If you are into multiplayer shooting games then I am sure Overwatch is high up on your list of favorite games. Now, I know most people prefer a desktop for such games but guess what, a laptop with the right specs and accessories can be a real, real game-changer.
That is because with a laptop it does not matter whether you are on a beach, the hills, etc. as long as you have a good internet connection, you are never too far away from your squad.
But not every laptop can run Overwatch. But you do not have to spend hours looking through hundreds of models, we did all the digging for you. So here are 5 of the best laptops for Overwatch in 2022 that should be on your shopping list.
Our Favorite Laptops for Overwatch Compared
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15
Acer Predator Helios 300
Lenovo Ideapad L340
ASUS ROG Strix G
MSI GL63
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15
Acer Predator Helios 300
Lenovo Ideapad L340
ASUS ROG Strix G
MSI GL63
Minimum & Recommended System Requirements For Overwatch 2
Below you can see the minimum and recommended system requirements specified by Blizzard Entertainment. To ensure a great gaming experience we recommend that you aim for a system with at least the recommended specs. This will make sure the game will run smoothly and that you will be able to play Overwatch 2 at higher settings which will be much more enjoyable.
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3 or AMD Phenom X3 8650 | Intel Core i5 or AMD Phenom II X3 or better |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 460, ATI Radeon HD 4850 or Intel HD Graphics 4400 | Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7950 or better |
| Memory | 4GB | 6GB |
| Minimum Resolution | 1024 x 768 | 1024 x 768 |
Detailed Reviews of Laptops for Overwatch
#1: Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3
- Fueled by the revolutionary AMD Ryzen 5000 H-Series mobile processor, this IdeaPad gaming laptop delivers the wins. With 6 ultra-responsive cores, it's the new standard for gaming performance in innovative, thin, and light laptops
- 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS display with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU to supercharge your favorite games. Slingshot your gaming visuals with 120Hz refresh rate for tear-free gaming
- 8GB 3200 MHz DDR4 RAM memory and 256GB M.2 PCIe SSD storage
- Connectivity: RJ45 Ethernet, 2x2 WiFi 802.11 ax, Bluetooth 5.0; 720p HD webcam and microphone array with privacy shutter; HDMI, USB-C
- 2 x 2W speakers with Nahimic Audio for Gamers; spacious gaming keyboard with white backlight
The Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 delivers quite a lot despite its reasonable cost. It hits all bases for an ideal gaming laptop: a minimalist and aesthetic design, well-rounded performance, and buttery smooth display.
The Ideapad is a brilliant Overwatch laptop powered by a Hexa-core Ryzen 5 5600H and an Nvidia GTX 1650. You will easily be able to get 120+ FPS on high settings, which is ideal even for a competitive esports setup. You will never have to blame the computer lagging while taking a tricky shot again.
The display is a 15.6-inch 1080p panel that delivers crisp visuals and gets reasonably bright as well. The screen also has a 120 Hz refresh rate, making visuals look even better and smoother. It also enables you to take full advantage of your GPU, as games running at more than 60 FPS will be significantly smoother than on regular screens.
You get 8 GB of RAM along with a 256 GB M.2 SSD, which is guaranteed to ensure you a quicker loading time in games.
With the Ideapad Gaming 3, you get a leg up on the competition with innovative features like the IdeaPad Gaming 3’s 30 percent larger one-piece touchpad. You’ll also notice Nahimic Audio, which features rich 7.1-channel surround sound that functions as a radar to locate your battlefield targets.
Having a higher thermal ceiling that distributes 41 percent more heat than prior generations, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 operates quicker and cooler than previous generations. Its cutting-edge thermals more than double the airflow with twice as many air outlets and up to four heat pipes. Long gaming sessions will still be enjoyable as the laptop stays cool and pumps the heat out before you feel it.
Pros
- 120 Hz display
- Diverse connectivity
- Powerful 6-core processor
- Improved cooling mechanism
- Webcam shutter
Cons
- Poor microphone and Webcam
- Battery life could have been better
#2: HP Pavilion
HP Pavilion is the laptop for people who want their laptop to scream that it is a gaming laptop. The Pavillion stands out because of its sharply angled design, unique hinge, and colored accents over the body. The keyboard is backlit with the same accented LEDs that pull the look together.
