STACK #256 February 2026

FEATURE GAMING

LAPTOP

A cinch to take pretty much anywhere you wish to go, gaming laptops nowadays pack impressive specs that are on a par with many high-end desktop systems. While they’re usually less user-upgradeable, you can get set up with an absolute powerhouse from day one. Check out these great options:

CONTROL! If you’re used to playing with a console-styled controller and the PC keyboard/mouse combo just isn’t clicking, good news! PlayStation 5 and Xbox controllers are easily connectable to your gaming PC via Bluetooth, offering a more natural way to play – especially if you’re into more arcade-like experiences rather than shooters or RPGs.

Alienware 16X Aurora Gaming Laptops

Lenovo Legion 5i Gaming Laptops

With two models equipped with 16” WQXGA screens with support for 240Hz, and either an Intel Core Ultra 7 or 9 processing heart, you’ll be playing with real power. Meanwhile, there’s 16GB or 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 or 5070 dedicated graphics, making either 16X Aurora an absolute monster for both work and play.

Available in three configurations, no matter which one you opt for this sleek and dynamic laptop brings a large, 15.1-inch screen, a speedy Intel Core Ultra i7 or i9 processor, RAM to spare, and plenty of SSD storage. Add NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics and ports galore and any of the Lenovo Legion 5i gaming laptops really are a super option.

If experiencing the joys of PC gaming with the same freedom to play at home or go anywhere that Nintendo Switch players enjoy is your aim, then explore the high-powered portable gaming PCs that are available. Let’s look at two of the top choices that you can get your hands on right now...

Lenovo Legion Go S PC experts Lenovo’s portable Windows 11 gaming entry comes in two models, each of which deliver a wealth of cool features. They share a sleek, PORTABLE GAMING PCs

ROG Xbox Ally/ROG Xbox Ally X ROG has teamed with Xbox to give us two variations of the ROG Xbox Ally – the standard Ally in white, and the Ally X in black. It’s powered by either the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 A, or Z2 Extreme processor in the X, with an integrated NPU for handling AI. A 60WHr battery, or upgraded 80Wh battery in the X, offers extended playtime, with improved efficiency over the original ROG Ally handheld. Inside you’ll find either 16GB or 24GB of RAM, and either a 512GB or 1TB SSD drive. Both models of the ROG Xbox Ally feature a 7-inch, Full HD (1920 x 1080) Gorilla Glass touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium. Sound-wise, dual smart amp speakers provide enhanced audio. Xbox-style asymmetrical controls await players, and haptics include independent vibration motors in both triggers. Plus, textured grips improve ergonomics for extended sessions. A dedicated Xbox button enables fast access to the handy Game Bar, Command Centre, system stats, and

ergonomically designed white case with rounded edges that houses a large 8-inch WUXGA – that’s 1920x1200 pixels – touchscreen display, with 500 nits of brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The Legion Go S features a classic controller layout, with asymmetrical, RGB-lit hall effect thumbsticks, a D-pad, A, B, X, and Y buttons, top bumpers and triggers, rear paddles, a small trackpad, and additional buttons for various functions such as accessing settings. No matter which model you opt for, there’s some pleasing power under the bonnet, one with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go, or a beefier Z1 Extreme processor with exclusive Z2 Go chips, both with built-in RDNA 2 graphics. Coupled with 16GB or 32GB of speedy DDR5 RAM, plus a 512GB or 1TB SSD, there’s plenty of memory and storage power, plus you can add extra storage via micro-SD card. Plus, if you have several game libraries – Xbox Game Pass, Steam, etc. – then they all converge neatly in the Legion Space app.

customisation options. Running Windows 11, both Ally Xbox models support all the usual PC game library suspects, including Xbox Game Pass, and Steam.

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