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  • Best gaming laptops 2018: the 10 top gaming laptops we've reviewed

    Best gaming laptops 2018: the 10 top gaming laptops we've reviewed

    If you look back a few years, the best gaming laptops were easy to distinguish from the best laptops. Packing in an Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM and dedicated graphics required a big hulking notebook to contain all that PC gaming power. However, the best gaming laptops now come in all shapes and sizes. That’s why we thought it’d be a great idea to dive into all the best gaming laptops you can buy today.

    These days, you could easily gloss over  top gaming laptops trying to pass themselves off as reserved office notebooks. Alternatively, you can pick up a gigantic desktop replacement that’ll brute force its way through everything. In 2018, there are a ton of portable replacements to the best gaming PCs. 

    So, whether you’re looking for a laptop that you can use for work as well as play, or you want a traditional, thick gaming behemoth, we have the recommendations you’re looking for. And, because we’ve tested, reviewed and ranked all the best gaming laptops ourselves, you can be sure that you’re going to find something great on this list. 

    Luckily, you shouldn’t have to break open your piggy bank to buy one of the best gaming laptops for much longer. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are right around the corner, and with them we’re expecting a ton of laptop deals – the best gaming laptops among them. So, keep an eye on manufacturers like Dell and retailers like Amazon and Newegg so you can stay ahead of the curve. And, remember to keep it locked to TechRadar for all your holiday shopping needs. 

    Sometimes you just want to play the best PC games without looking like you’re playing them, and that’s where the MSI GS65 Stealth comes in. Measuring in at just .69 inches thick and featuring impressive hardware like Intel Coffee Lake processors and Nvidia GTX 10-series graphics, the MSI GS65 Stealth packs a ton of power into a very svelte package. There’s nothing you’ll be able to throw at this thing that’ll slow it down. And, thanks to its subdued design, you can bring this horsepower everywhere you go, making it the best gaming laptop out there, on all fronts.

    Read the full review: MSI GS65 Stealth 

    Kicking Nvidia’s Max-Q technology off right, the Asus Zephyrus GX501 combines the heralded thinness of an Ultrabook with the performance of a gaming PC to bring the best of both worlds to your feet. Despite exhibiting subpar times in our battery life benchmarks, this svelte powerhouse of a notebook is one for the books when it comes to both portability and style. Plus, it’s virtually silent if noise is a cause for distraction in your everyday routine.

    Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus GX501

    Thin and light gaming laptops are kind of in vogue in 2018, but if you reject all that and want to stick with a heavy, monstrous laptop that can demolish any title under the sun, the Asus ROG G703GI is for you. There’s no way around it – this is a massive – and expensive – laptop, but it backs its size and price with gaming performance that can rival some of the best gaming PCs. Just don’t expect to be able to bring it to a coffee shop without its two power bricks – or awkward stares. 

    Read the full review: Asus ROG G703GI 

    • This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Razer Blade Pro 

    The Razer Blade might still have an unbearably edgy name, but now that the 2018 version is here, it’s fitting – it’s still on the cutting edge. Beyond its insanely high-end specs and beautiful chassis, it can fit up to a 4K Ultra-HD display, with the specs to actually back it up. That’s not to mention the expandability that the Razer Core X opens up. It might be expensive, but if you’re a Razer fan looking for the best gaming laptop, it might just be for you.    

    Read the full review: Razer Blade

    If you want one of the best gaming laptops, but don’t want to miss out on the ultra-portable craze, you need to consider the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1. Packed with an Intel Kaby Lake G-series processor, this gaming laptop can keep up with its competitors rocking a GTX 1050 without featuring truly discrete graphics. And, when you combine that gaming horsepower with a chassis that looks this good, it’s a total win – even if you have to endure some fan noise to get there. 

    Read the full review: Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 

    Best gaming laptops

    It may not boast the most innovative design, substituting the usual black and red aesthetic for one that makes it feel like Halloween all year round (no complaints here). But, it’s undoubtedly one of the best when it comes to gaming in 1080p. In fact, we were able to crank the setting s all the way up in Overwatch without ever straying below 60fps. It doesn’t feature the longest battery life, but the screen, power and onboard sound system more than make up for it.

