# Acer unveils a powerful gaming laptop, an X3D laptop, and a streaming handheld

> Source: <https://www.pcguide.com/news/acer-unveils-a-powerful-gaming-laptop-an-x3d-laptop-and-a-streaming-handheld/>
> Published: 2026-05-30 08:17:18+00:00

# Acer unveils a powerful gaming laptop, an X3D laptop, and a streaming handheld

[Read More](https://www.pcguide.com/earnings-disclaimer/)

#### Table of Contents

Acer has a new range of [gaming devices to show off](https://news.acer.com/acer-introduces-predator-helios-18-ai-the-ultimate-gaming-laptop), with two[ gaming laptops](https://www.pcguide.com/laptop/guide/best-gaming/), a streaming [handheld](https://www.pcguide.com/console/guide/best-handheld/), and even a [keyboard ](https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-gaming/)and backpack for them all. Expanding on its lineup, there are a few interesting features on all of those, so here are some of the highlights of them.

Firstly, the Predator Helios 18 AI is stacking up to be a rather impressive [RTX 5090 laptop ](https://www.pcguide.com/laptop/guide/best-rtx-5090/)with a Core Ultra 9 290HX processor. That is the highest spec, but it looks to be quite the flagship, especially as I have already reviewed last year’s [Helios 18 AI](https://www.pcguide.com/laptop/review/acer-predator-helios-18-ai/), which was a near-perfect machine. With the new one offering Vox Audio and AeroBlade 3D fans, it might bring some improvements.

Then there’s the Acer Nitro 16, which is Acer’s first X3D-powered laptop. With the top-end 9955X3D processor and RTX 5070 Ti graphics, it should be quite a powerful machine. As shown by our[ MSI Raider A18 HX A9WJG review](https://www.pcguide.com/laptop/review/msi-raider-18-hx-a9wjg/), the tiered cache does increase its processing power, especially in non-gaming tasks. So Acer’s option should provide a great experience for it.

As for the Acer Nitro Blaze Link, it is a[ WiFi ](https://www.pcguide.com/reviews/best-wifi-6-routers/)[6-](https://www.pcguide.com/reviews/best-wifi-6-routers/)enabled FHD handheld to connect to your other devices to play remotely. Like the [PlayStation Portal](https://www.pcguide.com/news/playstation-portal-gets-a-new-update-with-1080p-high-quality-mode-and-several-other-improvements/), it is a lightweight option for taking away and streaming your games instead.

## Laptop specs and release dates

The Predator Helios does bring power and specs, and packs it with a [mini LED](https://www.pcguide.com/laptop/guide/best-mini-led/) screen for an impressive look for the media onboard. Especially the [18-inch](https://www.pcguide.com/laptop/guide/best-18-inch/), 1,000-nit display that also has a dual mode to change between 4k 120Hz and FHD 240Hz. Along with plenty of connectivity, the Helios is a powerful machine, but it’s not light either, so be prepared for a workout if you want to move it around.

As for the Nitro, it does cut down on the weight and size for a bit more portability, at just a [16-inch](https://www.pcguide.com/laptop/guide/best-16-inch/) size. Cutting down to a 5070 Ti GPU but packing in a 9955X3D that has some impressive specs. Dropping the screen resolution too; it’s a 1600p screen at 240Hz for some fast responsiveness and immersion.

