Best gaming laptops for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Microsoft Flight Simulator was always a flagship title for PC gamers, if only for those interested in the niche category of controlling realistic aircraft. Although the name hardly changes, the modern PC version dropped in 2020 alongside the well-received Xbox port and often shows the release year in its name. However, an upcoming successor holds the work-in-progress title of 'Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024,' so it's understandable if you find it confusing.

Nevertheless, the game is available to play now if you can pair it with a capable gaming laptop for portable play. I've rounded up my top picks based on the recommended specifications and some personal input from playing the game myself. With each update, more complex content is added to the game, and these low-end requirements don't always reflect the best-suited components. Skip the process of building a custom desktop PC and choose from my selection of the best gaming laptops for Microsoft Flight Simulator to get you straight into the game.

Choosing the best gaming laptop for Microsoft Flight Simulator

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We've moved up a couple of hardware generations since Microsoft Flight Simulator was first released in 2020, so even entry-level equivalents have a decent chance of running the game without much stress. The Razer Blade 18, one of the best gaming laptops in general, is a gigantic beast that can play practically anything at maximum settings, including simulated flights with complex lighting effects. Still, the Lenovo Legion Slim 7i (Gen 8) offers a more realistically priced option as the best overall choice since it still packs a high-end CPU and capable RTX 4070 GPU.

Your choice ultimately comes down to your needs, so if you plan to enjoy some flight sim sessions on the go, the Razer Blade 14 is far better suited to portability with its 14-inch chassis. Even the Acer Nitro 16 can handle the game with some of its fancier visual luxuries turned down or switched off completely, and once you've taken to the skies, the graphical demands of Microsoft Flight Simulator settle down by a fair margin. On the runway, mid-range picks and above start to shine by rendering airports and other buildings with lifelike qualities.

Ben Wilson
Channel Editor

Ben is the channel editor for all things tech-related at Windows Central. That includes PCs, the components inside, and any accessory you can connect to a Windows desktop or Xbox console. Not restricted to one platform, he also has a keen interest in Valve's Steam Deck handheld and the Linux-based operating system inside. Fueling this career with coffee since 2021, you can usually find him behind one screen or another. Find him on Mastodon @trzomb@mastodon.online to ask questions or share opinions.

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