Other than looking fantastic, the Pavillion feels fantastic as well. The laptop is built with premium matte plastic that provides a great look and feel. The keyboard feels natural and tactile, and the touchpad is large enough to swerve your fingers comfortably.
It is powered by a Ryzen 5 4600H and a GTX 1650, which helps it overpower most AAA titles that you can find, and Overwatch will run smoothly even at high settings. Games don’t just run fast, they look fabulous on the near bezel-less 15.6-inch display of the Pavillion. Not to forget, that the display also has a refresh rate of 144 Hz, which ensures fluid gameplay at all times.
The Pavillion allows you to game harder for longer because it comes equipped with a dual-fan system for enhanced thermal cooling. A wide rear vent and larger air inlets increase airflow to improve overall performance and stability while keeping the machine cool during gaming sessions that last hours.
Fitted with dual speakers custom-tuned by the experts B&O, and having HP audio boost, the laptop gives a premium audio experience. You can also carry the laptop every day, owing to its balanced weight and extremely slim 23.5 mm body. Thin gaming laptops also tend to have poor battery life. However, the Pavilion also gives you an 8-hour long battery, which is unheard of in this price segment.
Pros
- Powerful hardware configuration
- 144 Hz display
- Backlit keyboard
- B&O tuned speakers
- Good battery life at its price point
Cons
- Fans can become noisy
- No Thunderbolt 3 port
#3: Acer Aspire 5
- 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8265U Processor (Upto 3.9 gram Hz) | 8 GB DDR4 Memory | 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- 15.6 Inches Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display | Intel UHD Graphics 620
- 1 - USB 3.1 Type C Gen 1 port, 2 - USB 3.1 Gen 1 Ports (one with Power-off Charging), 1 - USB 2.0 Port & 1 - HDMI Port with HDCP Support
- 802.11ac WiFi | Backlit Keyboard | Fingerprint Reader | Upto 9.5 Hours Battery Life
While it may not be called a gaming laptop by any means, the Acer Aspire 5 still has the power to get some light gaming in. However, it is still an excellent machine for everyday usage and comes with many features that make daily work a tad bit easier. This laptop is a great budget option for people looking to get into the world of esports and want to experiment with titles like Overwatch, CSGO, Valorant, or others.
The Intel i5-8265U inside has a boost clock up to 3.9 GHz. Paired with Intel HD 620 graphics, 8 GB RAM, and a 256 GB SSD, the laptop delivers a lot for its price. It will not give groundbreaking gaming performance, but Overwatch will run around 40-50 fps on low-medium settings. This laptop is an excellent entry into the world of Overwatch and will give you a good start to develop your skills.
The display is a 14-inch 1080p display, and while it is not going to amaze you with its quality, it does have a fair amount of brightness and will serve well for gaming.
To be good at any online game, you need a fast internet connection, and the Acer Aspire five compliments that with dual-band wifi 6. Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 improves the average network throughput by up to 3 times and reduces latency by up to 75% compared to Wi-Fi 5. You’ll have lower ping, and Overwatch will play without lag as you finish off everyone in the arena.
The Acer Aspire 5 comes in a variety of colors that you can choose to suit your aesthetic. The body is hard plastic and looks sturdy and fashionable. You get a lot of compact power and a good battery backup because of the small size and thickness of the laptop. The Aspire 5 is slim, lightweight, stylish, and will get soar through most jobs you throw at it.
Pros
- Dual-band Wifi 6
- Long battery backup
- Slim and lightweight
- Fingerprint scanner
- Large scope for upgrades
Cons
- Lacks a GPU
- No backlit keyboard
#4: Gigabyte Aero 15X
- 15.6" 5mm Thin Bezel FHD 144Hz Pantone X-Rite 1920x1080 IPS anti-glare display LCD
- Intel Core i7-8750H (2.2GHz-4.1GHz) NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 GDDR5 8GB Max Q Supports NVIDIA Optimus Technology
- 16 GB DDR4 2666MHz Memory 512GB M.2 NVME PCIe Gen3 x4 SSD Windows 10 Home
- 94.24Wh 10hrs Long Battery Life Gigabyte Fusion Per Key RGB Keyboard Dolby ATMOS Gaming Thunderbolt3, SD Card Reader(UHS-II)
- Maximum Memory: 32 GB
This is the laptop to get if you are serious about gaming. It’s a powerful machine capable of AAA gaming at more than 60 fps and easily shreds 200+ frames on Overwatch. It soars through games and looks good while doing it. A sharp angular design with thin bezels and an RGB backlit keyboard make it look modern and sleek.
