PC gaming used to mean being glued to your chair and desk at home, but times have quickly changed for the past years. In addition to gaming laptops that are becoming more powerful while retaining their portable designs, we’re now also seeing a flood of handheld gaming PCs that truly make that dream of portable gaming come true for many PC gamers. And we’re just seeing the start of this PC gaming revolution, with more designs and variety to come!
At CES 2025, Acer is giving an appetizer of those innovations which include an 11-inch handheld with detachable controllers, a foldable phone controller, and a new line of gaming laptops to cater to a diverse range of gamers, needs, and budgets. Of course, with that much power and AI-enhanced features, these mobile computers are also ready to empower designers, artists, and creators to bring their work to life on the go.
Designer: Acer
Acer Nitro Blaze 8 and 11 Handheld Gaming Devices
With an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and Radeon 780M graphics, the new Nitro Blaze handhelds are capable of handling many demanding games and applications without tying gamers down to a single spot. The fast 144Hz WQXGA displays, paired with Radeon Super Resolution and AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution technologies, deliver crisp graphics and vibrant visuals even with a lower resolution setting. Peripherals are also no problem with two USB Type-C ports (4 and 3.2) as well as Bluetooth 5.3. The 8-inch Nitro Blaze 8 and 11-inch Blaze 11 deliver everything a PC gamer can want to enjoy their favorite titles on the go and more!
The Acer Nitro Blaze 11 is particularly interesting because of its extra-large screen, which is almost a mini laptop in size. With detachable controllers, it practically becomes a tablet that can do more than just play games. It even has a 5MP front camera for video streaming and video calls. It’s practically a mobile all-in-one computer that lets you bring your entertainment and work with you anywhere you go. The Acer Nitro Blaze 8 and Nitro Blaze 11 will land in North America in Q2 with an SRP of $899 and $1,099, respectively.
Acer Nitro V AI Gaming Laptops
Acer’s Nitro family of laptops has always been a popular choice for users who need an all-around portable PC that’s capable not only of gaming but serious work as well. With the new Nitro V line, Acer is expanding its roster with laptops that have AI built in their very core. Powered by Intel Core 200H series or AMD Ryzen AI processors and coming with display sizes ranging from 14 to 17 inches, these laptops cover a variety of combinations to address the needs of an equally varied audience.
Of course, all members of the Nitro V series boast AI chops that not only improve the gaming experience but also accelerate productivity. Whether it’s using Cocreater in MS Paint for prompt-based image creations or PurifiedView and PurifiedVoice for professional video meetings, the Acer Nitro V gaming laptops promise to handle any task you throw at them with aplomb.
Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller
Mobile gaming traditionally referred to gaming on smartphones but now encompasses handheld PCs as well. Of course, Acer hasn’t forgotten the OG of on-the-go gamers and is launching a controller made especially for smartphones and designed with a unique twist. Or rather, a unique fold.
The Nitro Mobile Controller features a foldable design that makes it easy to put away and shove into your bag when you’re done with a quick round of Fortnite or Mobile Legends. Its adjustable design can also accommodate screen sizes of up to 8.3 inches, which covers most foldable phones as well. The USB-C port provides a reliable connection and 18W pass-through fast charging promises worry-free extended gameplay. The Acer Nitro Mobile Controller goes on sale this quarter for $69.99.
