While the world awaits a Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, handheld gaming PCs keep multiplying. At CES 2025, Acer is the latest manufacturer to unveil a Windows 11-based portable console. After announcing the Nitro Blaze 7 last September, the larger Nitro Blaze 8 and 11 will arrive in Q2 2025. Both systems run on AMD Ryzen 8040 Series CPUs with displays powered by the Radeon 780M iGPU. The Nitro Blaze 8 with an 8.8-inch screen will cost $899. Meanwhile, the Nitro Blaze 11 and its 10.95-inch display command a $1099 price tag.
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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)
The Acer Nitro Blaze 8 and 11 share the same efficient AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor. Likewise, the AMD Radeon 780M GPU on both handhelds is powerful enough to produce smooth gameplay and high graphical fidelity. Screen size is the main difference, with the Nitro Blaze 8 having an 8.8-inch screen that matches the dimensions of the Lenovo Legion Go. However, the Nitro 11’s 10.95-inch screen ranks it as one of the largest handheld PCs to date.
Competitive gamers can keep their skills sharp while traveling with 120 Hz or higher refresh rates. The Nitro Blaze handhelds maximize performance thanks to Radeon Super Resolution and FidelityFX Super Resolution. Upscaling from lower resolutions at the driver level or in specific games results in sharper visuals without tearing.
The 2 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs quickly load even the most graphically intensive titles. If storage runs out, both consoles include Micro SD slots. The Nitro Blaze 8 and 11 boast modern connectivity with three USB ports. It’s possible to connect the handheld PCs to the latest gaming monitors using a USB 4 Type-C port.
The Nitro Blaze 8 and 11 also differ in design, with the Blaze 11 featuring detachable controllers. The larger Acer option also has a front camera, making it practical for video calls. Weighing 2.3 lbs, only the Nitro Blaze 11 includes a sturdy kickstand. Players will benefit from Hall effect analog sticks and triggers on both models.
Even if it makes countless games compatible, Windows 11 was not designed for portable consoles. The Nitro Blaze handhelds boast the power to make navigating busy screens less frustrating. Still, finding and launching games can be far from seamless. With a dedicated hotkey, Acer Game Space is a hub that launches titles from a cohesive interface. Some gamers may look forward to Microsoft implementing an Xbox-like experience for Windows handheld consoles.
For $200 more, the Nitro Blaze 11’s front camera, kickstand, and significantly larger screen seem worth the upgrade. Even so, it’s a behemoth that looks a bit cumbersome in the hands of CES 2025 attendees. Whether you opt for the Nitro Blaze or 8 or 11, by the second quarter of 2025, PC gamers on the go will have more premium candidates.
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