Microsoft Surface Book 3 Release Date: Should the Third Entry Put Emphasis on Gaming?

Surface Book 3 is expected to come out this fall, and people waiting for it have been asking a lot of questions. Microsoft, however, remains mum about the device leading tech enthusiasts to make predictions about what the company is planning for the third iteration.

Although this is the least talked about feature of the Surface Book 3 – relatively speaking – some have been wondering whether or not Microsoft has changed its tune regarding its view about the device’s gaming performance. The Washington-based company previously emphasized that the product has been designed for creative processes and not for gaming, TechRadar reported.

This is an interesting statement given that the developers provided the predecessor of the Surface Book 3 with a built-in Xbox controller receiver. What’s more, it can run triple-A titles with no hiccup, essentially creating a hybrid 2-in-1 gaming laptop or a high-end console that can be lug around anywhere.

With the Surface Book 3 highly likely outfitted with a new generation of Intel’s processor and a new GPU from either AMD or NVidia, then this feature will be harder to ignore, Tech Advisor reported. Unfortunately, given Microsoft’s silence, there’s still no confirmation what sort processor and GPU will be given to the third entry.

It’s being rumored, however, that Intel’s upcoming Ice Lake processors might be the company’s choice. Meanwhile, the GPU will likely come from AMD as it made quite the splash during CES 2019. Following the event, analysts remarked that this would be the first time that AMD overtakes Intel in the last 50 years. And best believe Microsoft has heard all the rumblings on the tech ecosystem, doubling the chances of the Surface Book 3 having an AMD Zen 2 processor.

But if the device places emphasis on gaming, Microsoft should improve its battery life. While a 17-hour run is impressive, most people are asking for a beefier battery that can handle intensive use both in creative works and gaming activity. As for the release date of the Surface Book 3, nothing has been confirmed on this front either. However, it is believed that it may come out sometime between September or November. Intel’s Ice Lake has been announced to come out in the holidays of 2019, so the prediction somewhat holds weight.