Opera GX runs on both Windows 10 and macOS. Like the normal Opera browser. Launching the browser takes no time at all after downloading the 3.5MB installer. 

Opera GX’s appearance is probably what you’ll notice right away; it conveys the message, “Yes, this is a browser for gamers.” Companies prefer to use bright, glaring neon colours to label their products as gamer-friendly, whether they be chairs, mice, or PC cases. The UI of Opera GX pulses with vibrant outlines against ominous backdrops, evoking an imagined 1980s future. For a distinct look, you can switch between colour schemes including Purple Haze and Ultraviolet.

Opera GX’s visuals aren’t quite as ridiculous as some other gamer-centric software. Still, Opera GX is a little gaudy. I like my web browsers to be invisible and let the web page itself take center stage. So, I found myself distracted by the constant technicolor icons surrounding the content. Opera GX gives you the option to automatically flip any compatible websites you visit to Dark mode by default. Dark pages blend in much better with the rest of the browser’s color scheme, so I recommend making that switch.

Opera GX is not only a visual experience; it’s also an auditory one. Video game soundtracks have traditionally used ambient electronic music that changes dynamically according to your actions while you browse. The background music accelerated and became more intense while I worked on this review, collecting screenshots and putting out notes quickly. Then, when I calmed down, so did it. It’s clever, and since there are no vocals, the music doesn’t interfere with your ideas. If you prefer to work in silence, you may turn off the music or change the volume.

Features, Features, and More Features!

There are so many amazing features in Opera GX that it’s difficult to choose just one. The standard Opera Browser has a lot of this capability, but it works just as well here. Opera GX occasionally releases experimental features as a “Early Access” version (another strategy borrowed from video games).

The Speed Dial start page is redesigned with gamers in mind. The portal offers a gaming news feed, a release-date calendar that you can personalise with your preferred platforms, a search bar, and suggested websites. The picture-in-picture video pop-out allows you to see trailers or play free games.

Turn on GX’s integrated VPN and ad blocker to protect your privacy if you wish to live off the data-collecting grid. You can connect to Europe, Asia, or America via the VPN. To complete your cyberpunk lifestyle, connect your phone to the browser so you can control your cryptocurrency wallet.

You can use your organising tools for more than just launching new windows and tabs. From the sidebar, you can rapidly create, store, and access various themed workspaces with the pages you need. Additionally, you can incorporate messaging apps like WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook Messenger straight into the sidebar. Opera GX can intelligently recommend which recent files to attach to emails without requiring you to open a separate menu and arranges your downloads by file type.

By adding extensions, you can further increase Opera GX’s capabilities. Although the extension I found functions properly, Reader View is not available by default. I also bookmark intriguing articles for later using the Pocket addon. In addition to allowing you to bookmark pages and capture screenshots, the address bar also displays extension buttons.

Each of these features is relatively simple and functions as promised. However, what truly strikes me is how many of them there are. It’s overpowering, if anything. Because there are so many possible buttons to click, I wasn’t always sure where I needed to go to access specific functions. Thankfully, you can typically access the same features across portions, so whichever route you choose should eventually take you to your destination. Just search in Settings if you’re unsure.

Surfing While Playing Games

Closing a browser before playing a PC game is a quick and simple approach to improve performance because modern browsers may waste so much valuable memory. The main goal of Opera GX’s features tailored to gamers is to minimise the browser’s intrusiveness.

Opera GX provides you with a wealth of information to help you spot possible performance issues and the tools to address them. Chrome also includes this capability, which is similar to having a task manager integrated into the browser itself. To speed up your computer, clear any unnecessary browser files. Give battery life first priority while using a laptop for gaming. Locate and terminate the tabs that are using up the most resources. Without making any changes, Opera GX used around half as much memory when I opened the same tabs in both Chrome and Opera GX. Additionally, you can specify precise % limitations for network bandwidth, CPU, and RAM utilisation. You’ll give up browser performance and quickness in favour of more room for video games, which are what actually count.

Therefore, you are welcome to use Opera GX while playing games, possibly on a second monitor. Use a strategy guide instead than checking your phone. Livestream your escapades and have conversations with your community using the integrated Twitch and Discord apps.

Web Surfing in the Next Generation

I occasionally feel a little goofy utilising my own PC gaming hardware to compose basic text documents when working from home. Sometimes it feels like overkill to use Opera GX. The browser’s feature set is hip, distinctive, and powerful, regardless of whether it’s absolutely required. Opera GX fulfils its promise of being a useful browser for PC gamers thanks to its clever adaptability. Opera GX won’t interfere with your ability to browse and play games.

Opera GX