Can a Chromebook substitute a gaming PC in 2026? Here is my verdict

I’ve been a hardcore PC gamer for about so long as I can bear in mind. Yet in 2026, my solely computing gadget is a Chromebook. Of course, I didn’t get right here in a single day.

It started in 2020, once I determined to interchange my ageing customized gaming desktop with a Zephyrus ROG gaming laptop computer. This was a mistake. After years of overheating and build-quality points, my ROG ultimately gave up the ghost in late 2025.

This has left me stranded with a high-end Chromebook as my solely computing gadget. While my unique plan was to interchange the machine with a customized rig as quickly as potential, funds tightened up as the vacations crept nearer. The present RAM disaster didn’t assist both, as costs have gone via the roof. Ultimately, I made a decision to hang around so long as I may.

At first, I used to be fairly upset concerning the thought of shedding entry to PC gaming for months on finish. Months later, I’ve to confess that I don’t miss conventional PC gaming as a lot as I assumed I might.

As a lot as I cling to the title of hardcore gamer, the identification isn’t as true for me because it as soon as was. I merely don’t have as a lot time for it as a forty-year-old man with three youngsters, a spouse, and tons of duties.

It’s true I nonetheless chase after specs like a PC gamer, and I like having the most recent gaming platforms. Likewise, I sustain with gaming tradition and one of the best hits. That stated, my curiosity tends to come back and go in waves anymore.

Still, I’ve staples I are likely to gravitate again to often, most of that are in genres which have traditionally been dominated by the PC. This consists of video games like Minecraft, Stellaris, Baldur’s Gate 3, Tropico, and extra.

That’s the factor, although. The console and PC landscapes have modified quite a bit since my childhood. Every single one of many video games I’ve talked about above is obtainable on at the least one or two console platforms. Many (however not all) of them even assist keyboard and mouse enter.

In reality, most of the largest PC gaming titles and a great portion of indie video games now attain trendy gaming consoles. You’ll even discover titles that assist restricted modding, although admittedly, the Xbox is healthier right here than the PS5.

If a recreation isn’t on console, or I already personal it on PC? I sometimes discover it on Steam by way of GeForce Now, although not each recreation is supported. NVIDIA’s platform additionally affords very restricted modding assist, which I’ve utilized in video games like Baldur’s Gate 3.

Of course, no console or streaming platform affords a modding scene that even comes near PCs. The graphics are additionally nowhere close to the identical stage. Still, I’ve gone months with out having to expire and pay $1,500 or extra for a used gaming machine. At the identical time, I haven’t needed to miss out on most of my favourite video games both.

Sure, I’ve needed to compromise on the expertise somewhat, however in some circumstances, the variations are so minor I can barely inform. On multiple ocassion I’ve been enjoying a recreation on my Chromebook utilizing GeForce Now and forgot I used to be truly streaming it.

I’m no stranger to Chromebooks, however I often don’t preserve them as my foremost computer systems for quite a lot of weeks at a time. Still, utilizing it long-term opened my eyes a bit. I’d considerably forgotten how a lot simpler it isn’t to have to fret about continually coping with conventional viruses and different safety points. Malware nonetheless exists, in fact, however ChromeOS is a way more safe platform general.

Beyond that, I’ve run into fewer hiccups. While my Windows setup would typically grasp, crash, and trigger different widespread Windows issues, the Chromebook’s worst situation within the months of utilizing it’s that it hangs in Minecraft on uncommon events, or I’ve to shut a couple of tabs if I’ve a whole lot open. 

The proven fact that my Chromebook is higher-end and has restricted assist for Steam additionally means I’ve been capable of run a couple of of my informal video games straight on it, with out utilizing streaming or a console. Games like Stardew Valley exist already on Google Play, but it surely’s good to have the ability to play the Steam model. I’ve even managed to get Fallout 4 working on this factor, although the console is definitely a better option if I wish to crank the settings. 

I don’t know what my gaming future will deliver, however I do know I’ll follow Chromebooks as my foremost work platform going ahead, or at the least no matter Google finally ends up calling it as soon as Aluminum OS rolls out.

I initially left PC gaming not likely by any selection of my very own, however now that I’m right here? I don’t see any fast want to return.

The PC nonetheless supplies a superior expertise and doesn’t require month-to-month subscriptions like streaming providers do, however I really consider I may see myself staying away from conventional PCs if future streaming and console gaming ultimately supply extra sturdy modding options and different enhancements that assist stage issues out a bit extra. That stated, we haven’t reached that time, and I’m not certain we ever will.

As it stands, sure, I’ll undoubtedly return to the world of PC gaming sometime. I miss modding and tinkering an excessive amount of. Consoles and streaming assist scratch the PC gaming itch sufficient to permit me to slowly save up, however I’ll be able to return inside the subsequent couple of years as extra must-mod titles hit the scene. That stated, I not really feel like I’m actually lacking out on something game-changing, and that’s unimaginable.