Impressive specs and 200 free games: Google reveals first gaming Chromebooks

Google revealed several new products, including the first gaming Chromebooks and a new version of its Chrome OS 106 operating system based on the Linux kernel.

The first Chromebooks came out more than 10 years ago. Until now, they have been considered fast, safe and easy-to-use devices. Now, however, Google has decided to expand its line of laptops and introduce devices designed specifically for cloud gaming.

The three new Chromebooks, co-released with Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo, according to Google, combine gaming hardware features, access to the latest games with advanced graphics via cloud technology and software that will make gaming faster and easier.

Chromebooks come with:

• Intel Core i3/i5 CPU,
• 8GB RAM,
• 120Hz refresh rate displays,
• Gaming keyboards with input latency of less than 85ms and RGB backlighting,
• Chrome OS,
• Wi-Fi 6,
• advanced audio systems.

Gaming Chromebooks will support three leading cloud gaming platforms - Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Amazon Luna. Laptop owners will have access to 1,500 console and PC games, 200 of which will be free. These include Control Ultimate Edition, Overcooked 2, Fortnite, and League of Legends.

In addition, the new Chromebooks for cloud gaming make it easy for gamers to find their favorite games and start playing them right away. No need to download the game or install it.

Acer Chromebook 516 GE

Acer's new Chromebook, as noted, is designed exclusively for gaming, so it has a few unique features that set it apart from other Chromebooks in the Acer lineup.

It has a 16-inch IPS screen with 120 Hz and a 16:10 aspect ratio, which is tuned to a resolution of 2560 x 1600 and can have over 100% SRGB color gamut. The RGB keyboard with ghosting technology also seems interesting, with a choice of seven colors or a 4-zone color option. The device also has two upward pointing and two downward-pointing speakers, which feature advanced DTS sound. As for the processor, it is Intel Core i7-1260P or Intel Core i5-1240P (the model with this processor will cost about $650).

There's also a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet RJ45 local area network, two USB Type-C ports, USB Type-A, and HDMI. Wi-Fi 6E is supported, as well as Bluetooth 5.2. The battery is rated for 9 hours of battery life.

There is also a built-in Full HD webcam with temporary noise cancellation and two microphones.

Lenovo IdeaPad gaming Chromebook

The novelty from Lenovo is a 16-inch laptop with a 12th-generation Intel Core i5-1235U processor without a discrete graphics processor, 8GB of RAM, and a PCIe SSD with up to 512GB of storage.

Those specs give the laptop a pretty low price (about $600), while still being able to play AAA games on it via cloud streaming services.

There's also a fairly large 71Wh battery that provides up to 11 hours of battery life. The 16-inch display has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 and a 120Hz refresh rate.

The laptop supports Wi-Fi 6E for faster connectivity with less latency, there are two USB-C ports, two USB Type-A ports, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack, but no Ethernet port.

Well, of course, it wouldn't be a gaming laptop without RGB backlighting, so the keyboard has a four-zone backlight. The keyboard itself is also pretty good, with 1.5mm key travel and halo protection.

Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip

The Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip is a 2-in-1 device designed for cloud gaming. It is equal to the other two laptops in some respects, but for some people, it may be preferable because of its portability. In addition, this laptop has a screen with one of the highest refresh rates among the new cloud-gaming Chromebooks.

Unlike the other two devices, the Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip is not equipped with Intel 12th-generation processors. You can choose between an 11th-generation Intel Core i7-11g5G7 (the laptop with it will cost $800), an Intel Core i5-1135G7, or an Intel Core i3-1115G4. Memory starts at 8GB and can be expanded to 16GB, and the SSD can be expanded to 128GB or 512GB.

The laptop has a 144Hz high refresh rate display, but the maximum screen resolution is FHD 1920 x 1080.

Orange WASD keys on the keyboard and phantom image protection technology may also attract attention. Although there is no RGB backlighting, the keyboard is backlit. There's also the Asus ErgoLift hinge, which helps you use the keyboard in a comfortable typing position.

As for the speakers, it's Harman/Kardon.

All three devices will be available for purchase starting October 22.