Prime Day has gone away like a dimly-remembered dream, but there are still hot deals to be found on high-powered gaming systems both portable and desktop. Check them before they're gone.

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.

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.