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Acer Chromebook 516GE
Gaming Chromebooks, who’d have thought it?
The new Acer Chromebook 516GE is part of the new Chromebook generation.
It’s a marvelous machine, and this is what we loved about the Acer Chromebook 516GE.
What Is a Gaming Chromebook?
The words “gaming” and “Chromebook” are rarely seen together.
Game streaming is currently the name of the game if you want Triple-A titles on your Chromebook.
Acer Chromebook 516GE Specs and Features
Acer has built a well-equipped gaming Chromebook.
It comes in two configurations:
We have the Core i5 version for review.
Furthermore, the 120Hz refresh rate is another big plus point for the Chromebook 516GE.
It makes every game experience buttery-smooth, and it’s such a noticeable difference from a 60Hz panel.
I also like the Chromebook 516GE keyboard.
The RGB keyboard lighting controls are found in the Chrome controls menu.
Another interesting and extremely useful 516GE feature is the integrated 1080p webcam.
However, in slower-paced games, visual issues are less evident.
You’ll have an even better experience subscribing to the RTX 3080/RTX 4080 tier.
Android Gaming
Game streaming isn’t all the Chromebook 516GE is capable of.
Many Android games aren’t designed for a much larger screen and won’t scale properly.
Steam Link
You’ll note that three of those titles are actually Android ports.
Like other streaming services, the quality of your Steam Link experience depends on your internet connection.
During testing, my internet was particularly patchy, leading to some streaming issues.
While Nvidia GeForce Now and Steam Link bring your game libraries to a Chromebook, neither is perfect.
Once installed, the Steam on ChromeOS Beta works just like any other Steam installation.
You head to your library, choose a game to download, and you’re ready.
At least for some games.
But when you have the option of streaming, honestly, you’re far better off doing that.
At least then, you’re putting the 516GE’s excellent screen to proper use!
Overall, gaming on the Acer Chromebook 516GE is a great experience.
Furthermore, remember that the 516GE isn’t packing the latest RTX 4000-Series or AMD 7000-Series GPU.
Yet the Chromebook 516GE has excellent battery life, lasting for between six and seven hours while gaming.
Furthermore, as the Chromebook 516GE charges using USB-C, you’ll refill the battery rapidly, too.
The 516GE has a full array of ports, which you don’t always find on a Chromebook.
Is a Gaming Chromebook Worth It?
TheAcer Chromebook 516GE Intel Core i5 currently retails for $579, which makes it a fantastic prospect.