    Read the full review: Asus ROG Strix GL502

    • This product is only available in the US and Australia at the time of this writing. UK readers: check out a fine alternative in the Alienware 17 R5 

    With the Acer Predator Helios, you’ll be able to get some gaming done on the go, and save some cash while you’re at it. At it’s asking price, you’re not going to find much better, thanks to its impressive GTX 1060 graphics and beautiful 15.6-inch 144Hz 1080p display. You should be able to play any of the best PC games on this thing, at a fraction of the price that something like the Razer Blade would charge. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll be running into some thermal issues with the Acer Predator Helios 300 – but you can fix that with some fan setting tweaking.

    Read the full review: Acer Predator Helios 300 

    The best gaming laptops used to be these huge, bulky devices that were necessary to experience the best PC games on the go – not anymore. The Gigabyte Aero 15 throws that tradition in the garbage, where it belongs by packing in a 6-core 8th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU and a GTX 1060 into a package that allows it to pass as an Ultrabook. And, thanks to that beefy processor, the Gigabyte Aero 15 isn’t just one of the best gaming laptops – it’s just as good when you need to get some work done. 

    Read the full review: Gigabyte Aero 15

    Ever since Intel unveiled its i9-8950HK, we just knew that it would find its way behind the best gaming laptops 2018 had to offer, and not even a full month later, and we’ve been proven right. The Alienware 17 R5 is a beast of a gaming laptop with the aforementioned CPU and an overclocked GTX 1080. If you’re willing to get an absolute tank of a laptop that weighs nearly 10 pounds, this hulking computer will demolish any and all games you throw at it. Just don’t expect to throw it in a bag without some severe back pain. 

    Read the full review: Alienware 17 R5

    Unlike most of the best 13-inch laptops, the Alienware 13 R3 bears a hinge-forward design. By moving the heat sinks behind the screen, the chassis is allowed to be thinner, at 0.81-inches (0.22cm). Unfortunately, this means you won’t find many 13-inch laptop bags that the Alienware 13 R3 will actually fit in. While you may be tempted by the inclusion of a full-size GTX 1060, it’s the OLED touch display that caught our attention. 

    Read the full review: Alienware 13 R3

    • This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus ROG Strix 

    Watch the video below for the top 7 things to consider when buying a laptop: 

    Gabe Carey and Bill Thomas have also contributed to this article

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  • Limited Run Games Announces Physical Edition For Battle Chef Brigade

    Pre-orders go live on 9th November.

    Hungry for more physical game releases on the Nintendo Switch? No need to worry, Limited Run Games is already busy preparing its next big meal for collectors to enjoy.

    The publisher’s latest announcement via Twitter has revealed a physical edition for Battle Chef Brigade is on the way to the Switch. Pre-orders for the title go live on 9th November at 10AM Eastern Time. Here’s the full reveal:

    Read the full article on nintendolife.com

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  • Saboteur! Brings Retro Ninja Action To The Switch eShop Next Week

    A remaster of the 1985 hit.

    The 1985 stealth action-adventure game Saboteur! is making its way across to the Switch eShop on 9th November for the price of $8.00. It was originally developed by Clive Townsend, published by Durell Software and released on multiple platforms including the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64.

    Read the full article on nintendolife.com

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  • Pokémon: Let's Go Pikachu And Eevee Won't Include Pro Controller Support

    Not again!

    In the lead up to the release of Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, there’s been much discussion on the developer’s end about going back to the series’ roots and providing an accessible experience for players of all levels.

    It seems this accessible design will extend to the controls – with the game seemingly not supporting the Switch Pro Controller. While players will be able to use Joy-Con, the special Poké Ball Plus accessory and even the touchscreen to a certain extent to play the game, a listing on the Japanese and Korean eShop serves as a reminder the traditional control method will not be an option.

    Read the full article on nintendolife.com

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  • Soapbox: That Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Direct; Let's Talk About It

    Mr Sakurai, I don’t feel so good…

    Unless you’re one of the few that couldn’t give a monkey’s about Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, you’ll no doubt at least know the gist of what occurred yesterday during the final Nintendo Direct for the game. If not, get yourself in gear and brush up.

