Gaming is one of the most popular indoor leisure activities in 2022. But to have a good gaming experience, you need a good gaming console, PC, or laptop.
The latter is quickly becoming the default choice for gamers but seems to cost an arm and a leg.
So, why are gaming laptops so expensive?
Gaming laptops are primarily pricey because they use expensive high-end components. Gaming is the most resource-intensive consumer computing task, requiring powerful components. Crypto and data mining, a more expansive game library, and customization options also contribute to the high gaming laptop prices.
This article looks at gaming laptops and why they are so expensive. Keep reading to find out whether a gaming laptop is better than a console.
How Much Does a Decent Gaming Laptop Cost?
Gaming laptops can be quite expensive. Some of the high-end brands can cost upwards of $4000!
However, for a decent gaming laptop that will play most modern titles at an acceptable frame rate, you need to part with at least $800.
Are Gaming Laptops Better Than Normal Laptops?
In most ways, gaming laptops are superior to normal laptops. They have better and faster memory, larger storage, better displays, and faster processors.
Gaming laptops also feature larger batteries which can easily last a whole day under normal workload.
However, gaming laptops are often heavy and bulky compared to slim and light office laptops. They’re also quite loud because they have huge cooling fans.
Why Are Gaming Computers So Much More Expensive?
Gaming computers are primarily expensive because they offer the latest and greatest technologies available at the time of purchase.
Gaming is probably the most resource-intensive consumer computing task in 2022. As a result, gaming computers need to be all-rounded performers.
1. Superior Components
Gaming computers offer superior performance to standard PCs and even consoles. A typical gaming computer in 2022 will feature a 12th gen Intel (or an AMD Zen 3) processor, a DDR5 RAM kit, and an RTX 30 series graphics card.
Gaming computers are also costly to cool and often use innovative technologies such as liquid cooling. These components are generations ahead of the “next gen consoles” released barely two years ago.
As a result, a good gaming computer runs games better than any console. In fact, it’s possible to achieve frame rates higher than 200FPS on PC in some games while consoles are locked at 60FPS.
Apart from playing games, gaming computers can easily handle any other task you throw at them, thanks to their powerful components. For instance, a high-end gaming PC can render graphics as fast as a dedicated studio computer.
However, these high-end components are costly, with graphics cards alone costing more than a ps5. Of course, these costs are trickled down to the consumer, making gaming computers insanely expensive.
2. Crypto and Data Mining
In 2022, cryptocurrency mining is bigger than ever before. With more than 18,000 cryptocurrencies in the world and the sudden rise of NFTs, everyone is trying to get a piece of the crypto cake.
Cryptocurrency mining involves using your computer to help process crypto transactions. Since cryptocurrencies are decentralized, they use a vast network of computers to process bits of their processes and are consolidated in the end user’s wallet.
Depending on how much your computer “mines,” you get to keep a small portion of the crypto as payment.
This process is resource-intensive and requires high-end graphics cards and chips for better processing and larger profits.
As a result, crypto mining has increased the demand for powerful computer components used in gaming computers.
Data mining, on the other hand, involves collecting, interpreting, and utilizing data assets to make business decisions. All the information on the internet goes through a data center at some point.
Since everyone relies on the internet for everything in 2022, data has never been more valuable. Therefore, many companies are investing in massive servers to squeeze as much data from the internet as they can. These servers use the same components as gaming computers, only on a larger scale.
Crypto and data mining has increased the demand for computer parts, negatively influencing the supply. This has resulted in high prices for gaming computers.
3. Wide Variety of Games
One of the best things about PC gaming is that it doesn’t lock users into one market like a console. Console companies profit off selling games, so they try to make as many exclusives as possible.
However, they all want a share of the PC market, so they make windows versions of their games. This gives PC gamers a wide library of games to choose from.
For instance, to play Halo Infinite, you’d need an Xbox or a PC. Similarly, God of War and Last of Us are available on ps5 and PC but not on Xbox. In addition, there are countless PC exclusives like Halflife and Valorant.
PCs also benefit from multiple gaming stores such as Epic Games Store, Steam, Uplay, Microsoft/Xbox store, and many more. Each of these stores comes with its own offers, and PC gamers often pay less for games than console players.
Therefore, buying a gaming computer is a long-term investment because of all the money you’ll save on games.
