If you prefer investing in a laptop over purchasing a Nintendo video game console, you made a wise decision. You can do productive work with a notebook and enjoy high-end Windows and Nintendo games. How?
Oh! Come on; you already know that – with the help of gaming emulators. That’s why you’re looking for the best laptops for CEMU emulators in 2023, aren’t you? However, many other emulators are available, such as Yuzu or Ryujinx. Still, CEMU is one of the most popular and reliable options to run Wii U applications and games on PC. Don’t worry; I also considered them before writing this article. So, let’s get started!
If you’re in a hurry, check out our top choice:
The emulators aren’t perfect; therefore, you might face some errors or glitches during playback with some games. But thanks to the vast community and hardworking developers, they are squashing those pesky bugs continuously with their latest updates.
First, we must know the CEMU Emulators’ requirements, which will make our laptop choosing process efficient. As per their website (however, there isn’t much information), you’ll need the following:
- OS: Windows 7 (x64) or above
- RAM: Minimum 4GB (8GB recommended)
- Storage
- GPU: Nvidia or AMD because Intel isn’t officially supported
As you can see, there only limited information has been given. But after researching all other emulators and software, I found some valuable facts, which I will share with you.
Best Laptops for CEMU and Nintendo Emulators in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide
Which processor is the best for the CEMU Wii U emulator?
Some emulators are CPU oriented, but some use the GPU more intensively. While keeping that in mind, you should choose at least a quad-core processor; we will talk about the GPU in a while.
If you’re choosing an Intel processor, don’t go below the Intel Core i5 series, while for AMD, I recommend at least a Ryzen 5 chip. Moreover, keep in mind to avoid Intel “U” and “Y” series processors, as they are designed for power efficiency rather than performance.
Please don’t skimp in this section, as the CPU isn’t an upgradable thing on laptops, and you’ll be stuck with it as long as you use that laptop.
Now let’s talk about the graphics processing unit.
Which GPU should we choose for CEMU Emulator?
As the CEMU has mentioned, Intel-integrated GPUs aren’t officially supported, and it’s the same story with most emulators. That’s why choosing a laptop with a dedicated GPU is a safe approach. A discrete GPU chip simplifies your gaming experience and reduces the processor workload. I suggest an Nvidia or AMD GPU with at least 2GB VRAM. Going with 4GB or more would be more sensible if you run high-end games.
How much memory should we choose?
For a gaming laptop, at least 8GB of memory is required. Nowadays, memory isn’t expensive; therefore, you should choose more RAM or at least get a laptop that is upgradable in the future.
Remember, RAM is equally essential as a processor or GPU. It doesn’t matter how robust your laptop’s GPU and CPU are; you can’t run games properly if it doesn’t have enough RAM. System memory plays a vital role in multitasking and heavy internet browsing.
Storage
There isn’t much particular about the storage capacity; you can choose as per your requirements. However, I encourage you to select PCIe SSD storage; it might be costly but can dramatically improve your overall computer performance.
Screen
Undoubtedly, a bigger screen provides a more immersive gaming experience. If you carry your laptop often, don’t forget the portability. Usually, a 15-inch laptop is an ideal choice in both scenarios; it won’t break your back and affect your gaming experience.
Also, consider the screen resolution; at least full HD is recommended, but it’s not a big deal because most laptops support it. A laptop screen with higher refresh rates and lower response time makes gaming smoother and more enjoyable.
Battery life
Gaming laptops with robust hardware configurations consume more energy. That’s why only a handful of gaming laptops offer longer battery life and are highly expensive.
If you always use your laptop while plugged in, it’s not a big issue.
General FAQs
Q: What is CEMU?
A: CEMU is a famous emulator that lets you play Nintendo Wii U and some Switch games on your PC. You can play the console games on your pc without owning the original console.
Q: Can I play all Wii U games on CEMU?
A: CEMU has done a great job in compatibility, but many games can’t be played on it. On the CEMU website, you can check the game’s rating, whether it’s playable or not.
Q: How powerful does my PC need to be to run CEMU?
