Most gamers own a console such as a Wii, Xbox 360, or PS3, but the world of PC gaming is still standing strong.  Despite consoles stealing some of its thunder, the platform has proven time and time again that PC gaming is not dead, but actually growing stronger.

Most PC gamers prefer to play on an all-powerful desktop, but for gamers on the go, PC gaming laptops make a bold entrance. These devices are far more powerful than the average desktop, and can hold their own even compared to a tricked-out gaming desktop. For gamers who want to play anywhere they go without performance restrictions, these are the top 5 gaming laptops on the market right now.

1.    Alienware M18x

For gamers on the go, the Alienware M18x is the top of the line.

This beast of a laptop is blazingly fastits Intel Core i7-2960XM Extreme Edition processor, which runs at 2.7GHz, is a speed demon.  Throw in 16GB of RAM, and you have a certified monster in your lap. The Alienware M18x is pushing an 18.4-inch display with full high-definition compatibility, along with pair of NVIDIA Geforce 580m graphic cards. With a solid design, along with some cool lighting effects, you will not be disappointed. 

Be ready to fork out $4520 for an Alienware M18x that is fully loaded.

2.    MSI GT783-625US

MSI is well-known for manufacturing high-level gaming laptops, and with the GT783-625US, the company does not shy away from that reputation. This is a great laptop for gaming, and unlike the Alienware M18x, the GT783-625US's $2599 price tag will not do too much damage to your pocket.

Gamers will not find a ton of shiny lights on this device, which could make it more appealing to some. The display is a massive 17.53-inches with matte coating, which could be a winner or a turn-off, since so many in the gaming community still debate whether matte is better than glossy. The keyboard here is great, and it is backlit for nighttime gaming.

The combination of a 2.2GHz Intel Core i7-2670QM processor, 16GB of memory and NVIDIA's GeForce GTX580M graphics card makes the MSI GT783-625US one capable gaming laptop. This MSI device is powerful enough to tackle even the most demanding games.

3.    Alienware M14x R3

The M14x R3 is a more than capable gaming laptop from Alienware; its 14-inch display is the main setback. Do not expect full High Definition visuals with the M14x R3, since the 14-inch display which is only able to achieve 1600x900 resolution. Alienware surprisingly managed to fit enough in this small chassis to qualify it as a gaming laptop. The M14x R3 is small but heavy, so many gamers might class it as a desktop replacement rather than anything else. 

This laptop is equipped with a 2.2GHz Intel Core i7-2670QM processor, 8GB of RAM, and a Nvidia GeForce GT 555M (3GB) graphics chipset. Don't expect to play games at the highest performance setting; medium is the sweet spot. Although it is not the most powerful gaming laptop on the market, the Alienware M14x R3 costs only $2000.

4.    Asus G74SX-BBK8

It has been a while since Asus came out with a gaming laptop to compete with the likes of Alienware and MSI. 

The first thing users notice about the Asus G74SX-BBK8, is how big it is with a huge 17.3-inch display, along with a great industrial design. It looks professional and avoids the pretty lights and colors found on many gaming laptops, a great choice for gamers who wonder why almost every manufacturer thinks they require a machine that lights up in the dark like a spaceship.

The Asus G74SX-BBK8 is rocking a 2.2GHz Intel Core i7-2670QM quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM. This machine blazes with Nvidia GeForce GTX 560M with 2GB of dedicated memory. The Asus G74SX-BBK8 is far from powerful, so it is not recommended for seasoned PC gamers. If you are new to the scene, however, at $1299, this machine will not force you to break the bank to play on the go; however, expect to play without high definition, at medium to low settings. 

5.    Toshiba Satellite P755-S5269

The Toshiba Satellite P755-S5269 is not the best gaming laptop most gamers will ever come across, but it is the best in its price range. For only $980, theToshiba Satellite P755-S5269 features a 2GHz Intel Core i7-2630QM, a quad-core processor, and a switchable Nvidia Geforce GT 540M GPU. 

The display size is15 inches, which is decent for a portable gaming computer. Gamers will be able to play the latest games with maxed-out settings on this machine, mainly due to the GT 540M, but if optimal performance is not a requirement and you need an affordable option, the Toshiba Satellite P755-S5269 GPU is right on the money.

The main problem with this Toshiba machine is the thick heavy plastic design.