**Are Chromebooks Good for Gaming? Exploring Their Performance and Limitations**
In 2023, Google collaborated with various PC manufacturers to introduce the Chromebook Plus, a new line of its simplified take on a laptop running its proprietary operating system. The aim was to provide a more robust version of the Chromebook to cater to those seeking enhanced performance. Just before Christmas, Google graciously provided me with a new Chromebook Plus from Acer for a hands-on review of its gaming capabilities. After spending a few weeks with the device, I am pleased to announce that it is a reliable laptop that I would consider purchasing in the future. However, it falls short when it comes to playing most games.
**The Acer 516 GE Chromebook Plus: A Closer Look**
The specific Chromebook Plus model I received for review was the Acer 516 GE. Prior to delving into my challenges with streaming on this device, it is essential to highlight that the laptop itself boasts a sleek, modern design, impressive battery life, and encountered no technical glitches during my usage. Engaging in activities such as watching videos, writing, and browsing the web on the Acer Chromebook Plus proved to be a delightful experience. Unlike my previous encounters with Chromebooks, where I found them lacking in performance and functionality, the Acer 516 GE provided a seamless user experience. With the increasing shift towards web-based applications and the remarkable speed of mobile hardware in 2025, using a Chromebook has become relatively painless. While using the Acer 516 GE, I often forgot that it was indeed a Chromebook, as most of my daily computer tasks, such as checking emails, chatting with colleagues, reading news, and crafting stories, are typically performed through a web browser. Consequently, I encountered no issues while using the Acer 516 GE, except when attempting to play games.
**Gamer-Focused Features and Limitations**
Prominently marketed as a gamer-centric device, the 516 GE Chromebook Plus intrigued me as a writer at Kotaku due to its purported gamer-friendly attributes. However, as anyone familiar with ChromeOS and Chromebooks would attest, these devices are not equipped to handle high-end gaming. The proposed solution? Leveraging the power of cloud computing. This serves as the primary selling point of the 516 GE Chromebook Plus. By utilizing game streaming services, users can instantly play popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Fortnite without the need for downloads or concerns about technical specifications. While this proposition may materialize in the future, the current reality is that streaming games remains a subpar gaming experience. I experimented with playing Fortnite, Cyberpunk 2077, and Gears 5 using various methods, including Game Pass, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna. Although some approaches were more satisfactory than others, none matched the immersive gameplay offered by native gaming on a dedicated console or PC.
**Performance Evaluation and Outlook**
While it is possible to install Steam on the 516 GE Chromebook Plus, thanks to a special built-in feature, and play certain 2D games like Vampire Survivors and Balatro smoothly, this capability is not particularly remarkable in a technological landscape where even smartphones can deliver similar gaming experiences. The standout feature of this device lies in its potential to enable on-the-go gaming of high-end AAA titles without the need for downloads or exorbitant expenses associated with dedicated gaming laptops. Regrettably, despite being equipped with Google Fiber internet, the 516 GE Chromebook Plus is unable to eliminate the lag, stuttering, and visual imperfections that often accompany game streaming. Therefore, if your gaming preferences lean towards basic 2D games and retro classics (I managed to run Turok without any hitches), the 516 GE is certainly worth considering. However, it is crucial to manage expectations and acknowledge that its game streaming capabilities are unlikely to replace the gaming prowess offered by devices like the Switch, Steam Deck, or PS5 in the foreseeable future.