A: You’ll need at least an Intel Core i5 or equivalent AMD Ryzen 5 series processor along with 8GB memory and a dedicated GPU with 2GB VRAM. Avoid low-watt processors such as U or Y series.
Q: Is CEMU legal to use?
A: CEMU is a legal project as it doesn’t distribute copyrighted content. However, downloading and playing ROMs or game files you don’t own is considered piracy and illegal.
Q: How do I set up CEMU to play games?
A: First, download the CEMU emulator from the official website. Now you have to provide your game file (ROM) obtained legally. CEMU provides detailed setup guides on its website, and various online communities offer tutorials to help you through the process.
Q: Does CEMU support game controllers?
A: Yes, CEMU supports a variety of game controllers, including Xbox and PlayStation. You can configure your preferred controller from CEMU’s settings and map buttons and adjust sensitivity to suit your preferences.
Q: Is CEMU available for platforms other than Windows?
A: Currently, CEMU is only available for Windows-based systems. There is no official version of CEMU for macOS or Linux.
Q: Does CEMU support save states and game save?
A: Yes, CEMU supports both save states and game saves. Save states allow you to keep your progress at any point in a game and load it later, while game saves are created within the games.
Q: Can I use CEMU on a low-end PC?
A: Resource requirements can make running CEMU on a low-end PC challenging. You can try reducing the graphical setting and resolution and do experiments with other tweaks to optimize performance.
Here are some popular games tested with the CEMU emulator!
QUICK OVERVIEW:
Best laptops for CEMU Emulator at a glance
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ASUS TUF F15 BEST IN BUDGET |
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View at Amazon |
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HP PAVILION 15 |
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View at Amazon |
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LENOVO LEGION PRO 5I BEST IN MID-RANGE |
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View at Amazon |
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HP OMEN 17 LARGE SCREEN |
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View at Amazon |
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DELL XPS 17 9720 4K GAMING |
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ALIENWARE X17 R2 ULTIMATE CHOICE |
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View at Amazon |
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MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP STUDIO CONVERTIBLE |
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View at Amazon |
Best Laptops for CEMU Wii U Emulator in 2023 – Reviews
1. ASUS TUF F15 (Best Budget Gaming Laptop for CEMU Emulator)
Weight: 5.07 lbs | Processor: i5-11400H @4.5GHz | GPU: RTX 2050 4GB | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD | Screen: 15.6-inch 144Hz , 1920 x 1080 | Battery Life: 5-hours | OS: Windows 11 Home
Asus TUF F15 could be a great choice if your purse strings are tight. It offers all the essential features for ideal gaming.
F15 is powered by an Intel Core i5-11400H Hexa-Core processor, which offers up to 4.50 GHz clock speed. It has 8GB memory, 512GB PCIe SSD, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 2050 4GB dedicated GPU. It allows for playing tons of modern games and multitasking. There is an extra PCIe slot, and a RAM slot provided that make upgrading easy.
The build quality is also solid; it has passed the MIL-STD-810H standard test. Moreover, the multiple heat pipes and self-cleaning 83-blade LCP fans provide effective thermal control to maintain performance.
Its 15.6-inch FHD IPS display, supported by a 144Hz refresh rate and adaptive-sync technology, provides a smoother experience even with fast-paced games.
Asus TUF F15 is packed with dtsX Ultra and AI Noise-Cancelation technology to ensure crystal-clear audio. The port availability is also broad, which comprises Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-A, HDMI, and RJ45; there is no complaint here. This gaming machine also features an RGB backlit keyboard to strengthen the gaming feels.
This notebook weighs 5.07 lbs which is slightly higher when it comes to portability. Moreover, its 5 hours of battery life could disappoint some users. However, it does support Fast Charging technology and fills itself to 50% within 30 minutes.
Overall, for a budget price, Asus TUF F15 is undoubtedly the best laptop for a CEMU emulator which can run it smoothly.
