**Acer Introduces the Nitro Blaze 11: A Unique Handheld Gaming Console**
Another CES rolls around, bringing with it a new contender in the handheld gaming console arena. Yet, the Nitro Blaze 11 from Acer stands out from the usual Steam Deck rivals.
On Monday, the Taiwanese tech powerhouse unveiled the Nitro Blaze 11, just prior to the annual CES trade exhibition in Las Vegas. This newest member of Acer’s Nitro lineup is a portable PC that combines an impressive size with unexpected lightness. Its detachable controller setup makes it strikingly similar to a Nintendo Switch — though it’s certainly more robust — enhanced with laptop-like features.
### Initial Thoughts: Acer Nitro Blaze 11
Mashable was fortunate enough to get a hands-on experience with the Nitro Blaze 11 before its official reveal. Although its design may raise questions about its intended demographic, it undoubtedly represents a cool and adaptable device for the right consumer — assuming they’re ready to invest.
The most obvious aspect of the Nitro Blaze 11 is its significant dimensions. Spanning over 14 inches in width and nearly seven inches in height, it’s a substantial device that can compete with Apple’s largest iPad Pro. It’s so grand that even my hands — which can reach a full octave on a piano — seem diminutive in comparison. Nevertheless, in spite of its hefty size, the Nitro Blaze 11 is surprisingly light. At just 1,050 grams (around 2.3 pounds), it’s easy to hold, providing a welcome relief for gamers’ wrists.
### Performance Packed with Power
The Nitro Blaze 11’s lightweight profile disguises the robust performance it houses. It is powered by a laptop-grade AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a neural processing unit capable of executing up to 39 trillion operations per second (TOPS) for AI functionalities. Graphics are managed by AMD’s Radeon 780M, and the gadget offers up to 2TB of storage. However, all this power has a downside: the device can get quite warm, as experienced during its demonstration in Acer’s media room.
Battery life is still a variable. An Acer spokesperson conceded it’s “not a strong selling point,” which is hardly surprising given the device’s premium specifications.
The Nitro Blaze 11 boasts a 10.95-inch touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. Although it lacks an OLED display like the newest Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch variants, the IPS screen is lively, smooth, and capable of 500 nits brightness.
### Detachable Controllers and Design Aspects
On either side of the display are two detachable controllers that effortlessly slide in and out of their slots and snap back reassuringly. Each controller includes a joystick framed by colorful lighting, with a D-pad on the left and action buttons on the right. While the controllers may feel slightly plastic, they are well-made, and the joysticks function seamlessly. Thanks to magnetic Hall Effect technology, stick drift over time — a prevalent issue with the Switch — is unlikely to be a concern here.
In a further nod to the Nintendo Switch, the Nitro Blaze 11 comes equipped with a sturdy kickstand on the rear, enabling users to enjoy tabletop mode. The kickstand is robust and remains securely positioned when not being used. When questioned about the similarities to the Switch, an Acer representative simply remarked, “It works.”
### Multi-Functional Beyond Gaming
Where the Nitro Blaze 11 sets itself apart from the Switch is in its functionality. Operating on Windows 11, the device features tools that could serve as a laptop substitute. A front-facing camera positioned at the top of the display facilitates video calls, and users can connect devices like keyboards through Bluetooth or its USB-A port. While it doesn’t serve as a complete laptop alternative, it proves useful for quick tasks such as sending emails or participating in Zoom meetings.
### Pricing and Launch Information
Acer has yet to specifically define the Nitro Blaze 11’s target audience, but they suggested it might appeal to younger urban travelers in Asia seeking a discreet way to engage in PC gaming while on the move. However, its starting price of $1,099 may give potential customers reason to think twice. For many users, a traditional gaming laptop’s practicality is hard to contest. Nevertheless, the Nitro Blaze 11 is undeniably attractive for those who appreciate its distinctive design and capabilities. It’s sleek, it’s powerful, and quite often, sheer style outweighs practicality.
The Nitro Blaze 11 is scheduled for release in Q2 2025, alongside the smaller Nitro Blaze 8, which begins at $899. The Blaze 8 features an 8.8-inch 144Hz display but lacks the detachable controllers, kickstand, and camera found in its larger counterpart.
Stay tuned for Mashable’s comprehensive review of the Nitro Blaze 11. And as CES