While we were disappointed to miss out on a 4K display, the crisp and vibrant 1080p display still looks quite nice. It is smooth and responsive thanks to its 144 Hz panel and low latency, which makes landing trick shots snappy and good looking. The display is also edge to edge, adding a modern look to the laptop.
The keyboard has a nice travel, is clicky, and is comfortable to play games on. Underneath the keyboard, is an array of RGB lights that can emulate over 1.2 million colors, in various patterns and flash in various ways. Further equipped with the N-key Rollover function, this keyboard will give you powerful productivity with individual key combos and multi-key presses.
Packed inside the AERO 15X is the 8th gen Intel i7-8750H, a powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 with 8GB VRAM, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB PCIe SSD. In conclusion, it’s fast. Quite fast, to be precise. Overwatch will comfortably run 144 frames matching up to the display and give you quite an edge in competitive matchmaking.
The AERO 15X has specially built twin fans and a heat pipe system that looks after the GPU and the CPU to keep the chassis cool and function well.
The battery life of your laptop should not limit your Overwatch sessions. Which is why, the AERO 15X’s high-performance 94Wh battery lets you play for extended periods. Plus, there are several charging modes to choose from, like Express, Quality, and Customize, to make your laptop even more unique.
Pros
- GTX 1070 with 8GB VRAM
- Color accurate and vibrant display
- Long lasting battery
- 3 External displays support
- 5 mm thin bezels
Cons
- Bottom mounted webcam
- The CPU is 3 generations old
#5: Acer Nitro 5
The Nitro series has consistently delivered value for money gaming laptops with powerful hardware performance over the years. The newest Acer Nitro 5 is no exception and has only continued to improve in its newest iteration.
- RAM: 8GB
- Weight: 5.07 lbs
- Processor: Intel i5-10300H
- CPU Speed: Up to 4.5 GHz
- Graphics:NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ (1920×1080)
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Battery Life: 4-5hrs
Under the hood are a quad-core Intel i5-10300H, an Nvidia RTX 3050, 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. While storage might be a bit low, it’ll easily fit Overwatch along with a few more AAA titles. But the quick SSD inside makes install and move times very short, so moving around different games should be pretty straightforward and fast.
Equipped with a 144 Hz display and 3ms overdrive response, kicking this laptop into high gear is a tear-free and seamless experience with minimal ghosting. The screen has a resolution of 1920x1080p, which is pretty standard in 15.6-inch laptops.
The resolution stands at 1920x1080p and the 15.6-inch screen
You can take command of the laptop’s inner workings with the dedicated NitroSense Key, which opens up a vast customization menu. You also have room to spice things up with the 4-zone RGB keyboard and make it your own. The WASD and arrow keys are marked for easy visibility, and the key response is instantaneous, with only a 1.6mm travel distance.
Having good sound quality can prove to be a significant advantage while playing games like Overwatch, where you need to be alert all the time. The dual speakers in the Acer Nitro 5 produce spatialized sound that helps you understand the position of your enemies’ position.
Pros
- Ray Tracing GPU, RTX 3050
- Dedicated NitroSense Key
- 144 Hz display with 3 ms response
Cons
- Below Average Battery Life
- Heats up under high loads
#6: Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 (Best Laptop for Overwatch in 2022)
The ROG Strix Scar II was launched in early 2019 and has quickly become one of the best-selling gaming laptops and if you check out its feature you will know exactly why.
- RAM: 16GB
- Weight: 5.67 lbs
- Processor: Intel Core i7-10875H
- CPU Speed: Up to 5.1GHz
- Graphics:NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ (1920×1080)
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Battery Life: 4-5hrs
Features we like
Let me make one thing clear.
When it comes to Overwatch, the ROG Strix Scar II is a bit of an overkill. Why? That is because its features are well over and above what you will be needing for Overwatch.
So why should you get it?
