Acer Reveals Nitro Blaze 8 and Nitro Blaze 11 at CES 2025

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As we all eagerly wait for news about the Nintendo Switch 2, more handheld gaming PCs continue to emerge. At CES 2025, Acer is one of the newest manufacturers to reveal a portable console running on Windows 11. Following the release of the Nitro Blaze 7 in September 2024, the larger models, the Nitro Blaze 8 and 11, are set to hit the market in Q2 2025. These systems utilize AMD Ryzen 8040 Series processors for their central processing units, with graphics powered by the Radeon 780M integrated graphics processor. The Nitro Blaze 8, featuring an 8.8-inch screen, will retail for $899, while the larger Nitro Blaze 11 with a 10.95-inch display will be priced at $1099.

Key Nitro Blaze 8 and11 Specs

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS (8-Core, 16-threads, 24 MB cache, up to 5.1 GHz max boost)
  • GPU: AMD Radeon 780M (Up to 2.7 GHz, AMD RDNA 3 12 CUs)
  • Screen: 8.8-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS Display, 144 Hz (Nitro 8), 10.95-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS Display, 120 Hz (Nitro 11)
  • Memory: 16 GB LPDDR5X SDRAM, 7500 MT/s (onboard)
  • Storage: Up to 2 TB M.2 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD
  • Connectivity: 1 x USB 4 Type-C (40 Gbps), 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C, 1 x USB 3.2 Type-A, Micro SD Card (SDHC)
  • Battery: 55 Wh Li-Polymer
  • Weight: 720 grams (Nitro 8), 1050 grams (Nitro 11)

Both Acer Nitro Blaze 8 and 11 models are equipped with the same powerful AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor, while their integrated AMD Radeon 780M GPUs deliver smooth gameplay with high graphical quality. The primary distinction lies in screen size; the Nitro Blaze 8 sports an 8.8-inch display that matches the Lenovo Legion Go’s dimensions, whereas the Nitro Blaze 11 boasts a larger 10.95-inch screen, making it one of the largest portable PCs currently available on the market.

Avid gamers can maintain their gaming prowess even while on-the-go, as they take advantage of high refresh rates like 120Hz and beyond. The Nitro Blaze portable devices excel due to the Radeon Super Resolution and FidelityFX Super Resolution. This technology enhances performance by upscaling visuals from lower resolutions at the driver level or within specific games, providing a clearer image without any screen tearing.

2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs in these devices swiftly handle even the most demanding video game titles, ensuring fast loading times. In case additional storage is needed, both consoles offer Micro SD slots as an option. The Nitro Blaze 8 and 11 models feature up-to-date connectivity with three USB ports. You can link these handheld PCs to the latest gaming displays using a USB 4 Type-C port for seamless connections.

1. Regarding the Nitro Blaze series, the main distinction lies in their designs. The Blaze 11 boasts detachable controllers, whereas the other model does not. Interestingly, the larger Acer version comes equipped with a front camera, making it particularly useful for video calls. At approximately 2.3 lbs, only the Nitro Blaze 11 is fitted with a robust kickstand. Both models offer Hall effect analog sticks and triggers to enhance gameplay.

Although it can make numerous games playable, Windows 11 was not originally intended for portable gaming consoles. The Acer Nitro Blaze handhelds offer potent capabilities to manage crowded screens more easily. However, locating and launching games can sometimes be less than smooth. With a specific shortcut key, Acer Game Space serves as a centralized platform for launching games from a unified interface. Some gamers may anticipate Microsoft developing an Xbox-like experience for Windows portable consoles in the future.

Spending an additional $200 gets you a better front camera, kickstand, and larger screen on the Nitro Blaze 11, making it an appealing upgrade. However, its large size can make it appear unwieldy in the hands of CES 2025 attendees. Regardless of whether you choose the Nitro Blaze 8 or 11, by the second quarter of 2025, mobile gaming enthusiasts will have more high-end options to consider.

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2025-01-09 02:43