Gaming-Laptops: Mobility meets performance

Gaming laptops: Mobility meets performance

Gaming laptops have evolved in recent years from bulky niche products into true all-rounders. They not only offer the necessary power for the latest games, but are also perfectly suited for creative applications such as video editing, 3D modeling, and AI-powered workflows. The biggest advantage is obvious: portability. While desktop PCs are stationary, a gaming laptop can easily be taken anywhere – to the office, to a LAN party, or while traveling.

Modern gaming laptops combine powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and fast SSDs with high-quality displays and efficient cooling systems. Many models now offer OLED or Mini-LED panels with high refresh rates, which appeals not only to gamers but also to designers and content creators. Additional features such as Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi 6E/7, RGB keyboards, and AI-optimized software solutions further enhance the user experience.

But not all gaming laptops are the same. Anyone looking to buy one should consider these factors carefully: How much performance do I really need? How important are display quality, battery life, and sound quality? And what is my budget?

Below, we take a look at three very different models: the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI, the MSI Thin 15 Gaming and the Ankermann GW6 957IG 25T1 GE – and show which device is best suited for which type of user.

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI – High-end meets elegance

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI is a prime example of how much power can be packed into a relatively slim chassis. With a thickness of less than 20 mm and a weight of around 2.3 kg, it looks almost elegant—until you take a look under the hood. Inside, you'll find an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti laptop GPU. This combination delivers impressive performance, even with demanding titles like "Cyberpunk 2077" or "Assassin's Creed Mirage."

A particularly noteworthy feature is the OLED-Display with a resolution of 2560 × 1600 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz. The color gamut coverage (100% DCI-P3) and brightness in HDR mode (over 500 cd/m²) also make this device attractive for professional image editing.

Cooling is handled by Acer's AeroBlade technology and liquid metal thermal paste – a setup that ensures stable temperatures even under full load. However, battery life is rather average, at around five hours during video streaming. On the other hand, the device excels with features such as Thunderbolt 4, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, and an IR-enabled webcam.

Conclusion: The Helios Neo 16S AI is a true powerhouse for gamers and creative professionals who refuse to compromise on display quality and performance.

MSI Thin 15 Gaming – Budget-friendly gaming with style

The MSI Thin 15 is aimed at entry-level and budget-conscious gamers. With an Intel Core i5-12450H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, it offers solid performance for games like "Fortnite," "FIFA," or older AAA titles. While it can also run more demanding games, these will typically require lower graphics settings.

The 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, although its brightness and color reproduction aren't quite on par with OLED or Mini-LED displays. The build quality is good; the casing is made of plastic with an aluminum lid, which gives the device a touch of premium style.

At around 1.86 kg, the MSI Thin 15 is pleasantly portable. The keyboard is backlit, the touchpad is reliable, and the range of ports (HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet) is more than sufficient for everyday use. The cooling system performs adequately even during extended use, although the fan noise becomes noticeably louder under heavy load.

Conclusion: If you're looking for an affordable gaming laptop that's also suitable for office work and streaming, the MSI Thin 15 offers a good overall package – although it doesn't claim to be a high-end machine.

Ankermann GW6 957IG 25T1 GE – The best-kept secret for individualists

The Ankermann GW6 Gaming Notebook is a relatively unknown brand in the gaming laptop market, but that's precisely what makes it interesting. It features a 13th generation Intel Core i7 processor and an RTX 4060 laptop GPU – a combination that sits somewhere between mid-range and high-end. This allows for smooth gameplay of current games at Full HD resolution, and even some titles at WQHD resolution.

The design is functional but not flashy. The focus is on performance and expandability: the laptop offers space for two M.2 SSDs, up to 64 GB of RAM, and a good selection of ports, including USB-C with charging capability and DisplayPort. The display is a solid 144Hz IPS panel, which is more than adequate for most gamers.

What's particularly interesting is the option to customize the device – for example, by using Linux instead of Windows or by adding special cooling modules. This makes the GW6 appeal more to tech-savvy users who know what they want and aren't swayed by big brand names.

Conclusion: The Ankermann GW6 957IG 25T1 GE is a versatile all-rounder with good gaming performance and upgrade potential – ideal for users who like to customize their system themselves.

Conclusion: Three devices, three target groups

If you're looking for maximum performance and a brilliant display, the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AIis the way to go. For casual gamers and those on a budget, the MSI Thin 15 Gaming is a solid choice. And if you prefer a customizable system with good mid-range performance, you should take a closer look at the Ankermann GW6 957IG 25T1 GE.

Gaming laptops are now more than just portable gaming machines – they are creative tools, mobile workstations, and personal entertainment hubs. The right model for you will depend entirely on your specific needs. But one thing is certain: the days when a desktop computer was essential for gaming are long gone.