For those interested in a versatile computing option, the 2-in-1 laptop combines the functionality of a standard clamshell machine with the flexibility of a tablet. While not typically geared towards gaming, there are some 2-in-1s that excel in this area. If you’re looking for a device that can transition between work and play seamlessly, investing in the best 2-in-1 for gaming may be the way to go.
There are several types of 2-in-1s to choose from, including detachable tablets, 360-degree convertibles, and pull-forward designs. Regardless of the style, these laptops offer a liberating computing experience that doesn’t compromise on performance. Here are some top 2-in-1 laptops that are not only great for gaming but also excel in other tasks.
Asus ROG Flow Z13
A Tablet Made for Gaming
Pros
- Bright, beautiful screen
- Amazing portability
- Ingenious design
- Surprisingly good performance
- Comfortable keyboard and touchpad
Cons
- Poor battery life
- Dorky aesthetic
- Mediocre webcam, no Windows Hello
The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is a groundbreaking detachable tablet that caters specifically to gamers. It boasts a 14-core Intel Core i9-13900H processor and can be configured with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 for solid gaming performance. With the ability to handle creative tasks with ease, this tablet is a powerhouse in a compact form factor.
Gaming on the ROG Flow Z13 is impressive, offering playable frame rates at 1200p in popular games like Fortnite and Halo Infinite. The inclusion of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 ensures smooth gameplay and the ability to push into higher resolutions in select titles. Additionally, the option to use the Asus XG Mobile external GPU further enhances the gaming experience.
While slightly bulkier than other detachable tablets, the ROG Flow Z13’s gamer-centric design and powerful internals make it a standout device for both gaming and productivity tasks. The high-resolution display with a high refresh rate delivers a smooth visual experience, ideal for gaming and multimedia consumption.
Asus ROG Flow Z13
A tablet that’s literally made for gaming
Asus ROG Flow X13
A Compact 2-in-1 for Gamers
Pros
- Amazing portability
- Good performance for its size
- Comfortable keyboard and touchpad
- XG Mobile is a good option
- 120Hz refresh rate
Cons
- Mediocre battery life
- Screen could be brighter
- Expensive for performance
The Asus ROG Flow X13 is a compact convertible 2-in-1 that offers impressive gaming capabilities. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor and equipped with up to an RTX 4070 GPU, this laptop delivers a solid gaming experience in a portable package. It excels in both productivity tasks and creative workloads, making it a versatile device for gamers.
Gaming performance on the ROG Flow X13 is commendable, with the ability to achieve high frame rates in popular titles at 1200p resolution. The inclusion of the XG Mobile external GPU option further enhances gaming performance, allowing for higher resolutions and smoother gameplay in demanding titles. The laptop’s compact design and versatile modes make it a great option for gaming on the go.
With a 120Hz refresh rate display and a range of connectivity options, the ROG Flow X13 offers a complete gaming experience in a compact form factor. Its portability, performance, and gaming capabilities make it a standout choice for gamers looking for a versatile and powerful 2-in-1 laptop.
Asus ROG Flow X13
A smaller convertible 2-in-1 for gamers
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
The Ideal Surface for Gamers
Pros
- Beautiful PixelSense Flow display
- Robust hinge design
- Comfortable keyboard and trackpad
- Sharp webcam
Cons
- Expensive
- Mediocre battery life
- Middling performance in Recommended mode
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 offers a unique blend of features for gamers seeking a versatile 2-in-1 option. With a 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display and a flexible hinge design, this laptop caters to both creativity and gaming. It transitions seamlessly between laptop, media, and tablet modes, making it a versatile device for various tasks.
Gaming performance on the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is respectable, thanks to the inclusion of an RTX 4060 and efficient thermal design. The laptop can handle modern titles at decent frame rates and graphics settings, providing an enjoyable gaming experience for casual gamers. While its gaming capabilities are not as robust as dedicated gaming laptops, it offers a balanced mix of productivity and entertainment features.
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 stands out for its unique design and versatile functionality, making it a great choice for users who prioritize creativity and multimedia consumption. While it may not be the most powerful gaming laptop on the market, its blend of design, performance, and features make it a compelling option for gamers seeking a versatile 2-in-1 device.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
The Ideal Surface for Gamers
MSI Summit E16 Flip
A Spacious Convertible 2-in-1 for Gamers
Pros
- Solid build quality
- Attractive aesthetic
- Strong productivity performance
- Excellent IPS display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Very good keyboard
Cons
- Too expensive
- Mediocre battery life
- Small touchpad
The MSI Summit E16 Flip offers a larger form factor for users who prefer a spacious convertible 2-in-1 device. This 16-inch laptop features a 11th-gen Intel Core i7 processor and an RTX 3050 Ti GPU, providing solid gaming performance and excellent productivity capabilities. While it may not match the portability of smaller devices, it offers a comfortable computing experience and impressive display for gaming and multimedia consumption.
Gaming on the Summit E16 Flip delivers smooth frame rates in popular titles at 1200p resolution, making it a suitable choice for casual gamers. With a full-size keyboard, high refresh rate display, and robust build quality, this laptop strikes a balance between gaming performance and productivity features. While it may not be the most affordable option, its versatile design and capable hardware make it a compelling choice for users seeking a blend of gaming and productivity functionality.
For users in search of a larger convertible 2-in-1 device with gaming capabilities, the MSI Summit E16 Flip offers a spacious display, strong performance, and a premium design. Despite its higher price point, the laptop’s combination of build quality, display features, and gaming performance make it a solid choice for users looking for a versatile computing solution.
MSI Summit E16 Flip
A Spacious Convertible 2-in-1 for Gamers