lag or slowdown in processing power when running multiple programs simultaneously such as Adobe Photoshop while playing your favorite games.

The 120 Hz refresh rate provides an optimal gameplay experience without lag for your favorite games.

RAM and Storage

With up to 8GB of RAM, you can run multiple programs simultaneously without any slowdown or lag in processing power.

The 256 GB NVMe SSD provides fast data transfer speeds so that there is no delay when opening applications on your device.

Display and Keyboard

The 15.6" display has a Full HD resolution which allows for vivid colors and crisp visuals while watching your favorite movies and TV shows.

The lightweight aluminum body is durable enough to withstand daily use but still fits comfortably in one hand with dimensions of 14.96 x 0.78 x 11 inches (WxHxD).

The full-size, island-style, RGB backlit keyboard with 26-Key Rollover will provide an optimal gameplay experience.

Ports and Connectivity

With four USB ports, one of which is a Thunderbolt port you can easily connect devices such as your external hard drive or controller to your laptop.

The HDMI port allows for easy connection with other devices like HDTVs and monitors without any lag in the video signal transfer from the device.

With Bluetooth connectivity, you can even connect your wireless headphones or other Bluetooth devices to take advantage of all the features on this laptop.

Conclusion

The information in this article is crucial for anyone looking to get into the world of game development.

With a little effort and time, you can be well on your way to creating awesome games with no prior experience in software coding or game design.

Michael Restiano

I lead product content strategy for SaltMoney. Additionally, I’m helping our broader team of 4 evolve into a mature content strategy practice with the right documentation and processes to deliver quality work. Prior to Instacart, I was a content strategy lead at Uber Eats and Facebook. Before that, I was a content strategist at SapientNitro, helping major Fortune 500 brands create better, more useful digital content.

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