This RTX 3050 gaming laptop is just $599 — no, that's not a typo — and is a better deal than Steam Deck (UPDATED)

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By Ben Wilson
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It's a perfect entry-level option from one of my favorite brands.

Update: The original deal included an RTX 4050 GPU but it has since sold out. Newegg sells a variant with a previous-gen RTX 3050 but doubles the RAM and storage alongside the same CPU.

If your budget for portable gaming sits around the $600 mark, you might as well go all-in on a traditional 15.6-inch laptop like the MSI GF63 thin, down to $599 at Newegg for Cyber Monday. You're already coming in $100 cheaper than MSRP for an ASUS ROG Ally, and it's a broader investment than a Steam Deck as a first-time gaming laptop. Let's break down the pros and cons.

MSI GF63 Thin  — Core i5-12450H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, RTX 3050 | $799now $599 at Newegg

MSI GF63 Thin  — Core i5-12450H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, RTX 3050 | was $799 now $599 at Newegg

The previous-gen NVIDIA 30-Series laptop GPU still supports DLSS 2 upscaling tech to push extra performance and up to 144 FPS framerates, even on this entry-level RTX 3050. Modern USB-C and HDMI-out also allow for external monitors and traditional peripherals, if you prefer.

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✅Perfect for: Entry-level budget gaming on the go, ideal as a first-time laptop or an alternative to a Steam Deck/ASUS ROG Ally.

❌Avoid it if: You crave 4K gaming. Even with DLSS, the hardware in this laptop is better suited to targeting 144Hz at 1080p.

👀Alternative deal (RTX 2050): $529 at Newegg

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A heavy red theme is typical of MSI's obsession with its iconic brand color. (Image credit: MSI)
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There's no pretending that the hardware inside this gaming laptop is world-class, but it's far from the bottom-of-the-barrel junk you usually find among budget-grade gaming laptops. The RTX 30-Series GPU can still handle the heavy lifting of modern titles despite being a previous-generation graphics card.

DLSS upscaling tech from NVIDIA means less stress on the GPU with AI-powered tech to push for higher framerates. It's perfect for a 15.6-inch laptop with a 1080p screen like this, prioritizing its 144Hz refresh rate instead.

Essentially, you're looking at similar performance to an ASUS ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go handheld, but with a much larger screen and more flexibility to act as an everyday computer thanks to its standard port selection and RGB keyboard.

If you're a parent looking for a modern (but affordable) gaming laptop that'll run the latest games without blowing out your bank account, this is an excellent option from a reliable brand. Just don't wait too long, one variant already sold out!

Ben Wilson
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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