PROS
- Good quality display
- Impressive performance
- Upgradeable design
- Ample connectivity options
- Affordable pricing
CONS
- Not ideal for heavy gaming
- A bit heavy
- Average battery life
2. HP Pavilion 15 (Another Budget Gaming Laptop for CEMU Emulator)
Weight: 4.37 lbs | Processor: Ryzen 5 5600H @4.2GHz | GPU: GTX 1650 4GB | Memory: 16GB | Storage: 512G – 1TB SSD + 1/2 TB HDD | Screen: 15.6-inch 144Hz , 1920 x 1080 | Battery Life: 9-hours | OS: Windows 11 Home
HP Pavilion 15 is another option if your budget is tight; however, it’s slightly more costly than the previous recommendation. For the enhanced price, it provides more features and power, which justifies it.
Pavilion 15 offers a 15.6-inch full HD IPS display with an anti-glare coating, 144Hz refresh rate, and a narrow bezel that can deliver an immersive viewing experience. The keyboard is supported by a green backlit, which looks attractive. Moreover, with the support of B&O audio and dual speakers, it provides a good music-listening and gaming experience.
It features an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor, 16GB memory, and 1TB PCIe SSD storage. If we talk about running CEMU or other Nintendo emulators, the provided discrete GTX 1650 GPU is compatible. Overall, it can deliver seamless performance and handle more powerful games.
Compared to the previous laptop, it’s slightly lightweight, making it favorable for on-the-go use. The battery life is also better but still falls below the average range. For the connectivity concern, it’s loaded with comprehensive ports, including USB Type-C, HDMI, RJ45, and USB Type-A, allowing you to connect computer accessories such as gaming controllers, monitors, and keyboards.
PROS
- Decent gaming display
- Impressive performance
- Upgradeable
- Premium sound quality and backlit keyboard
- Durable and sturdy design
- Ample I/O ports
CONS
- Average battery life
- A bit more costly than rivals
3. Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (Best Gaming Laptop in Mid-Range for CEMU Emulator)
Weight: 5.5 lbs | Processor: i7-13700HX @5.0GHz | GPU: GeForce RTX 4060 8GB | Memory: 16 GB | Storage: 512GB PCle SSD | Screen: 16-inch 165Hz , 2560 x 1600 | Battery Life: 4-hours | OS: Windows 11 Home
If you can stretch out of budget more, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i allows you to enter the professional gaming club because it supports all high-end games.
Lenovo Legion Pro 5i’s design is highly durable and premium. It has most of its ports at its back, making cable management more straightforward. The screen comes with a narrow bezel, which provides a futuristic look.
It’s packed with a WQXGA 16-inch IPS panel supported by 100% sRGB, 165Hz refresh rate, and anti-glare coating. The screen is equally suitable for gaming or professional work due to its higher color accuracy and refresh rate. Moreover, you can rotate its screen up to 180 degrees like most Lenovo laptops.
Under the hood, this machine has a robust Intel Core i7-13700HX processor with 16GB RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD storage capacity, and GeForce RTX 4060 8GB dedicated GPU. In one sentence, you won’t face any performance issues at all.
Another exciting thing about this buddy is it’s equipped with extensive connectivity options, including the latest USB Type-C, HDMI, LAN, and USB Type-A. You can hook up multiple monitors and make an ultimate gaming setup. The e-shutter full HD webcam, 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard, and Nahimic Audio are more features that enhance the user experience, whether it’s about listening to music or making a video call.
Remember, this laptop is also “infected” with the low battery life plague, but it’s not surprising for a high-end performance machine. Moreover, it’s a giant machine and might be uneasy to carry, especially if we talk about whole-day mobility.
PROS
- Gorgeous display
- Excellent performance
- Upgradeable design
- Extensive connectivity options
- FHD camera with privacy shutter
- RGB backlit keyboard
- Premium quality sound
- Fast charging support
- Advanced thermal control
CONS
- Expensive
4. HP OMEN 17 (Best Large Laptop for CEMU in Mid-Range)
Weight: 6.15 lbs | Processor: i7-12700H @4.7 GHz | GPU: RTX 3060 6GB | Memory: 16GB | Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD | Screen: 17.3-inch 144Hz , 1920 x 1080 | Battery Life: 5-hours | OS: Windows 11 Home
HP OMEN 17 defines vastness; it provides an immersive gaming experience with its 17.3-inch full HD display covered by a narrow bezel. The performance is also mind-blowing; it can handle high-end games such as Cyberpunk 2077, Overwatch, Valorant, etc.
