Gaming laptops have been around for years now, but they have had the stereotype of being huge and heavy boxes that only a handful of avid gamers will appreciate. Thanks to advancements in technology and manufacturing, that is no longer the case, and laptops continue to shrink in size even as they grow in power and capabilities. Today’s gaming laptops can now come in thin and stylish designs that empower not only gamers but also creators without burdening their shoulders or their backs.
At CES 2025, Acer is growing its Predator family of gaming products with new laptops that exemplify this evolution. New members of the flagship Helios Predator line utilize the latest and greatest hardware as well as advanced AI to optimize both the computer’s operations as well as user efficiency, while the all-new Predator Helios Neo laptop offers a slimmer design that doesn’t compromise on performance. The crazy powerful and beautiful laptops give gamers an edge while also offering creative professionals the tools they need to perfect their craft.
Designer: Acer
Acer Predator Helios 16 AI and 18 AI: Uncompromising Power
There’s only so much hardware you can cram inside a laptop without making it an unbearable burden, at least if you rely simply on raw power and physical components. With today’s AI technology, however, it’s possible to squeeze out more juice from the same hardware, offering more performance without bulking up the design. And with components getting more space-efficient as they also get more powerful, manufacturers now have more freedom to design gaming laptops that don’t look like portable monstrosities.
Acer Predator Helios 16 AI
The new Acer Predator Helios 16 AI and 18 AI harness the combined might of the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 275HX with NPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU to deliver all the silicon muscle that gamers and professionals need to stay on top of the competition, whether it’s rendering realistic gaming visuals or generating assets. With cutting-edge 240Hz OLED and mini LED displays that support NVIDIA G-SYNC technology, these laptops provide stunning, bright, and crystal-clear images that delight the eyes and make content really pop out.
Acer Predator Helios 18 AI
Both laptops provide ample storage for games and files, with the Predator Helios 16 supporting up to 64GB of memory and 4TB of storage, while the Predator Helios 18 goes up to a whopping 192GB of RAM and up to 6TB of PCIe Gen 5 storage. Acer’s MagKey 4.0 swappable mechanical WASD and arrow keys ensure that the most used keys are always accurate and responsive. And thanks to 6th-gen AeroBlade 3D metal fans, touted to be the world’s thinnest cooling fan blades, the Acer Predator Helios 16 AI and 18 AI can maintain peak performance longer while also maintaining a low footprint.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 AI will be available in North America in June, starting at $2,299.99. The Acer Predator Helios 18 AI, on the other hand, will be available earlier starting in May for $2,999.99.
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI: Sleek and Stylish
Not all PC gamers want bulky and hefty laptops. It just so happened that these were the only designs available during the earlier years of gaming laptops. Thankfully, they no longer have to choose between power, portability, and good looks, with the all-new Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI. Only 19.9mm thin and only 2.3kg (5 lbs) light, the laptop’s slim and elegant appearance belies the power it hides within, wrapped in an accessible package.
The Predator Helios Neo 16S is definitely no slouch, powered by the same Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 275HX with an integrated NPU that drives the Predator Helios flagship laptops. An NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti laptop GPU provides the necessary graphics chops for games as well as creative applications, whether using regular software or AI-enhanced experiences. With a 240Hz OLED WQXGA display and NVIDIA G-SYNC tech, videos are guaranteed to be fluid and tear-free, enhancing the viewing experience. The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI goes on sale in April with a starting price of $1,699.99.
Acer Predator XB32QX 5K Monitor: Massive and Beautiful Powerhouse
While it definitely feels liberating to be able to play anywhere with a gaming laptop, there will always be times when you’d want to enjoy that immersive experience from the comfort of your desk and on a more expansive screen. A gaming monitor for your desktop or to complement your laptop is exactly that kind of solution, and the new Acer Predator XB32QX 5K monitor is coming to fill that need.
The large 31.5-inch 5K IPS display comes with a native 144 Hz refresh rate and 2560×1440 WQHD resolution to provide crisp and smooth visuals. It also provides maximum comfort with adjustable tilt, swivel, and height, allowing you to enjoy games and movies without the body strain. Integrated 2-watt speakers complete the immersion with quality audio to go along with great graphics. Whether you’re at home or on the move, Acer’s 2025 Predator gaming lineup has the designs you need to be productive and entertained wherever you go.