    Now I personally have been a flipping enormous fan of Smash for what feels like an eternity, and whilst I’m aware some people were a little bit knocked out of shape by what the Direct had to offer, I personally feel is was absolutely ruddy fantastic, even if it did drag a bit in the middle with the informational diarrhoea during the segment about spirits. That final moment with the adventure mode being revealed, that was a moment right there.

    Read the full article on nintendolife.com

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  • This Lovely Super Mario Maker Edition 2DS Is A Black Friday Bargain

    Mustard and ketchup.

    Black Friday doesn’t happen until 23rd November this year, but isn’t stopping the big U.S. retailers from getting in on the action early as usual. Target’s Black Friday ad is now live and you’ll be able to get a Switch with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for only $299.

    But that isn’t what caught our eye, it was the presence of a mustard and ketchup coloured 2DS bundle which got us hot under the collar. For $79.99 on Black Friday, you’ll be able to get this Super Mario Maker themed 2DS along with a digital copy of Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS. Now that’s a great deal.

    Read the full article on nintendolife.com

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  • Relaxing Adventure RPG Alchemic Cutie Is Headed To The Switch Next Year

    Raise the perfect jelly companions.

    The lovely folks over at CIRCLE Entertainment are teaming up with developer Vakman to publish the charmingly named Alchemic Cutie on the Switch eShop next year. Vakman is a talented team led by Thomas Cashman and Sebastien Vakerics.

    Alchemic Cutie has already been warmly received following indie booth showcases at events such as Gamescom and EGX in 2018. It is a relaxing adventure RPG set on colourful Wimba Island; while taming wild jellies you’ll meet villagers, enter jelly competitions and uncover the secrets of the island.

    Read the full article on nintendolife.com

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  • BlizzCon 2018: New Overwatch Lego Sets And Toys Announced

    BlizzCon 2018: New Overwatch Lego Sets And Toys Announced

    During BlizzCon 2018, Blizzard announced new Overwatch-themed toys and Lego sets. The products will be made available for purchase in 2019.

    “Throughout 2018 our goal has been to give fans an abundance of new ways to express their affinity for their favorite Blizzard games, and it was exciting to be able to showcase our plans for 2019 and beyond today at BlizzCon,” said Blizzard vice president of global consumer products Matthew Beecher. “We cherish these game worlds as much as our players do, and today’s reveals helped put a spotlight on how far we’ve come, through our stellar partnerships, in developing toys and apparel that reflect that shared passion.”

    There are six Lego sets in total, with the cheapest starting at $15 USD and the most expensive being $90 USD. The sets are called Tracer vs. Widowmaker, Hanzo vs. Genji, Dorado Showdown, D.Va & Reinhardt, Bastion, and Watchpoint: Gibraltar. All together, the six sets add figures of Overwatch characters Tracer, Widowmaker, Hanzo, Genji, Soldier: 76, McCree, D.Va, Reinhardt, Pharah, Mercy, Reaper, and Winston to Lego’s expanding line-up of block people. The Lego sets are scheduled for release in early 2019.

    No Caption ProvidedGallery image 1Gallery image 2

    Blizzard is also releasing a Nerf gun shaped like McCree’s Rival. The first figure in Blizzard’s new Overwatch Ultimate Figure line, Mercy, was also shown and scheduled for 2019. The Nerf gun hits store shelves in January 2019, and the figure is currently aiming for a spring 2019 release.

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  • Steam Competitor The Discord Store Wants Your Friends To Help Sell You Games

    Discord announced last week the launch of its Discord Store, a PC game-buying portal that’ll include its own exclusive titles. The store, created by the company behind the gamer-centric voice and text chat app of the same name, will pack games from indie developers and at least one bigger publisher, along with a few titles that are exclusive to Discord’s portal.

    Previously available only to Canadian players, the new global Discord Store is all about curation. The company is hoping to put games in front of players that they’re more likely to want to buy and play. That curation will be carried out by the Discord team, as well as through recommendations made by players’ friends on the Discord service.