Because if you are as much of a gaming fanatic as any of us here at Laptop Verge, then boy, you ain’t just stopping at Overwatch, right?
This is why we love the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 8GB Dedicated GPU and i7-108750H Processor. These turn the laptop into the ultimate beast that can handle any game you throw at it (FIFA, GTA, or Overwatch, there’s nothing you can’t play on this baby).
But what stands out about the laptop is the 240Hz refresh rate which is the highest refresh rate and ensures almost zero stuttering, ghosting, and motion blur whether you are gaming or watching a movie.
Professional gamers put a high emphasis on this feature as it greatly increases response rate (3ms) giving you an edge over the competition.
The 16GB RAM is everything you would expect from a high-end laptop allowing you to run multiple tabs, games, or even stream games online without a hitch.
And so you can install all the games, save profiles, settings without having to delete any of the other important data, the laptop is equipped with a 1TB SSD.
Oh, and in case you didn’t know, an SSD offers 4x the speed of an HDD thus ensuring the laptop boots in just seconds. Plus, it also lasts longer due to lesser operating parts so you do not have to worry about overhead expenses even after years of non-stop gaming.
Since you will be playing multiplayer, good internet connectivity is indispensable and to ensure just that, ASUS has armed the laptop with RangeBoost technology.
This means your laptop can detect up to 4 antennas and automatically switches to the one delivering the best signal (no more high pings annoying the hell out of you).
And since VR is the future of gaming and the hottest trend right now, the laptop is also VR-Ready.
Wow, with all those features surely this laptop is going to be toast after a few hours of usage, right? Actually No.
To prevent this, the laptop comes with 12v fans and anti-dust tunnels. But cooling isn’t your headache, the laptop will automatically adjust the fan speed to provide you with the best gaming environment.
The 15.6” Full-HD IPS display has a 76% screen-to-body ratio giving you a bigger viewing area than most other gaming laptops. And as far as colors and contrast go, trust me, you will be hooked.
Finally, to provide the icing on the cake, the laptop also has an RGB backlit keyboard (now that is one thing that truly makes a laptop Battle-Ready).
What we didn’t like
Like with most powerful laptops, even the ASUS Scar II leaves us wanting more when it comes to battery life as it only lasts about 3-4 hours.
Also, if you just wanted a laptop that can run Blizzard’s Overwatch then paying over $2000 is madness.
The only reason I am listing this first is that I am sure you will be using the laptop to play other games as well. For example, play the new Call of Duty (it is an absolute peach especially if you enjoy a captivating campaign).
Pros
- Equipped with a GPU, CPU, RAM powerful enough to run any kind of gaming title
- It perfectly combines the speed of the SSD and storage space of an HDD
- 144GHz makes gaming smooth (no wonder the pros are so fussy about it)
- It is VR-Ready
- The 12v fans and anti-dust tunnels keep the laptop from overheating
- RangeBoost technology automatically connects to the antenna with the strongest internet signal
- It has a 76% screen to body ratio
- The 17.3” FHD IPS display isn’t just large but also crystal clear
- The RGB backlit keyboard adds to the look and feel of the gaming laptop
Cons
- Not suitable for users just looking to play overwatch as it is expensive
- Low battery life
#7: Acer Predator Helios 300
Acer Predator Helios 300 is one of the most talked-about laptops and for good reason, especially since I am guessing you didn’t want to spend about 2k on a new laptop.
- RAM: 16GB
- Weight: 5.06lbs
- Processor: 9th Gen, i7 9750H
- CPU Speed: Up to 4.5GHz
- Graphics: GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (6GB)
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ (1920×1080)
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Battery Life: 4-5hrs
Features we like
You want a hyper-realistic gaming experience and the Helios 300 delivers just that by perfectly combining audio with amazing graphics, gameplay, and audio.
And one of the most important factors behind that is a powerful processor. Yup, the 9th Gen Intel Core i7 9750H 6 Core Processor even outdoes that of the ROG Strix Scar II in terms of performance as it can turbo boost Up to 4.5GHz.
Plus, there is the 16GB RAM which ensures the laptop can be used for more than just games (edit videos, make graphics or learn to program, it is capable of it all).
But what makes it a true gaming laptop is the 144GHz display and the GTX 1660Ti 6GB dedicated GPU unit.