4. They Come as a Complete Package
If you buy a gaming PC or laptop, chances are that it’s ready to start playing games out of the box. They feature a keyboard, mouse, display, and sometimes peripherals like headphones.
Gaming consoles, on the other hand, require you to buy a separate display and sometimes gaming pads. These additional costs increase the console’s price and sometimes make it as expensive as buying a gaming computer.
5. Unparalleled Upgradability and Customization
Gaming computers are an extension of their owners. They display their personalities, style, and preferences. Most gaming laptops and PCs have customizable RGB lights, which gamers can really get creative with.
In addition, gaming computers are easily upgradable, with expansion slots for memory and storage and easy-to-replace processors.
The same cannot be said of most office computers and consoles whose processors and memories are soldered to the motherboard.
This means that, unlike consoles, you don’t have to upgrade your gaming computer each time a new generation is released. You can always upgrade the necessary components and save some money.
What Is the Most Expensive Gaming Laptop?
The Dell Alienware x17 R2 is probably the most expensive gaming laptop in 2022. It costs an astounding $4,000, equivalent to 8 ps5s!
Under the hood, the laptop has a Core i9-1200HK, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, a 2TB SSD, and an 8GB RTX 3080Ti. It also has a full HD panel, a backlit RGB keyboard, and all the other quirks and features you can expect from an Alienware product.
Best Gaming Laptops in 2022
If you’re looking for a good gaming laptop in 2022, there are a few great options each with its own advantages and shortcomings. Here are the best three:
Acer Nitro 5
If you’re looking for a good gaming laptop that doesn’t require you to take a second mortgage, look no further than the Acer Nitro 5.
It features an Intel Core i5-12500 H and an RTX 3050 Ti, which are pretty modest for a high-end gaming laptop, but they get the job done.
With the RGB turned off, the Nitro looks like an ordinary laptop and can even pass for a cheap office computer. However, that’s not a huge compromise for the $900 you pay for it.
Razer Blade 15 (2022)
Razer recently simplified its Blade 15 lineup by merging the base and advanced models. The result is a thin, stylish beast of a notebook. It has maintained its robust performance with an i7 2800H and an RTX 3070 Ti.
The Blade is also one of the best laptops in terms of I/O with USB C and A ports, an SD card reader, and Thunderbolt 4. It also has great battery life, which means it could double as a productivity laptop.
The new blade 15 is reasonably priced at $2500.
Dell XPS 17 (9270)
The Dell XPS is not exactly a gaming laptop, but it ticks all the boxes. It comes with a Core i9 12900 HK, up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 6GB RTX 3060.
Although the graphics card might be a bit of a letdown, the processor and memory are total overkill for any game. As a result, this office PC can run any title in ultra quality at 1440p.
A fully spec’d out XPS 17 is competitively priced at $2200.
Will Gaming PC Prices Drop?
Due to the current console shortage, gaming PCs are likely to continue to be in high demand. Crypto and data mining are also likely to continue pushing component prices higher in the foreseeable future.
Therefore, there are no signs of a drop in PC prices any time soon.
Are Gaming Laptops Overpriced?
Considering their benefits over standard laptops and consoles, gaming laptops are definitely not overpriced. They act as a portable gaming PC that can also help with productivity and offer various customization options.
Are Expensive Gaming Laptops Worth the Money in 2022?
It depends on how you plan to use it. If you’re a casual gamer who plays a round of Fortnite with friends every once in a while, you don’t need a $4000 gaming laptop.
Similarly, if you’re always gaming at home, it would be cheaper and more advisable to buy a gaming PC instead.
However, if you’re an avid gamer who’s always on the go, a gaming laptop is worth the money.
Read Also: Why are Old Call of Duty Games Still So Expensive?
Where to Get Cheap Gaming Laptops
Amazon has a great collection of gaming laptops, ranging from budget to top-of-the-line gaming monsters. The site also offers gaming PCs and laptop components to upgrade your current laptop.
Best Buy
Best Buy’s largest sales come from gaming PCs, so you can bet they have good gaming laptops. As a matter of fact, you can get a Best Buy gaming laptop for as low as $500.
Micro Center is the Walmart of PCs. In their massive stores, you can find all the PC and laptop components you can think of, as well as cheap gaming laptops.
They’re also constantly teaming up with Youtubers and tech bloggers to give huge discounts.
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