Yes, a Dell XPS can run games, but it is usually a better fit for casual gaming than for high-settings, high-refresh-rate AAA play. The key is the exact model and GPU: the tested 2026 XPS 16 has integrated Intel Arc graphics, while some 2024 XPS models were offered with discrete NVIDIA RTX graphics. Those generations do not perform alike.
How well does the current Dell XPS 16 run games?
Tom’s Guide tested a 2026 XPS 16 at 1080p with medium graphics settings and reported these frame rates:
| Game and test setting | Reported result |
|---|---|
| Borderlands 3, 1080p, medium | 43 fps |
| Cyberpunk 2077, 1080p, medium | 16 fps |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider, 1080p, medium | 41 fps |
| Cyberpunk 2077, 1080p with XeSS 3 upscaling | 67 fps |
These are results from the specific laptop and test conditions in Tom’s Guide’s 2026 XPS 16 review, not a guarantee for every XPS configuration. They suggest that some games can be playable after adjusting settings, while a demanding title such as Cyberpunk 2077 may struggle without upscaling. XeSS can substantially improve the result in a supported game, but performance and image quality depend on the title and chosen settings.
Why the XPS model year and graphics configuration matter
Current US XPS 16
Dell’s current US listing identifies the 16-inch XPS 16 as model DA16260 and lists configurations with up to Intel Arc graphics. Dell presents the XPS line as a premium range focused on portability, battery life, and design. Check the listing for the configuration actually available in your region, since products and options can change. Dell’s current US XPS listing
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#1 Best Overall
- PREMIUM ULTRA-PORTABLE DESIGN – Meet the Dell 16 Premium, the next-generation XPS 16 built for users who value performance, mobility, and premium craftsmanship. Its ultra-slim, lightweight design and refined Platinum finish deliver a sleek, high-end experience for work, travel, and everyday use. A precision haptic glass touchpad and streamlined touch function row provide smooth, intuitive control in a clean, minimalist design
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Powered by Intel Ultra 9 285H Processor (16 cores, up to 5.4 GHz Turbo) and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7, this PC delivers efficient performance for multitasking, data analysis, and content creation. Equipped with 32GB DDR5 and 1TB PCIe SSD, it ensures swift application loading and ample storage for professional workloads
- CREATIVE GRAPHICS – The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 GPU provides strong graphics performance for creative work, gaming, and AI-enhanced applications. With support for ray tracing, DLSS 4, NVIDIA Reflex 2, Max-Q technologies, AV1 encoding, and NVENC acceleration, it is a great choice for content creators, gamers, and esports users
- IMMERSIVE DISPLAY - Features a 16.3-inch UHD+ (3840x2400) touchscreen with narrow borders, 400-nit brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and reduced eye strain. Supports up to 3 external displays via Thunderbolt 4, with up to 4K@60Hz output. The FHD RGB-IR camera with dual-array microphones delivers clear video calls and secure facial recognition login. Plus, the backlit keyboard enables precise typing in low-light environments
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY - With 3x Thunderbolt 4, MicroSD card reader and Universal audio jack, you can easily connect external displays, storage devices and essential peripherals. Stay fast and reliable on the go with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, perfect for video calls, cloud work, and wireless devices without lag
2024 XPS models with NVIDIA RTX graphics
Dell’s 2024 announcement listed optional RTX 4070 graphics for the XPS 16 and RTX 4050 graphics for the XPS 14. Dell described the 2024 XPS 16 as supporting up to 80W sustained performance; that figure is Dell’s product claim, not an independent gaming benchmark. These were options for that generation, not a description of the current 2026 lineup. Dell’s 2024 XPS announcement
Windows Central reports that the 2026 XPS 14 and XPS 16 share performance hardware options, lack discrete NVIDIA graphics, and have soldered RAM. It says the X7 385H’s 12-core Arc GPU can deliver performance similar to a mobile RTX 4050, but its comparison had not completed side-by-side thermal testing. Treat that comparison as an indication, not proof that the systems perform identically in long gaming sessions. Windows Central’s 2026 XPS 14 and XPS 16 comparison
Rank #2
- ULTIMATE AI MOBILITY - Meet the first XPS CoPilot+ PC - the Snapdragon-powered XPS 13 with revolutionary on-device AI for lightning-fast performance. Enjoy desktop-class power without needing a charger, thanks to its industry-leading 27-hour battery life. Our thinnest, lightest XPS yet delivers instant AI acceleration, making professional-grade content creation possible anywhere
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Powered by a Snapdragon X Elite (12 Core Dual-Core Boost up to 4GHz, NPU up to 45 TOPS) X1E-80-100 Processor for superior efficiency and speed, 32GB of 8448MT/s DDR5 RAM for seamless multitasking, and a 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD for fast storage and reduced load times, ensuring smooth and responsive performance for all your tasks
- CRISP DISPLAY & PRIVACY - Features a FHD IR webcam for crystal-clear video calls and enhanced security, while the 13.4" 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED 400nits Anti-reflective touchscreen display with Qualcomm Adreno graphics delivers crisp visuals, supported by the ability to connect 2 external monitors via Type-C ports at 4K (3840x2160) @60Hz (without docking station)
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY - Features a backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader for enhanced productivity. Equipped with 2 x USB4 40Gbps USB Type-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery for versatile connectivity. Includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for fast, reliable wireless performance
- OPERATING SYSTEM - Preinstalled with Windows 11 Pro 64-bit and AI-powered Copilot, including enterprise features such as BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop, Hyper-V virtualization, and Group Policy management. It enhances productivity with intelligent assistance for tasks such as document creation, data analysis, email drafting, and virtual meetings
Which Dell XPS is best for gaming?
