But one way you can lighten the load is to just start with a gaming laptop, which packs in everything you need to get started in PC gaming without all the extra pieces. Of course, gaming laptops can be expensive, too, but plenty of budget options also exist.

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› By Kimber Streams Kimber Streams is a writer who has been covering laptops and other tech at Wirecutter for more than a decade.

Amazon Prime Day is in full swing and runs through Friday, July 11. There are numerous markdowns available on top-tier tech, specifically gaming laptops. Most of the deals we’ve seen so far are on mid-range models, but they still pack tons of power and are worth considering, whether you’re a novice or expert gamer.