I’ve got a 2015 T540p with integrated graphics. It’s fine for low-spec gaming. I only run Linux-native games and haven’t managed to get any Windows games running in compatibility mode yet. Here are the games that have “just worked” for me so far.
Dwarf Fortress
Cataclysm: Dark Day Ahead
Darkest Dungeon
Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2
Caves of Qud
Unity of Command
Stardew Valley
Planescape: Torment
Shovel Knight
If that’s the kind of retro gaming that floats your boat, an old Thinkpad is just fine.
Better stop buying anything made in China then, what with the slavery and human rights abuses. And you should stop using oil and gas products as well because climate change kills. Good luck with that.