Being an IPS display, we know the colors and contrast will be quite good but add to that the 144GHz refresh rate and your movies and games reach a completely different quality level.
That is because during those fast-paced moments you no longer will face ghosting and blurring (the crystal clear images are sure to help you nail those headshots).
And since it is a 15” inch display, it is just the perfect size for gaming, watching movies, or even work.
The PredatorSense is another standout feature of the laptop as with a single click it gives you all the control you ever needed over lighting, fan speed, overclocking, game profiles, and tons of other things to game even smoother.
This laptop is also VR-Ready and with the Killer DoubleShot Pro you even have the power to select the app you want should receive the most bandwidth.
To top it all, the laptop will also give you 8-10 hours of non-stop gaming without the need to recharge.
Lastly, if you are a real gamer, you understand the importance of WASD keys, and to make their usage more comfortable the keys on the Helios 300 are concave-shaped.
What we didn’t like
One of the few drawbacks of this laptop is the lack of an HDD.
Don’t get me wrong, the 256GB SSD is sure to boost up the laptop’s speed but the lack of storage space means you will need to upgrade the drive after some time costing you additional money.
Many users have also reported backlight bleeding from their models so make sure you do a check. Also, some users find the Aeroblade cooling fan a bit loud as the laptop starts heating up.
Pros
- It is a powerful enough laptop to run more than just Overwatch thanks to its CPU, GPU, and RAM
- The Processor turbo boosts to 4.5GHz to handle complex calculations
- The 144GHz refresh rate means gameplay is not interrupted by ghosting or blurring
- With a 15” Full-HD IPS display, you will get details that will leave you in awe whether it is gaming or movies
- This laptop is also VR-Ready
- PredatorSense gives you complete control over keyboard backlight colors, cooling, etc.
- Killer DoubleShot Pro lets you choose apps that should use up most of the bandwidth
- WASD keys are made in a concave shape for easier and quicker access.
Cons
- The Aeroblade fan can get loud as the laptop heats up
- Backlight bleeding is a common complaint amongst users
- The 256GB SSD does not provide ample space
#8: Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop (Best Laptop for Overwatch on a Budget)
Are you on a tight budget?
Well, not all of us have $1000 or more to spend on a gaming laptop but that does not mean you cannot enjoy Overwatch and it is the Lenovo Ideapad L340 that comes to your rescue.
Here’s what we love about it.
- RAM: 16GB
- Weight: 4.84lbs
- Processor: 9th Gen, i5-9300H
- CPU Speed: Up to 4.1GHz
- Graphics: GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB)
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ (1920×1080)
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Battery Life: 4-5hrs
Features we like
Okay, so to put it in simple words, this is hands down one of the best gaming laptops under $1000. Yup, you can grab this beauty for about $700 which is pretty much a bargain.
That is because firstly, it comes with one of the latest i5 processors which is the 9th Gen i5 Processor. Laptops with similar price tags often have an 8th Gen or 6th Gen processor so you surely have an edge there as you can outsmart, outgun and outshoot most opponents.
Furthermore, there is an 8GB RAM which is more than the overwatch requirement of 4GB and good enough to support smooth multitasking.
And so you do not have to play your favorite game at lower graphics settings, there is the GeForce GTX 1650 with a 3GB dedicated RAM.
A few standout features of the laptop include the Quick and Quiet Mode. The Quick makes gaming seamless and when you have serious work on hand just switch to the quiet mode. Switching between these modes takes mere seconds and is only a button press away.
Also, worried all those long hours of gaming are going to hurt your eyes? For that, the laptop has a special Eye Care Mode which reduces blue light emission and adjusts your display’s color tone to prevent fatigue (no more ending up with red eyes every morning).
Since the speakers of the laptop are hardwired with Dolby Audio you won’t miss your headphones in case you forgot them and want to watch a movie or listen to music.
And while you won’t be needing this immediately, signing up for the Ultimate Support and Coverage can be a real bonus in the future. Here’s what it includes.
- 24*7 Customer chat and phone services
- Onsite service delivery
- Technical help from personnel expert in gaming
- Hardware optimization tips
And much more.
If you are into streaming Overwatch, the physical Shutter on the webcam is useful especially if you take your privacy very seriously.
