Google’s decision to shut down its Stadia cloud gaming service next year is quite surprising. However, it seems that Google has another strategy to welcome the cloud gaming era. The step taken is to introduce Chromebook Gaming .
Cooperate with ASUS, Acer and Lenovo
ASUS, Acer and Lenovo are the first three manufacturers ready to release Chromebook Gaming products. The first three Chromebook Gaming include the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip, the Acer Chromebook 516GE and the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook.
The specifications of the Chromebook Gaming are also tempting. The standards set are quite high. Among these, it is mandatory to use a high-resolution screen panel with a minimum refresh rate of 120 Hz or above. Then, it must support WiFi 6 or 6E, qualified audio and bring an RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting features.
The good news, to reach all users Chromebook Gaming will be sold at prices ranging from US $ 399 to US $ 799. Its performance is entrusted to Intel Core processors from Intel Core i3 to Intel Core i7. Here’s a quick look at the Chromebook Gaming specs:
ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip Specifications:
| Screen | 15.6-inch FullHD (1920 x 1080) IPS touchscreen with 144Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | 11th Gen Intel Core i3/i5/i7 |
| RAM | 8GB/16GB RAM |
| Storage space | 128GB/256GB/512GB SSD |
| Audio | 2x Harman/Kardon certified speakers |
| Wireless | 2×2 Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5 |
| Connectivity ports | 2 x USB 3.2 gen 2 type C; 1 x USB 3.2 gen 1 type A; 1 x HDMI 2.0; 1x audio combo jack; 1 x microSD card reader |
| Battery | 57 Wh |
Specifications of Acer Chromebook 516GE:
| Screen | 16-inch WQXGA screen (2560 x 1500) with 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | 12th Gen Intel Core i5 |
| RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Storage space | 256GB SSD |
| Audio | DTS audio; quad force vibration cancellation stereo |
| Wireless | 2×2 Intel Wi-Fi 6E; Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Connectivity ports | 2 x USB 3.2 gen 2type C; 1 x USB 3.2 gen 2 type A; 1 x HDMI 2.1; 1x audio combo jack; 1 x Ethernet RJ-45 port |
| Battery | 65 Wh |
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook Specifications:
| Screen | 16-inch WQXGA screen (2560 x 1500) with 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | 12th Gen Intel Core i3/i5 |
| RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Storage space | 256GB/512GB SSD; 128GB eMMC |
| Audio | 4 x 2W speakers with Waves Audio |
| Wireless | 2×2 Intel Wi-Fi 6E; Bluetooth 5 |
| Connectivity ports | 2 x USB 3.2 gen 2 type C; 1 x USB 3.2 gen 1 type A; 1 x HDMI 2.0; 1x audio combo jack; 1 x microSD card reader |
| Battery | 71 Wh |
Supported by various Cloud Gaming services
Keep in mind that to play games on Chromebook Gaming, gamers must subscribe to a cloud gaming service first. That’s why Google partnered with several popular cloud gaming services such as Nvidia GeForce Now, Microsoft Xbox Cloud Gaming and Amazon Luna.
Another surprise Chromebook Gaming will be supported by a series of gaming accessories. A special “Works with Chromebook” certification has been prepared for a range of accessories such as mice, keyboards and headsets optimized for Chromebook Gaming. Manufacturers that are ready to launch special accessories for Chromebook Gaming are Acer, Corsair, HyperX, Lenovo and SteelSeries.
Price and availability
These three Chromebook Gaming products will be available in October 2022. The ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip starts at US$699, the Acer Chromebook 516GE starts at US$649.99 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook starts at US$599.