The display also features a 100%sRGB color gamut, 144Hz refresh rate, and 7ms response time. It’s perfect for working with color-sensitive tasks to rapid-speed games.
Out of the box, this machine offers an Intel Core i7-12700H CPU, 16GB memory, 512GB PCIe SSD, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 4GB discrete GPU; therefore, it can run almost all the latest games smoothly.
OMEN 17 features a slim, sturdy design with an RGB keyboard, a B&O dual speakers system, and many connectivity ports. It comprises a Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, Thunderbolt 4, RJ45, and USB Type-A.
Average battery life and an extra pound might be some issues that can take your steps back. However, if you’re looking for a spacious, robust, and slim laptop packed with the latest features, the HP OMEN 17 could be the best choice.
PROS
- Spacious display
- Slim and beautiful design
- Solid performance
- Great thermal control
- Comprehensive connectivity options
- RGB backlit keyboard
- Upgradable
- Amazing sound quality
CONS
- Heavy
- Average battery life
- Costly
5. Dell XPS 17 9720 (Best 4K Laptop for CEMU Emulator)
Weight: 5.67 lbs | Processor: i7-12700H @4.7 GHz | GPU: RTX 3050 Ti 4GB | Memory: 16/32 GB | Storage: 512GB PCle SSD | Screen: 17-inch touch , 3840 x 2400 | Battery Life: 8-hours | OS: Window 11 Pro
A full HD resolution is enough for gameplay, but higher display quality could be beneficial if you’re into some graphics designing or editing work. The Dell XPS 17 9720 is a premium range laptop with a 4K display with powerful hardware, which you can check out.
The display quality of this machine is outstanding; it’s designed with a UHD+ touch display supported by Anti-Reflective coating and InfinityEdge, which ensures a life-like picture quality and accurate colors. If we talk about gaming, it can provide the most immersive experience.
This machine is beautifully crafted with carbon fiber and aluminum to achieve supreme durability without compromising portability. The overall design is compact and easy to carry despite being a 17-inch machine. The keyboard is comfortable and efficient to ensure a comfortable user experience. Moreover, it features an expansive trackpad which allows working with gestures more proficiently.
Dell used a quad-speaker system with Waves Nx 3D audio tuned by multi-grammy award-winning producer Jack Joseph Puig. You can do whatever you want – mixing, editing, designing, or gaming. Also, it comes with a lid sensor and IR camera to unlock your device quickly as you open it.
The XPS 17 is packed with the Intel Core i7-12700H processor along with 16GB memory, 512GB PCIe SSD, and NVidia RTX 3050 4GB dedicated GPU. Compared to the previous laptops, Lenovo Legion or HP Omen, its performance isn’t that impressive. However, this machine is more inclined toward portability and luxury.
Dell XPS 17 9720 4K can handle any game, especially regarding the CEMU emulator. This premium range notebook isn’t usually recommended for all users because of its high cost and extravagant screen quality. If you’re looking for a portable, sleek, stylish, and powerful laptop for gaming and professional needs, the XPS 17 could be the best shot.
PROS
- Paramount quality 4K display
- Robust hardware configuration
- High security
- Sturdy, gorgeous, and premium build quality
- Ideal for mobility
- Ample battery life
- Thunderbolt 4
- Lid sensor and IR Camera
CONS
- Highly expensive
6. Alienware X17 R2 (Ultimate Gaming Laptop for CEMU Emulator)
Weight: 6.54 lbs | Processor: i9-12900H @5.0GHz | GPU: RTX 3070Ti 8GB | Memory: 16GB | Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD | Screen: 17.3-inch 480Hz , 1920 x 1080 | Battery Life: 3-hours | OS: Windows 11 Home
If you have a reasonable budget and are looking for a superior gaming laptop, the Alienware X17 R2 could be a solid choice. This notebook has a beast Intel Core i9-12900H processor, Nvidia RTX 3070Ti 8GB dedicated GPU, 16GB memory, and 1TB PCIe SSD. You can run any latest AAA gaming title without any hiccups. Even if you’re a fan of any classic popular Nintendo game, such as The Legend of Zelda, or Super Mario Bros, you can enjoy them with CEMU or other emulators.
