To get the best gaming laptop for your needs, get in the habit of frequenting reputable tech review sites. The editors at these sites test dozens of laptops every year and know what to look for.

While it's possible to play a game on any laptop, not all laptops are created equal when it comes to high-end gaming. If you need a device that can handle the high-end graphics and intense processing power of today's most popular games, you'll need to invest in a gaming laptop.

Before you pull out your credit card, make sure you know exactly what type of machine best suits your needs. Here are some key factors that play into choosing the best gaming laptop:

Display size and resolution. A larger screen is generally better, but higher resolution is just as important. Keep an eye out for laptops with full HD displays (1,920 by 1,080 pixels) or higher resolution screens like QHD+ (3,200 by 1,800 pixels) and 4K (3,840 by 2,160 pixels). Some manufacturers also offer displays with resolutions that are even higher than 4K (5K or 8K).