After Stadia-Aus: Google announces new Chromebooks for cloud gaming

• Google has announced new Chromebooks for gaming fans.
• The models are geared towards cloud gaming.
• They will soon also appear in Germany.

Google is discontinuing the game streaming service Google Stadia, but remains committed to cloud gaming. This becomes clear with the announcement of new Chromebooks geared towards cloud gaming.

In cooperation with Lenovo, Acer and Asus, there will be new devices from the end of 2022, which should primarily appeal to casual gamers who do not want to spend the time and money on a high-end gaming PC. These are the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE, and the Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip.

New Chromebooks for gamers

Google, Lenovo, Acer and Asus offer new Chromebooks that are primarily aimed at gaming fans.

With just a few clicks you should be able to use services from Google partners such as Nvidia GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming and play a wide variety of games including the latest blockbusters. Because: The providers of these streaming services offer the latest top gaming hardware. Subscribers no longer have to worry about upgrades such as a new graphics card.

Hardware upgrades for better gaming

Depending on the model, the devices offer display sizes from 15 to 16.7 inches and weigh up to two kilograms. Intel i3, i5 and i7 processors are installed depending on the version, the internal graphics are also provided by Intel (Intel UHD/Intel Iris X).

Gamers probably appreciate the anti-ghosting keyboards for the most direct and error-free inputs possible and the high-resolution displays (1440p, Asus with Full HD) with high frame rates (120 Hertz, Asus even 144 Hertz). Acer and Lenovo still offer RGB lighting for their keyboards.

Acer Chromebook 516 GE

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1260P with 2.1 gigahertz
• Memory: 8 or 16 gigabytes
• Display: 16 inch, WQXGA 2,560 x 1,600 pixels, 120 Hertz, 16:10
• Graphics: Intel Iris X
• Storage: SSD with 128 or 256 gigabytes
• Ports: 2 USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, Headphone jack
• Battery life: up to 9 hours
• Weight: 1.7 kilograms

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook

• Processor: Intel Core i3 or i5 (12th Gen)
• Memory: 8 gigabytes
• Display: 16.7 inches, WQXGA 2,560 x 1,600 pixels, 120 Hertz,
• Camera: 1080p FHD
• Storage: SSD 256 or 512 gigabytes, 128 GB eMMC
• Connections: MicroSD, 2 USB-C, 2 USB Type A (USB 3.2), headphone jack
• Battery life: up to 11 hours
• Weight: from 1.82 kilograms

Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip

• Processor: Intel Core i3 (2.8 gigahertz), i5 (2.4 gigahertz) or i7 (3 gigahertz)
• Memory: up to 16 gigabytes
• Display: 15.6 inches with 16:9 format, 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, IPS screen, 144 Hertz
• Graphics: Intel UHD (i3 model) or Intel Iris X (i5 or i7)
• Storage: SSD M.2, up to 512 gigabytes
• Camera: 720p
• Connections: 2 USB-C, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI 2.0, headphone jack, MicroSD
• Audio: 2 speakers (Harman Kardon), 2 multi-array microphones, Google Assistant support
• Weight: 1.95 kilograms

Free trial with GeForce Now

If you choose one of the Chromebooks, you get a three-month trial subscription to GeForce Now. This is the Nvidia GeForce Now RTX 3080 option.

The companies are not yet naming prices for all of the products, only the Acer Chromebook 516 GE is quoted as costing 650 US dollars, the equivalent of around 670 euros. It is to be expected that the prices will not be too high, especially since Google is promoting the devices as alternatives to regular gaming PCs.