Final yr, all indicators indicated that 2023 could be an thrilling yr for ChromeOS gaming. Early on, 9to5Google reported that Chromebooks supporting Nvidia GPUs had been within the works. In October, a number of OEMs introduced gaming-focused fashions (with built-in graphics) in a snazzy joint announcement. It appeared like there was loads on the horizon for the Chromebook gaming fanatic.
These hopes, nevertheless, seem to have been dashed. The eagle-eyed of us over at About Chromebooks have spotted language in Google’s code indicating that a number of Nvidia Chromebook initiatives (together with the precise fashions that had been rumored final yr) have been canceled. Google has not but responded to a request for touch upon this language.
This can possible be a disappointment to ChromeOS followers who had been holding out for superpowered gaming merchandise. Even with the demise of Google Stadia (relaxation in peace), there was some enthusiasm among the many group for platforms like Steam and Nvidia’s GeForce Now, which got here preinstalled on the gaming fashions introduced in October.
However built-in graphics can solely get you thus far. They’ll ship a strong expertise on many video games, however if you wish to max out your settings and determination, working heavy AAA titles regionally is usually out of the query.
In case you have been hoping to dive into ChromeOS gaming, you can discover merchandise that provide lots of the similar advantages we’d anticipate from a gaming rig (aside from the discrete GPU). The Chromebook 516 GE has a QHD, 120Hz display screen with a really tactile keyboard, and it delivers a strong cloud gaming expertise (although you possibly can anticipate it to make use of a heck of loads of information).