Acer came swinging out the gates at IFA 2024, introducing two new gaming devices: Project DualPlay, a unique concept laptop, and the Nitro Blaze 7, the company's own handheld gaming console.
Acer's Dual Play Laptop Features a Switch Joy-Con-Esque Trackpad
DualPlay Still a Concept, For Now
During the recent IFA press conference in Berlin, Acer revealed the Project DualPlay, a new concept for its gaming laptop line. At first glance, "DualPlay" looks just like the company's flagship "Predator" gaming rig line, but Acer's latest 2-in-1 laptop concept features a built-in wireless game controller integrated into the touchpad.
With the press of a button located above the keyboard, the trackpad can be removed and used as a full wireless gaming controller. The DualPlay trackpad-controller hybrid has two analog sticks, arrow pads, and ABXY buttons. "This Predator concept embraces the latest gaming trends, unleashing a new dimension of versatile and shared PC gaming experiences that converge in one powerful device," the company said.
The controller can also be split into two separate joysticks, similar to the Switch Joy-Cons, allowing two players to game on the same device, according to Acer. "Whether it’s a first-person shooter, multiplayer online battle, sports, or fighting games such as Capcom Street Fighter 6, Project DualPlay elevates gaming control and experiences to new heights."
Meanwhile, the design of the machine is typically that of an Acer gaming laptop: donning RGB-lit keyboard and distinct design branding, as well as being large—veering into the iconic V-tech toys territory, if you ask me—but the screen bezels are minimal! In addition, removing the trackpad-controller releases two pop-up speakers on the side of the laptop.
The company said that the DualPlay is currently only a concept under the company’s gaming brand, further details such as specs and pricing, as well as its production, are yet to be officially confirmed.
Nitro Blaze 7 is Acer's First Handheld Gaming Device
Nitro Blaze 7 Release Date and Price Yet to be Announced
Acer doesn't stop there. The company also revealed its very own gaming handheld console, the Nitro Blaze 7, which sets its sights on the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, Legion Go, and other competitors. Acer’s Nitro Blaze 7 is powered by a Ryzen 8000 HS-class processor along with the Radeon 780M GPU, and comes with a 7-inch 1080p display.
Acer's handheld debut is very generous with several I/O ports, including USB Type-C slots, 3.5mm audio port, microSD card reader, 2 mic lines, and dual speakers. Acer has yet to officially announce further details such as pricing and release dates, however, given the high-performance specs, the Nitro Blaze 7 might put a bit of a dent in your wallet.
Source:
Project DualPlay: Novel Gaming Laptop Concept with Detachable Controllers for Dual-player Experiences
Acer Nitro Blaze 7 official page