There is no universally best XPS for gaming established by these comparisons. For a current XPS, compare the processor and graphics configuration offered in your region and consider the larger chassis, but available evidence does not establish that the XPS 16 sustains better gaming performance than the XPS 14. Memory is soldered in the 2026 models, so choose a configuration with enough RAM for the games and other work you expect to do.
If you are considering a used or discounted XPS with NVIDIA graphics, identify its generation and exact GPU before comparing it with a current integrated-graphics model. Notebookcheck’s testing places a 2025 Dell 16 Premium with RTX 5070 and a current integrated-graphics XPS 16 in different performance classes; an XPS name alone is not a useful performance specification. Notebookcheck’s 2026 XPS 16 review and power tests
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Rank #3
- Powerful Creation: Run creative apps smoother and faster with powerful Intel Core Ultra processors with a dedicated engine to help unlock AI possibilities on the PC.
- Variable Refresh Rate: Moving content is smoother with up to 120Hz variable refresh rate, which also improves battery life when viewing static images or web pages.
- Sleek, Modern Design: Crafted with machined aluminum and Gorilla Glass 3 to deliver a strong, lightweight laptop.
- Innovative Interiors: Switch tasks effortlessly with modern, easy-to-use interiors that deliver a clean, harmonious look.
- Windows Copilot: Your own personal AI assistant built right in to do the heavy-lifting so you can do the extraordinary. With Copilot in Windows get real answers, inspiration, and solutions for your questions, projects, and to-do-list.* *Timing of feature delivery varies by device. Feature availability varies by market. Requires Microsoft account sign in.
Is an XPS a better choice than a gaming laptop?
Not if your main priority is maximum gaming performance. A dedicated gaming laptop is the more natural category to consider when you want demanding games at high settings or high refresh rates. An XPS makes more sense when gaming is one part of a broader workload and you also value portability, premium design, productivity, or creative work. Dell currently positions Dell Premium as its choice for buyers prioritizing discrete graphics and maximum performance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to compare XPS gaming performance fairly
When comparing an XPS with another laptop—or two XPS generations—use the same conditions rather than relying on the brand or model name:
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PREMIUM ULTRA-PORTABLE DESIGN – Meet the Dell 16 Premium, the next-generation XPS 16 built for users who value performance, mobility, and premium craftsmanship. Its ultra-slim, lightweight design and refined Platinum finish deliver a sleek, high-end experience for work, travel, and everyday use. A precision haptic glass touchpad and streamlined touch function row provide smooth, intuitive control in a clean, minimalist design
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Powered by Intel Ultra 9 285H Processor (16 cores, up to 5.4 GHz Turbo) and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7, this PC delivers efficient performance for multitasking, data analysis, and content creation. Equipped with 32GB DDR5 and 2TB PCIe SSD, it ensures swift application loading and ample storage for professional workloads
- CREATIVE GRAPHICS – The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 GPU provides strong graphics performance for creative work, gaming, and AI-enhanced applications. With support for ray tracing, DLSS 4, NVIDIA Reflex 2, Max-Q technologies, AV1 encoding, and NVENC acceleration, it is a great choice for content creators, gamers, and esports users
- IMMERSIVE DISPLAY - Features a 16.3-inch UHD+ (3840x2400) touchscreen with narrow borders, 400-nit brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and reduced eye strain. Supports up to 3 external displays via Thunderbolt 4, with up to 4K@60Hz output. The FHD RGB-IR camera with dual-array microphones delivers clear video calls and secure facial recognition login. Plus, the backlit keyboard enables precise typing in low-light environments
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY - With 3x Thunderbolt 4, MicroSD card reader and Universal audio jack, you can easily connect external displays, storage devices and essential peripherals. Stay fast and reliable on the go with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, perfect for video calls, cloud work, and wireless devices without lag
Rank #4
- 16.3 inch 2K (1900 x 1200) 30-120Hz IPS 500-nits InfinityEdge Low Blue Light Non-Touch Display
- Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (16 Core, Up to 5.10GHz, 24MB Cache, 28W)
- 32GB, LPDDR5X, 7467MT/s, Memory | 1TB PCIe SST
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 8GB GDDR7
- WINDOWS 11 Home | Fingerprint Reader
- Match the exact game, resolution, graphics preset, and upscaling setting.
- Record the laptop’s model year and exact GPU; integrated Arc and discrete RTX configurations are not interchangeable.
- Consider sustained performance and thermals, not only a brief or peak result.
- Weigh price, portability, and display alongside gaming performance, especially if gaming is not your only use.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
