Acer Unveils the Massive Nitro Blaze Handheld Gaming PC
Following Lenovo’s recent introduction of the compact Legion Go S, Acer is taking an entirely different route by presenting an unexpectedly large handheld gaming PC: the Acer Nitro Blaze. This beast with a seven-inch display, first revealed in September, hasn’t even reached the market yet, and now it’s gaining even larger variants.
At the upcoming CES 2025, Acer is set to launch new 11-inch and eight-inch versions of the Nitro Blaze. While these models will share the same internal specifications—including an AMD Ryzen 8840HS processor, 16GB of RAM, and storage capacities reaching up to 2TB—they will differ significantly in terms of display size and overall dimensions.
Although the smaller devices remind one of a Steam Deck in their appearance, the 11-inch version stands out with its sheer size, leading one to exclaim, “big guy!”
All versions of the Nitro Blaze feature a 2560 x 1600 IPS screen, with the smaller variants operating at a high refresh rate of 144Hz. The 11-inch model, although slightly less hasty at 120Hz, compensates with an ample screen area that enhances the gaming experience.
This handheld is notably the largest yet encountered, pushing the boundaries of what “handheld” entails. Some Reddit users have even dubbed it the “final boss of handhelds,” a fitting designation for such an imposing device.
While this isn’t the first gaming handheld boasting an 11-inch display, it certainly appears to be one of the most refined options available, particularly when compared to competing devices. Upon handling it, the lightweight design—considerably at just 2.3 pounds—was surprising. It weighs a pound more than a Steam Deck but is comparable to Asus’ ultra-light Copilot+ laptop, making it surprisingly manageable despite its intimidating size.
The device felt comfortable enough to lift with one hand, and Acer personnel assisted in demonstrating its portability. Though it might not fit easily into an everyday backpack, it offers a portable gaming alternative to traditional gaming laptops.
The 11-inch version incorporates a feature that sets it apart, echoing the current-generation Lenovo Legion Go: detachable controllers.
This feature allows players to combine them with a kickstand for a shared gaming experience on a table, or utilize them separately for two-player gaming, thus offering an edge over the Legion Go. This aligns with Nintendo’s popularization of detachable controllers introduced with the Joy-Con on the Nintendo Switch, marking an innovative integration from Acer.
Despite its compelling features, practicalities arise regarding the Nitro Blaze 11’s integration into everyday life. With the upcoming Legion Go S expected to bring beloved SteamOS to smaller third-party gaming devices, a preference for the Nitro Blaze’s more compact models may be warranted.
However, a younger and more dedicated gamer would certainly be thrilled by the prospect of such a large-screen gaming handheld. The allure of boasting a gaming device with a double-digit display size is hard to resist, even with the compromises that accompany it. In earlier days, when a five-pound gaming laptop was an acceptable burden between classes, carrying the Nitro Blaze 11 might have been a viable option.
One must acknowledge the price point, which starts at $1,099 for the Nitro Blaze 11 upon its release in Q2 of this year. In contrast, the Nitro Blaze 8 will retail for a more budget-friendly $899, while the Nitro Blaze 7 will launch at $799, also around the same time.
