WIRED’s 2026 guide recommends gaming laptops across premium, portable and budget categories, arguing that modern models now provide a credible alternative to desktop gaming PCs. It highlights slimmer designs, stronger graphics performance and higher-quality displays, while noting that the best choice depends on budget, portability and desired power.

– Razer Blade 16 is presented as a premium, minimalist 16-inch option, configurable up to Nvidia’s RTX 5090, but costly from about $2,400.
– Razer Blade 14 offers a more portable 14-inch alternative from about $2,300, with RTX 5060 or 5070 graphics.
– Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 are described as similarly thin, high-end rivals with high-resolution OLED displays.
– Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 is included among performance-focused high-end models.
– The update adds Alienware 15 and Lenovo LOQ 15 Essential Gen 11 as alternative budget choices.