Dell Inc. acquired Alienware as a subsidiary in March 2006; however, Alienware was established about 10 years ago. Alienware had specialized in high performance desktops, laptops and workstations. Previously, most major manufacturers, including Dell had failed to see the potential of the high performance gaming market. As the demand for gaming laptops grew, Dell was drawn towards Alienware.

Alienware’s name itself as well as the names of its company products are inspired by the successful TV series, The X-Files. Even the designs of its laptops have extra-terrestrial themes.