Utilizing a high-end Asus laptop computer has modified my gaming habits for the higher

On the finish of final yr, I wrote about my expertise of utilizing the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) gaming laptop computer. As somebody who has primarily gamed on consoles his complete life, I assumed it made for a reasonably attention-grabbing piece that was a bit completely different from a typical evaluate.

In that spirit, I needed to revisit the laptop computer now that I’ve had a couple of extra months with it and spotlight the bigger way of life modifications it’s made. Above all else, I’ve notably been appreciating the laptop computer for 2 primary causes.

The skinny ROG line

At the start — its kind issue. With a 0.64-inch chassis weighing solely 3.46 lbs (1.57kg), it’s so lovingly skinny. And due to that, it really encourages me to take it to completely different locations. It’s truthfully one thing that I took with no consideration the primary time I used it. Comfort and ease-of-use is a big factor for me, which is why I’ve traditionally not bothered with the PC house. And whilst I’ve used handhelds just like the Steam Deck and Asus’ personal ROG Xbox Ally X, they really feel fairly cumbersome and take up numerous house. However having one thing much more highly effective that additionally sports activities a satisfyingly ultra-thin and light-weight kind issue? That’s an enormous promote.

Admittedly, I’m nonetheless cautious of getting one thing so costly on flights with me, although I journey typically. (After all, that’s not a knock towards the G14 particularly, merely a part of my very own cautious tendencies). If nothing else, I admire having the ability to transport it simply on native excursions and even inside the home. What’s extra, I’m planning a couple of lengthy prepare rides throughout the province within the coming months, and I’m desperate to deliver it with me on these.

Extra video games, extra choices

My second massive purpose goes hand-in-hand with the shape issue: the video games catalogue. Being able to play graphically advanced video games and indies alike throughout Steam, EGS and different shops is genuinely significant. That’s very true for video games from smaller groups that prioritize PC since they don’t have the assets for multiplatform releases. In these instances, I’ve traditionally been out of luck as a non-PC gamer, even with regards to the Steam Deck, since not each title is appropriate with the hand held. And in a extra job-specific use case, it lets me play and evaluate extra video games, particularly since PC codes are generally all that’s supplied.

What’s extra, I’m discovering that having the PC is encouraging me to return to older video games. Admittedly, being on this job provides you this strain to play each new factor to remain within the loop, and that may really feel draining. In instances the place I’ve to do this, having the G14 is useful. However in different cases, it’s letting me step away from the ever-present name of recent releases to revisit the classics.

After all, emulation is a key a part of that, particularly as sport preservation general continues to be abysmal. However that is even true in in any other case available video games. For instance, I’ve been revisiting lots of the Resident Evil video games for the collection’ thirtieth anniversary, and having the flexibleness to attempt them out on PC with the mixture of beefier specs and mods availability completely provides me extra incentive. Within the case of one thing like RE5, I may even play the co-op with my mates there, since I don’t know anybody who’d be part of me proper now on consoles. And within the case of video games that aren’t so available, just like the PS2 spin-off Outbreak (which was bizarrely related to this yr’s mainline Requiem), I can flip to emulation.

I admittedly took all of this with no consideration as a predominantly console gamer. The mix of Steam’s common stable gross sales and emulation typically helps offset the upper value of the rig. And for somebody like me who nonetheless doesn’t take care of the effort of constructing and troubleshooting a PC, having all of that sorted for me proper out of the field with a laptop computer is truthfully great.

For individuals who dare to speculate

As in my earlier piece, my two gripes are nonetheless current. First, the followers are loud as hell. After all, that’s actually solely a difficulty with the extra intensive video games, so fortunately, I haven’t skilled it too typically. However it’s mildly distracting when it occurs. (And since my ears get extremely scorching after I sport, I don’t typically put on headphones.)

That’s not too a giant deal, although, and the extra vital hurdle is worth. That’s as a result of the G14 is an costly boi with 4 choices that begin at $2,699 and finish at $3,699, the final of which is the one I’m utilizing. On the time of writing, the entry-level mannequin is definitely $500 off, although, which is fairly stable. For slightly over $2,000, a stable laptop computer that you should use each for high-end gaming and common work and leisure is truthfully one thing I’d undoubtedly take into account if I used to be only a common shopper.

I plan to maintain utilizing the G14 and write extra about my console-to-PC journey, however within the meantime, you should buy the laptop computer from the Asus Retailer.