IFA 2024: Acer Debuts New Handheld PC Competitor, The Nitro Blaze 7

At the big IFA 2024 event, Acer came prepared with a whole update to their catalogue while also revealing their new Nitro Blaze 7, a handheld PC similar to the Steam Deck.

IFA 2024 is well underway, and Acer came out the gate swinging. Today, they’ve announced updates to nearly their entire catalogue of products, including gaming rigs, Swift AI-enabled laptops, updates to their Nitro V laptops, gaming monitors, and even a new tablet. But, the most striking announcement up their sleeve is the new Nitro Blaze 7 gaming PC handheld. Acer’s take on handheld PC gaming is akin to the previously released ROG Ally / Steam Deck /Lenovo Legion GO, but with a new flavour.

IFA 2024 Acer Nitro Blaze 7 Key Features

• The new device carries power, equipped with an AMD Ryzen 8040 Series processor with up to 39 total AI TOPS, up to 2 TB of storage, and 16 GB LPDDR5 memory (similar specs to Valve’s Steam Deck).
• Where it differs is its blindingly fast 144Hz refresh rate, assuring gamers they have a crystal clear image no matter the workload. Steam Deck carries 90Hz, and ROG Ally deploys 120Hz.
• The screen also operates as a touch panel similar to the other portable PC options and holds 7 inches of screen real estate with a full HD IPS display.
• The processor also includes AI functionality, including an impressive 39 total AI TOPS and Ryzen AI technology. Acer promises optimized efficiency and support for on-device AI-powered capabilities.
• Generous storage options up to 2 TB of onboard storage.
• A customized Acer Game Space app integrates mainstream gaming platforms (such as the Epic Games Store, Steam, and even Xbox Game Pass) onto the operating system. The Nitro Blaze 7 uses Windows 11.
• MicroSD card reader allows users to expand storage, and USB Type-C charging ports allow for houses to have less cord pollution.

The Acer Nitro Blaze 7 release date has not been announced just yet, and its price is still TBD.

IFA 2024 – Other Big Acer Announcements

• Swift AI Laptops – Acer is expanding their newly introduced Swift AI laptop line with two fresh models featuring Intel processors, the Swift 14 AI (SF14-51/T), and the Swift 16 AI (SF16-51/T). On top of that, they’re also releasing two additional models – one powered by AMD Ryzen AI processor and one by a new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor, the Swift Go 14 AI (SFG14-01) and the Swift 14 AI (SF16-51/T). These four PCs will be made available Fall 2024.
• Predator Orion 7000 Gaming Rig – This new desktop gaming PC brings the performance, powered by Intel next-gen processors and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU (1321 AI TOPS). Gamers just grabbing their first PC c ould rest assured this one can run any process, but also will have three free months of Xbox Game Pass included with their purchase. Pricing and launch is still TBD.
• Nitro V Gaming Laptops – two new additions will be added to the Acer Nitro V gaming laptop category, the Nitro V 14 and Nitro V 15. Both laptops come with the most up to date gaming technology under the hood, with optionality ranging from RAM options, all the way to whether the user prefers Intel or AMD processors. The Nitro V 14 will range from a price point of $1,099.99 USD, whereas the Nirto V 16 will cost around $1,299.99 USD to start. Both PCs will be available this Fall.
• Nitro Gaming Monitors – The 24-inch Nitro XV240 F6, the 27-inch Nitro XV270 F5, and the 27-inch Nitro XV2700U F5 feature blazing fast refresh speeds ranging from 500Hz to 600Hz assuring a precise image. All three will be made available in Q1 2025, at a price point of $599-$799.
• Predator Gaming Monitors – Two new Predator Gaming Monitors have been introduced by Acer, the Predator XB273U F5 (With a WQHD 2560×1440 resolution and a refresh rate of 360 Hz) and the Predator XB273K V5 (a 4K 3840 x 2160 resolution, a smooth 160 Hz refresh rate). Both come in at a clean 27-inch display size. The XB273K V5 will be made available in North America in Q4, priced at $499.99 USD, while the other is TBD.
• TravelMate P6 14 AI Laptop – Acer’s next foray into AI sees them deploy a work-friendly Copilot+ certified laptop. Powered by Intel Core Ultra, it will be  available in North America in January 2025, prices starting at $1,499.99 USD.

• The last big announcement from Acer at IFA 2024 is Project DualPlay. This new concept embraces many of the gaming technology trends, including removable joy-con-like handles (also included in Lenovo’s Legion GO device) and unleashes a new dimension of versatile and shared PC gaming experiences that meet in one powerful device. The controller can be separated into two separate controllers as well, adding a literal factor to the demand “pick upm those sticks!” The concept is still being fleshed out by Acer, and consumers will likely hear more soon.
• That just about wraps up the exciting Acer announcements, including the Nitro Blaze 7, for IFA 2024. Fans can head to the official Acer website for more info as it’s released, and availability for any of the devices mentioned above.
• Stay up to date with all of CGMagazine’s IFA 2024 news here .