| Spec | Predator Helios 18 AI | Acer Nitro 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Model | PH18-I71 | AN16-A91 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 290HX Plus | AMD Ryzen™ 9 9955HX3D processor AMD Ryzen™ 9 9955HX processor |
| Graphics | Up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 Laptop GPU with 24 GB GDDR7 VRAM | Up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070 Ti Laptop GPU with 12GB GDDR7 VRAM |
| Display | Up to 18-inch 16:10 Mini LED, 4K WQUXGA 3840 x 2400, HDR mode, 1000 Nits, Calman Verified (Delta E<2), DCI-P3 100%, Dual-Mode Display enables switching between 4K/120Hz or FHD/240Hz, NVIDIA® Advanced Optimus, NVIDIA® G-SYNC | Up to 16-inch WQXGA 2560 x 1600, 16:10 aspect ratio, up to DCI-P3 100%, up to 240 Hz refresh rate, up to 3 ms response time, NVIDIA® Advanced Optimus, NVIDIA® G-SYNC |
| Memory | Up to 256 GB DDR5 | Up to 32 GB DDR5 5600 MT/s |
| Storage | Up to 6 TB total, including via three PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSD slots | Up to 2 TB total: two PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD slots, each supporting up to 1 TB of connected M.2 NVMe storage |
| Cooling | Dual 6th Gen Predator AeroBlade 3D Fans, vector heat pipe, liquid metal thermal grease | Dual-fan quad-intake quad-exhaust cooling, vector heat pipe |
| Dimensions and Weight | 400.96 (L) x 307.9 (D) x 17.3~29.55 (H) mm 3.5 kg | 356.78 (W) x 275.5 (D) x 22.05~27.95 (H) mm 2.5 kg |
| Battery | 99 Wh | 92 Wh |
| Wi-Fi and Connectivity | Intel Killer DoubleShot Pro, Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1750x and Intel Killer Ethernet E5000B, Bluetooth 5.4 | Intel Killer DoubleShot Pro, Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1750x, and Intel Killer Ethernet E5000B, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 5 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, SD™ card reader, 3.5 mm combo audio jack, RJ-45, DC-in, and Kensington Lock | USB 4 Type-C, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 2.0 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, microSD™ card reader, 3.5 mm combo audio jack, RJ-45, DC-In, Kensington Lock |
| Audio | 6 speakers with Predator Vox technology, DTS®:X Ultra | 2 speakers with DTS: X® Ultra |
| Camera | FHD 1920 x 1080 IR webcam with PurifiedView AI assistance | FHD 1920 x 1080 IR PurifiedView AI-assisted webcam |
| Features | PredatorSense, Acer Intelligence Space, per-key RGB keyboard, Acer PurifiedVoice AI noise reduction, Predator MagKey 4.0, mechanical switch, PC Game Pass (3 months) | Acer NitroSense, Acer Intelligence Space, 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard, Acer PurifiedVoice AI noise reduction, PC Game Pass (3 months) |
| Release date | August 2026 – NA & EMEA | August 2026 – NA & EMEA |

## Acer handheld specs

The [Acer Nitro Blaze Link](https://www.acer.com/acer-nitro-blaze-link) (GN772) does offer a mobile gaming experience with a lightweight package at 464 grams, about 200g less than the Steam Deck. That is due to it just streaming seamlessly from Acer devices and your gaming library. The 7-inch WUXGA touchscreen should provide a great look and be able to take your games places, if you have good connectivity, though. Or you just want to continue your game while on the toilet.

| Spec | Acer Nitro Blaze Link |
|---|---|
| Model | GN772 |
| Operating System | Linux |
| Display | 7-inch WUXGA 1920 x 1200, 5-point multi-touch touchscreen, 16:10 aspect ratio |
| Memory | 1 GB LPDDR4, 2133 MT/s |
| Storage | 8 GB eMMC |
| Ports | USB Type-C (charging only), 3.5 mm audio combo jack |
| Control and Input | A B X Y buttons, D-Pad, L & R bumpers, L & R joysticks, L & R triggers, power button, volume button (+/-), Start/Enter button, Back button, Home button, Overlay widget button |
| Audio | Dual 2W speakers |
| Battery | 1-cell 18 Wh |
| Power Supply | AC power adapter, 15-watt Type-C power cord |
| Wi-Fi and Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 80 Mhz |
| Software | Sunshine, Moonlight |
| Dimensions | 286.87 x 109.8 x 15.5/33.52 mm |
| Weight | 464 g |
| Release date | Q4’2026 – NA & EMEA |