Acer has introduced two new gaming handhelds at CES 2025, aiming to capture attention with their impressive size and capabilities. The Nitro Blaze 11 model features an enormous 10.95-inch display, making it one of the largest gaming handhelds on the market. Acer’s bold approach appears to follow the philosophy that bigger is better, even if it challenges portability.
Nitro Blaze 11: A beast in size and power
The Nitro Blaze 11 isn’t just large and packed with powerful features. At its core is an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor, initially designed for laptops, paired with an AMD Radeon 780M graphics unit. With 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 2TB of internal storage, this device is built to handle demanding games effortlessly.
However, its size is what truly sets it apart. Weighing over 1kg (2.3 pounds), it’s as hefty as two iPad Airs stacked together and nearly matches the dimensions of the 11-inch iPad Air. Despite its weight, Acer has designed the handheld with flexibility in mind. The detachable controllers, inspired by devices like the Nintendo Switch, allow you to convert the Nitro Blaze 11 into a tablet with an external controller.
Running on Windows 11, the handheld is equipped with Acer’s gaming hub for a seamless gaming experience. The display supports resolutions up to 2560×1600 with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and vibrant visuals. Connectivity options include two USB-C ports (one featuring USB 4 support), a USB Type-A port, and a microSD slot. Acer has included a 55Wh battery to power this large device, though its longevity under heavy use remains to be tested.
A more compact alternative
Acer has also revealed the Nitro Blaze 8 for gamers seeking a more portable option. This smaller handheld features an 8.8-inch 144Hz display, retaining much of the technical prowess of its larger sibling. It also shares the same processor, graphics unit, RAM, and storage options. However, unlike the Nitro Blaze 11, the controllers on the Nitro Blaze 8 are not detachable, offering a more integrated design.
While the Nitro Blaze 8 is more manageable in size, it still provides an exceptional gaming experience with sharp visuals and responsive performance.
Availability and pricing
Both devices are set to launch during the second quarter of 2025. The Nitro Blaze 11 will cost US$1,099, while the Nitro Blaze 8 will cost US$899. These prices reflect their premium features and cutting-edge technology, positioning Acer’s Nitro Blaze series as a contender in the handheld gaming market.
With these new offerings, Acer challenges traditional perceptions of handheld gaming by prioritising power and immersive displays. Whether you value size, flexibility, or portability, the Nitro Blaze lineup offers something for everyone.
