Laptop stands with fans can lengthen the lifespan of a laptop. In "normal" use the fans are powered via USB, but I guess a powered USB hub would be the safest choice given you'd like to attach at least a joystick, too, if not a full set of flying gear.
OTOH I've seen too many brand name "gaming" rated laptops fried in "normal" use, i.e. surfing and tubing. Laptops just aren't made for constant heavy use such as gaming. They can perform fine at cons and other occasional tough situations, but they don't last long in daily addicted gaming.
That said, it's not my money. If you're prepared and willing to buy a new gaming laptop every year, you might even be able to find a buyer for the old one. I guess that you wouldn't like to use it as long as it would last with all those inevitable near-death symptoms. so right timed changing would be wise.
Figure out what you'd like to do with a computer and where. For the $1200 you can get a top gaming rig and a cheap laptop for on-the-road surfing.