The handheld gaming PC market is⁢ booming, and Acer has just thrown its hat into the ring ​with the⁢ nitro Blaze 11. Unveiled at CES,​ this device promptly‍ caught my attention. My first thoght? “Will this even fit in my hands?” The answer is yes—but ⁣just barely.

To put it into perspective, I brought along a ⁤Steam ⁢Deck OLED for‍ a ⁤quick comparison.The Blaze 11 is noticeably larger, and picking ​it up the⁢ way I’m accustomed to holding‍ the Steam Deck—by gripping the top and bottom edges—felt a bit precarious. my fingers barely reached, but once⁤ in hand, the 2.3-pound device felt surprisingly manageable.​ It’s⁣ lighter than you’d expect for its ⁤size, making it a decent option for⁢ couch⁢ gaming. That​ said, I’d advise against playing it in bed unless you’re okay with the risk⁤ of⁢ it landing⁢ on your face.

While the Blaze‍ 11 isn’t as heavy as I initially feared, the Steam Deck OLED’s⁢ 1.41 pounds feel like a feather in ​comparison. The Deck ⁤also​ has ⁤a sturdier ⁣build quality. Acer’s handheld isn’t⁤ flimsy,but it‍ does have a slightly cheaper ‍feel to it.

That said, the Blaze 11 has its strengths. Gaming on its expansive screen ⁣is⁢ a delight, and the kickstand is a standout feature, allowing you‍ to prop ‍it up‌ in tablet mode with detached‌ controllers—something the Steam Deck can’t⁢ do. Acer also deserves credit ‌for incorporating Hall affect sticks ‌and ⁣triggers, which enhance precision and durability.

Hands-on with the Nitro Blaze 11, Acer’s massive new PC gaming handheld
The Acer nitro Blaze 11 offers a large screen and detachable controllers, making it ​a versatile ‍option for handheld gaming. ​(Image: Example Source)

the Acer Nitro Blaze ‌11 is‌ a bold entry into the handheld gaming⁢ PC space. its size​ might be intimidating at first, but its lightweight design ⁣and notable screen make it⁤ a compelling choice for gamers who value versatility. While it may⁣ not feel‌ as premium as the Steam⁢ Deck, its unique features and solid performance ensure it’s a⁤ contender worth considering.