Recently, Opera announced their new gaming browser, Opera GX. After a month of testing it, I’ve had the opportunity to explore its features and functionality. In this review, I'll give you a detailed look at what makes Opera GX unique and whether it’s worth considering for your gaming or browsing needs.
Availability and Compatibility
Opera GX is currently available only for Microsoft Windows. You can download it here. It's built on Google's open-source Chromium project, making it compatible with a vast array of Chrome extensions.
Key Features
GX Corner
Upon opening Opera GX, you’re greeted with the GX Corner, located at the upper left of the tab bar. This section is a hub for gamers, featuring updates on new and upcoming games, deals from platforms like Steam, Humble Bundle, and Fanatical, and a daily news section focused on gaming, entertainment, and technology.
Customization Options
The easy setup menu, located in the upper right corner, offers extensive customization. You can select from pre-selected color themes or choose any color you like. If you have Razer Chroma-enabled hardware, you can sync the browser’s theme with your device’s RGB lighting. There are also various wallpapers to choose from, or you can upload your own.
GX Control
One of the standout features is GX Control. This panel includes a RAM limiter and a CPU limiter, allowing you to cap the browser's resource usage. This is particularly useful for gamers who want to ensure their games run smoothly without the browser hogging system resources. Even for non-gamers, these limits can help keep a low-spec computer running efficiently.
Sidebar Integration
The sidebar on the left offers quick access to various tools and services:
- Twitch Integration: Browse channels and get notifications when your favorite streamers go live.
- GX Cleaner: A tool for clearing cache and junk files.
- Extensions: Easily manage and install extensions, including those from the Chrome Web Store.
Built-In Tools
Opera GX includes several built-in tools that enhance the browsing experience:
- Ad Blocker: Integrated ad blocking to improve page load times and reduce distractions.
- VPN: While it’s more of a proxy service than a full VPN, it offers an extra layer of privacy.
- Snapshot Tool: Capture full or partial screenshots directly from the browser.
Verdict:
So, is Opera GX any good? The short answer is yes. Despite being in early access, it feels like a polished, fully functional browser tailored to gamers. The RAM and CPU limiters, Twitch integration, and extensive customization options make it an attractive choice for gamers.
However, if you’re not heavily into gaming, you might find that other browsers, such as Firefox, Vivaldi, or Chrome, meet your needs just as well. For gamers looking to optimize their setup, Opera GX is definitely worth a try.
If you find the features of Opera GX appealing, I recommend giving it a shot. It’s a robust browser that offers something unique for the gaming community. You can download it here. Enjoy browsing and gaming!
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