Acer Expands its Nitro Blaze Handheld Gaming PC Lineup
Acer is bolstering its presence in the competitive handheld gaming PC market with two new additions to its Nitro Blaze series: the Nitro Blaze 8 and Nitro Blaze 11. Announced recently, these devices represent a significant upgrade over last year’s model, offering impressive specifications but at a premium price point. Starting at $899 for the Nitro Blaze 8 and $1,099 for the Nitro Blaze 11, they aim to deliver a superior gaming experience compared to more budget-friendly options like the Steam Deck.
The key differentiator between the two models lies in screen size and refresh rate. The Nitro Blaze 8 boasts an 8.8-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate, while the Nitro Blaze 11 features a larger 10.95-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. Both models share a 2560×1600 resolution, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and up to 2TB of storage. Under the hood, they are powered by an AMD Ryzen 8840HS processor and an AMD Radeon 780M GPU. Beyond the display differences, the Nitro Blaze 11 distinguishes itself further with detachable controllers, a built-in stand, and a front-facing camera.
Acer highlights the built-in AI technology and powerful processor as contributing factors to high performance. While direct comparisons to the Steam Deck require thorough testing, the Nitro Blaze models offer advantages in terms of refresh rate and resolution. A crucial improvement is the incorporation of Hall Effect triggers and analog sticks, significantly mitigating the risk of the dreaded “stick drift” prevalent in some competing devices, such as the Nintendo Switch.
The handheld gaming PC market is increasingly competitive, but the arrival of the Nitro Blaze 8 and 11 provides gamers with additional choices, catering to those seeking a high-end, premium experience. The substantial price tag, however, will likely be a significant factor influencing consumer decisions.