Lastly, it also has a backlit keyboard so you can continue gaming even in the dark while the 512GB SSD gives you both ample space and speed ensuring quick launch, boot, etc.
It is these features that make the Lenovo Ideapad L340 an absolute value for money pick so if you are on a budget, this is hands down the best overwatch laptop for you.
What we didn’t like
While the Ideapad L340 is quite a powerful laptop it does not match the power of the previous laptops and thus does not support the more demanding gaming titles such as GTA, etc.
Secondly, the laptop is not the most durable of all when compared to some of the others on the list but that will also come down to your usage and maintenance.
Pros
- It is loaded with the latest 9th Gen i5 processor for seamless functioning
- You can play Overwatch, PUBG, Fortnite, etc. and full settings as it has a GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card
- It comes with the Quick and Quiet mode that are tailor-made for gaming and working respectively
- The Eye Care Mode prevents eye fatigue by reducing blue light emissions
- Speakers are hardwired with Dolby Audio so sound quality is very good
- Signing up for the Ultimate Support and Coverage provided additional customer support benefits
- The physical Shutter on the webcam helps maintain privacy when streaming
- It is one of the cheapest laptops for gamers on the market
Cons
- Not the most durable laptop
- Won’t support more graphic-intensive games on high settings
#9: ASUS ROG Strix G
If you weren’t already convinced about what the ASUS ROG delivers, or if you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the Scar II, then this is exactly the laptop you need.
- RAM: 16GB
- Weight: 5.32lbs
- Processor: 9th Gen, i7-9750H
- CPU Speed: Up to 4.5GHz
- Graphics: GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB)
- Storage: 1TB HDD + 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ (1920×1080)
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Battery Life: Up to 3hrs
Features we like
As far as performance goes, this ASUS ROG laptop goes toe to toe with the ROG Strix Scar II as it features the Hexa-Core i7-9750H processor. This processor can turbo boost to 4.5GHz so you know it can handle rather complex games and tasks.
Then there is also the 16GB RAM and once again, a combination of a 512GB SSD and 1TB HDD is just what the doctor ordered for if you are a gaming fanatic with tons of games on the to-play list.
Then there is also the speed and durability factor that comes in with the SSD.
The GeForce GTX 1650 4GB dedicated Graphics card isn’t the best considering its price range but it is good enough to support quite a few games and even tasks like video editing, etc.
This laptop also supports real-time ray tracing in games which means you get very realistic colors, reflections, and shadows. And since it is VR-Ready, your gaming experience is about to get a whole lot more exciting.
The 15” Full-HD IPS display supports a refresh rate of 120GHz. Now, while that may not be at par with the 144GHz of the Strix Scar II or Helios 300 but produces better video quality than the 60GHz ordinary laptops support so you do not lose the edge.
Turn off the lights and let the Aura Sync create an eye-grabbing environment as the laptop looks like a piece of art with this on and here’s why.
This feature creates translucent edges and transparent WASD caps. You also have the option of a wraparound light bar that lights up the chassis giving your laptop a sexy look you would love to show off.
The laptop also has the RangeBoost Technology that connects the laptop to the strongest antenna boosting the wireless range by about 30%.
What we don’t like
As I said, the 120GHz does not deliver the quality of a 144GHz monitor but considering this laptop is way cheaper, the slight comprise is worth it.
Another compromise you will have to make with this laptop is on the graphics card which, as in the case of the Ideapad L340, isn’t the most powerful.
The laptop also tends to heat up when used for long hours plus, the battery won’t last you long either as it supports about 3 hrs of continuous gameplay.
Pros
- It comes with a reliable i9 Hexa-Core i7-9750H processor for smooth gaming
- There is also a 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD that provide speed and space
- With real-time ray tracing, the laptop produces realistic colors, reflections, and shadows
- It is VR-Ready so you can enjoy games like never before
- It has an excellent 15” Full HD IPS display
- The Aura Sync illuminates the keys and chassis giving it an eye-grabbing look
- RangeBoost technology improves signal strength by 30% for better connectivity
Cons
- Low battery life
- Graphics card won’t support the latest gaming titles
- The keypad lights cannot be turned off completely
#10: MSI GL63 8SC-059
Last on the list comes a laptop from one of the most popular brands in the gaming industry i.e. MSI. Surely, you cannot complete a list of the best laptops for overwatch without mentioning an MSI laptop and the GL63 8SC-059 shows us exactly why.