    The store will also include its own “First on Discord” exclusive titles. There are currently five games on that list: King of the Hat, Minion Masters, Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption, At Sundown and Bad North.

    According to a press release from the company, the idea is to create something more akin to a local bookstore experience for the Discord Store. That’s in contrast to Valve’s massively popular Steam store, which might be better compared to a big box store, or even a whole mall. Where Steam provides players with a massive catalogue of just about every game out there, Discord is hoping a more personal approach will resonate with players.

    Alongside the launch of the Discord Store is a new version of Discord’s Nitro monthly subscription service. The current, $5 subscription is focused on things like controlling your Discord username and offering higher resolutions for Discord’s screen sharing service. The new Nitro bumps the price to $9.99 and adds a gaming component: all-you-can-play access to a catalogue of about 60 titles from partner developers like Deep Silver and Double Fine Productions. The games players get access to through Nitro include This War of Mine, Metro: Last Light Redux, Soma, Wastelanders 2: Director’s Cut, INSIDE, Galactic Civilizations III, and Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition.

    The catalogues of the Discord Store and Nitro seem pretty confined at the moment, which means it’s not likely to threaten Steam anytime soon. But Discord might be onto something with its focus on curation. Discovery of new games is a big problem on Steam both for players and developers, especially small ones whose games are lost in the flood of titles being released. One report had it that 21 games were released on Steam every day in 2017.

    Discord claims some 150 million registers users across the globe for its app, so while its store sports fewer games, it’s possible the smaller, more personal approach might be an answer for developers who have trouble cutting through the noise on larger portals. Both the Discord Store and Nitro service are available to users today.

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  • Destiny 2 Haunted Forest: How To Escape The Scary Pit And Grab Your Loot At The End

    When players finally complete the Haunted Forest event in Destiny 2‘s Halloween-themed Festival of the Lost, they’re greeted by the usual: a loot chest that holds all their hard-earned winnings. The trouble is, the Haunted Forest has one last scare waiting just under the surface: the stone bridge players cross to reach the chest gives out beneath their feet almost as soon as they touch it, tossing the Guardians into a frightening, blood red pit below. Inside: an unkillable Hive Knight called The Invincible Nightmare.

    It’s a frightening twist to the horror-themed activity. Instead of getting your loot, you get stuck with a huge, axe-wielding monster, like that moment in every slasher movie when the killer inevitably isn’t actually dead, and gets in one final scare. The trouble with the pit, though, is that at first blush, it seems to rob you of everything you fought for in the Haunted Forest, and makes it seem like there’s no way to reach the reward chest.

    The good news is, even if you don’t open the chest at the end of the Haunted Forest, you still get your winnings. They’re automatically sent to the Postmaster, just like the stuff from chests in just about any other activity. Once you’ve earned rewards in the Haunted Forest, they’re yours, no matter what condition you’re left in by the Invincible Nightmare.

    Just because you fall into the Nightmare’s pit doesn’t mean you’re stuck there, though. There’s actually a secret escape out of the pit on one of the walls. Look up about midway to one side of the pit and you’ll see a small indentation that marks a hole you players can leap through. It takes you out of the pit and onto the side of the bridge under which it hides. Following the narrow pathway from there allows you to climb back up onto the far side of the bridge and claim your loot chest, while also giving you a second to let your heart stop pounding.

    It’s also possible to avoid falling into the pit altogether, if you’re quick. When the stones of the walkway give out beneath Guardians as they cross, they’re pulled down thanks to a sort of suction, but it’s possible to jump free with the right timing (or, at least, with the triple jump of the Hunter class). You can also stick to the side edges of the bridge and potentially avoid any tricky cobblestones altogether.

    If Bungie is following the usual horror movie script with the Haunted Forest, the question now becomes one of how to kill the Invincible Nightmare, like the characters of a Friday the Thirteenth or Halloween movie might try to do. Like all good slasher movies, though, even if players successfully take the Nightmare down, we’ll all still be wondering if it’s really dead.

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