This premium notebook is equipped with a 17.3-inch full HD panel supported by a 480Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. It doesn’t matter which title you run; it can deliver the most fantastic gaming experience.
The build quality is top-notch; it features quad fan technology, Element 31, and thick heat pipes to maintain stable performance when dealing with highly computational tasks. The connectivity profile is comprehensive; it offers Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-A, HDMI, USB Type-A, and more. Overall, you won’t run out of ports even if you use three external monitors with several peripherals.
This premium gaming notebook presents several cool features, such as AlianFX lighting and per-key RGB LED lighting, making gaming more engaging.
You can choose from previous recommendations if you need a laptop for playing some Nintendo or lightweight games. This premium range notebook is expensive and is recommended for professionals and gamers.
PROS
- The best gaming display
- Ultimate performance
- Seductive design with paramount durability
- A plethora of connectivity options
- Advanced thermal technology
- Per-key RGB with AlianFX lighting
- Incredibly thin and lightweight
CONS
- Pricey
- Poor battery life
7. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio (Best 2-in-1 Laptop for CEMU Emulator)
Weight: 4.0 lbs | Processor: i7-11370H @4.8 GHz | GPU: RTX 3050 Ti 4GB | Memory: 16 /32 GB | Storage: 512GB – 2TB PCIe SSD | Screen: 14.4-inch touch , 2400 x 1600 | Battery Life: 10.5-hours | OS: Windows 11
Usually, convertible laptops are known for their portability and lightweight usage rather than high-end gaming and editing work. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is one of the few devices that offers robust performance and mobility on the same table.
This laptop offers a convertible design which allows you to use it in different modes – laptop, studio, and stage. The Surface Stylus will enable you to draw, take notes, or navigate easily. The screen quality is fantastic; it’s designed with a 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow Touch Display with 2400 x 1600 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision support, which makes it ideal for editing, drawing, or gaming.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is made from high-quality aluminum, and it’s portable, lightweight, and remarkably durable. It features a backlit keyboard, 1080p camera, Quad OmniSonic Speakers with Dolby Atmos, and Dual studio Mics with voice clarity, providing a rich user experience. Moreover, it’s equipped with a TPM chip, Windows Hello Face sign-in, and BitLocker support to ensure higher security.
This model is packed with an Intel Core i7-11370H processor, 16/32GB memory, 512GB – 2TB PCIe SSD, and Nvidia RTX 3050Ti 4GB dedicated GPU. It’s an all-rounder machine; it can blend with artists, designers, students, or gamers’ lifestyles.
The Surface Laptop Studio is expensive but offers premium features, such as versatile design, longer battery life, portability, and robust performance.
PROS
- Vibrant and crisp touch display
- Brilliant performance
- Convertible design
- Sturdy, durable, and portable
- Impressive battery life
- Immersive audio
- Full HD Windows Hello camera
CONS
- Very costly
Best Laptop for Nintendo Wii U and Switch Emulator in 2023
Every laptop on this list can run CEMU and other Nintendo emulators smoothly. The choice is yours, which type of device you’re looking for. Do you use your laptop for other work, such as video or graphics editing? If yes, purchase a powerful laptop such as Lenovo Legion Pro 5i or Dell XPX 17. These laptops also allow you to enjoy high-end Windows games.
Usually, you can go with Asus TUF F15 or HP Pavilion 15; both are solid laptops in the budget range that offers adequate fuel to run the CEMU emulator and Nintendo games.
The Alienware X17 R2 could be a solid option if you don’t compromise on the performance. While if you want portability and performance simultaneously, the Microsoft Surface Laptop studio is worth a look.
Thanks for reading!
That’s awesome, thank you for this guide.
Hey there, I just found your site and it looks awesome, Thanks, and keeps up the great work!
I have Acer Aspire E 15 and it sucks, but it’s quite cheaper.