Following Tradition, Google Abandons Gaming Chromebooks

Every Android fanboy, like me, knows that Google promises often precede reality. Last year, the buzz was all about the potential of Nvidia-powered Chromebooks, signalling a new era for ChromeOS gaming. Early reports from 9to5Google hinted at Chromebooks with Nvidia GPU support, and by October, several OEMs had unveiled gaming-centric models. The future looked bright for Chromebook gaming aficionados. And while a gaming Chromebook sounds painfully dumb to me. It took Nvidia another year to come to the same conclusion.

The information about Google potentially abandoning the Nvidia-powered gaming Chromebooks was discovered by the keen observers at About Chromebooks. They spotted specific language in Google’s code that indicated that multiple Nvidia Chromebook projects, including the specific models that were rumoured the previous year, have been cancelled. This news comes as a blow to ChromeOS enthusiasts who had high hopes for top-tier gaming experiences on their devices. Hilarious, I know.

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The demise of Stadia, Google's ambitious cloud gaming platform, had already cast a shadow over the company's gaming aspirations. Yet, there remained a glimmer of hope with platforms like Steam and Nvidia's GeForce Now coming pre-installed on the announced gaming models. But although the latter tech can allow machines with integrated graphics to run graphics-intensive AAA games on the cloud, running titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Baldurs Gate 3 and more locally would absolutely require a dedicated GPU. 

For instance, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE, one of the first gaming-specific Chromebooks has a feature set that only makes sense for it to be a cloud-based gaming machine. It has features like a QHD, 120Hz screen, and a tactile keyboard but no dedicated GPU. And it retailed in the US for $649. Despite the fact that the Nvidia RTX 3050 powered Lenovo LOQ can be had for $679 and can play games locally as well as using Nvidia's GeForce Now cloud tech. 

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So the value just isn't there. Don't hate me for telling the truth. Moreover, this isn't the first time a Google project has met an untimely end. Over the years, Google is infamous for axing numerous products. Google Reader, Google Wave, and Google+ are just a few examples of the company's ventures that were terminated, leaving users in the lurch.

In conclusion, Nvidia's departure from the Chromebook scene is yet another chapter in Google's history of ambitious projects that didn't see the light of day. While the tech giant continues to innovate and dominate in many areas, its track record of discontinuing products remains a point of contention among its user base. Only time will tell if Google can break this cycle and deliver on its promises consistently. However, I am pretty sure no one wants a Gaming Chromebook 2.0 in the near future.