Chromebooks For Game Streaming

Acer, Asus, and Lenovo, in partnership with Google, are introducing new Chromebooks that are aimed entirely at game streaming. Above all, 1440p displays with up to 144 Hz and Intel Core processors are decisive. Prices start from around 1000 euros.

While Google recently took itself out of the game with the discontinuation of its own streaming service Stadia, the topic of cloud gaming is still on the search engine company’s agenda. The supposed “future of gaming” is a powerful marketing tool, especially for Chromebooks, which are popular in the USA, since the systems are usually not powerful enough to go beyond Android apps in Candy Crush fashion.

Instead of Stadia, the focus is now on the competitors: Microsoft Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna (the US only). In order to get the most out of game streaming services, in addition to a fast internet connection, high-resolution screens (up to 4K) and high refresh rates (up to 120 FPS) are required, which various notebook manufacturers are now also building into Chromebooks.

Notebooks for Game streaming with ChromeOS for just under 1000 euros

In Germany, the Acer Chromebook 512 GE is the first. The 16-inch has 12th-generation Intel Core processors (e.g. Core i5-1240P), up to 16 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. In addition, a resolution of 2560 × 1600 pixels (WQXGA, IPS) with up to 120 Hz is offered. 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (LAN) and Wi-Fi 6E are available for a stable connection to the cloud gaming platforms. Everything is packed in a gaming-typical housing with RGB lighting and modern connections. The battery life is said to be 9 hours.

With the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook and the Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55, two other manufacturers who offer similar equipment jump on the bandwagon. An announcement for the German market is still pending. Accessory providers such as Corsair, HyperX, and Steelseries are also adding the “Works with Chromebook” certification to their gaming equipment, and Google itself allows games to be integrated within ChromeOS, for example within the search function.

“We are aware that Chromebooks are not necessarily known as gaming laptops. Nonetheless, Chromebooks can actually be the perfect devices for gamers,” says Google. However, it remains to be seen whether players are willing to spend around 1000 euros for the models that are still restricted by ChromeOS.