- RAM: 8GB
- Weight: 5.08lbs
- Processor: 8th Gen, i7-8750H
- CPU Speed: Up to 4.1GHz
- Graphics: GeForce GTX1650 (4GB)
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ (1920×1080)
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- Battery Life: 3-4hrs
Features we like
On the GL63, MSI has paired the beastly 6-core 8th Gen i7-8750H processor with the no-slouch GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GPU (just the kind of GPU unit you need for Overwatch, PUBG, and other similar games).
Furthermore, there is an 8GB RAM that can be upgraded to 32GB using the 2 provided slots. Similarly, you can also upgrade the 256GB SSD in case you require more space and speed
This freedom to customize comes in handy in case you take up video editing or decide to play more graphic-intensive games in the future.
15” is a big enough display for both movies and games and since it is a Full-HD IPS display, you should have few complaints about color or gradient quality.
And since the screen has an anti-glare coating, you can pull off those all-nighter weekends with your squad without tiring your eyes.
Plus, during those long nights, you will never have to worry about the laptop heating up. That is because it has a dedicated thermal solution with 7 heat pipes to keep every inch of the laptop cool as a cucumber when the pressure grows.
The laptop also has 5x giant speakers and in this case, bigger does mean better. Every gunshot, footstep, and team instruction can be heard clearly. So if you haven’t yet invested in gaming headphones, you can wait a tad longer.
Are you like many of us tired of losing matches due to lag (ahh, the horror)? Thankfully, there’s the Killer Gaming LAN to save the day. This allows you to adjust bandwidth to your apps with an intuitive Killer Control Center.
There is also the Dragon Gaming Center that allows you to tweak CPU and GPU Frequencies for smoother gameplay and also keep an eye on important stats like the RPM of the fans, etc.
Once again, a backlit keyboard ensures it does not matter whether it is night or day. You’d be ready to help your mates out even if duty calls at 2 am.
And if you are also into mobile gaming, you will be happy to know that some of the mobile games are now playable on your MSI laptop as well using the MSI App Player.
The app has been created in tandem with BlueStacks and aims to deliver the same fun only with better graphics, keyboard lighting, and more.
What we don’t like
One of the major drawbacks of this laptop is the 60Hz refresh rate. But hey, I only put this as a drawback because we have been talking about laptops with 120GHz and 144GHz laptops. Otherwise, 60GHz isn’t that bad a trade-off considering the laptop is also on the cheaper side.
The MSI also disappoints on the battery front with a run-time of just about 3-4 hours.
Also, overwatch takes about 24-25GB of space which means you won’t be left with lots of room as you install more games requiring you to spend on a bigger SSD.
Also, just as with the ASUS ROG Strix G, its GPU unit means there will be quite a few titles you won’t be able to play on high settings.
Buying Guide for Overwatch Laptops
CPU
The CPU is an essential part of any gaming rig. Because gaming is a resource intensive task, it requires you to have a processor which can handle all the tasks given to it with speed. The speed of the CPU matters because it translates to a seamless gaming experience which is quintessential for any kind of competitive edge.
In a game like Overwatch where the difference of a split second might tip the scales, every last frame that you can get from your CPU is an added bonus. Hence, it will make sense to have a good CPU as a priority on your budget while looking for a gaming machine.
Because CPU technology has taken enormous leaps since the launch of Overwatch, most CPUs that you will find today by Intel and Ryzen will be able to run Overwatch comfortably. However, if you are playing competitively, it would be best to atleast have an i5 chip, or a comparable Ryzen 5 chip so that you can easily get around 100-150 frames with a decent graphic card. This will enable you to rely completely on your skills to play through Overwatch.
GPU
The GPU is arguably the most important part of a gaming computer. The objects in the game are rendered by the GPU, and the better your GPU is, the faster it can render them. Hence, a good GPU means that it will render frames quickly even at ultra graphic presets.
Not all GPUs will be able to do this, so we need to differentiate between them. Firstly, some CPUs have integrated GPUs in them as well, which are called iGPUs. These are not very powerful, and are meant to render the graphics of the operating system, not complex graphics on games. Newer iGPUs may run Overwatch decently at lowered resolutions, but it is only suggested for casual users not planning to play competitively.
Dedicated GPUs change the game in this respect. Even if you select an entry level Nvidia GPU, which would be a GTX 1650 right now, Overwatch will run over 100 fps at all times easily. Ideally, if you are getting a gaming laptop right now, the selection of dedicated GPUs will always give an amazing experience with Overwatch.
RAM
RAM is the short term memory of your laptop. It acts as a temporary buffer between your hard drive and the CPU, like the waiting lobby between what needs to be used right now and what needs to be loaded to be used later. Modern games need to rapidly retrieve art assets, hence the waiting lobby accumulates these assets and instantly loads them if they are already in the RAM.
Hence, RAM improves the frame rate while playing games which results in a smoother gaming experience. More RAM also means that your loading times will be lesser since the environments are stored and loaded in a much bigger space.
We recommend that at least an 8 GB system should be your go-to benchmark for playing Overwatch. While some may argue that even a 4 GB system can run Overwatch, it is not going to be an enjoyable experience because every match you go into, you will be getting trampled by players with extremely high end PCs. Having a decent spec PC gives you the chance to have your skills even out the difference in equipment.
Display
Putting some focus onto the display of the laptop you’re looking to buy would be a detail most players would overlook. But a good screen can be the difference between a good and an amazing gaming experience.
Low resolution screens would bring down the effect of playing a good looking game like Overwatch if the screen is not crisp. It also affects the actual gaming experience because you need to be able to spot opponents, shoot accurately and keep note of your crosshairs. All of these are made much better if the resolution of your screen is crisp and sharp.
Storage
The storage option that your laptop has is going to make a big difference in your overall experience with the laptop. While HDDs have been in the market for quite a while now, the entry of SSDs has been disruptive to HDD sales. SSDs are smaller, can fit way more storage and load it faster. And the speed difference is very noticeable, there is easily a 4-5x boost.
Hence, we would suggest that you go with SSD storage for your laptop. It will give you faster boot times, and the loading screens that used to take forever on your hard disks will now load way faster.
Battery Life
Having a decent battery life on gaming laptops is almost unheard. Because gaming components are so power hungry, they withdraw a lot of power from the battery and hence most laptops that you find will not give a lot of gaming-on-the-go time. You may be able to find laptops that will have decent batteries when you are not gaming, but you will definitely have to plug in your charger if you want to have a decent gaming experience.
At the most, you will be able to find a laptop that will give you 2-3 hours of Overwatch time when you are on-the-go, and this is a feature that you will mostly find with laptops that are very expensive. A good way is to buy a laptop with a big battery rating, because that is known to help in heat dissipation problems.
Ports
Ports that you would want to look for in your laptop to make it future proof are preferably thunderbolt 3.0 ports. Thunderbolt ports have incredibly fast transfer speeds, and also double up as ports that help you connect external displays. Thunderbolt ports also support more formats than a regular HDMI port.
Hence, if upgrading to an external display or a multi-display setup is your aim, then you will want to look into laptops with HDMI ports or thunderbolt 3.0 ports.
You should look according to your personal needs at this point as well. If your router is close to your work setup, looking for an ethernet port would make sense as your internet speeds would see a great increase.
The number of USB, Type-C ports that you will find on various different laptops will vary greatly, and you should make your decision taking into account your needs and always remember, an extra port never hurts.
Design
The design on a gaming laptop is not just about the flashy RGB lights and the sleek look that it has. While those definitely make the machine look visually aesthetic and might raise their appeal for many people, it is something that can be ignored as well.
The design of the laptop should be functional in the sense that the fans and cooling system on the laptop should be robust. Because gaming is a resource intensive task and it works your CPU and GPU very hard, it generates a lot of heat. Hence to prevent overheating which makes using the laptop uncomfortable, not only risk your laptop’s overall life, you should look for a good cooling design in the laptop.
Conclusion
Overwatch or even Overwatch 2 aren’t the heaviest heavy and will run fine on a lot of laptops. You won’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get a suitable machine. In this article, we’ve taken that into consideration when picking the best laptops for overwatch. That’s why we feel confident that you will be happy with any of the laptops on the list.
