We consistently anticipate some unusual technology to emerge from CES, and Acer has indicated that 2025 is no different, revealing its expansive 11-inch Windows gaming handheld, the Acer Nitro Blaze 11.
The Nitro Blaze 11 serves as one of the two latest gaming handheld announcements during CES 2025, with the second being the Acer Nitro Blaze 8, which features a much more moderately sized 8.8-inch screen.
This announcement follows closely behind Acer’s unveiling of the Acer Nitro Blaze 7, the company’s inaugural Windows gaming handheld, which was displayed at IFA Berlin 2024. All these devices are powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor, AMD Radeon 780M integrated graphics, 16GB of LPDDR5X-7500 RAM, and can support up to 2TB of SSD storage. Nonetheless, the Nitro Blaze 11 elevates the experience further with its impressive screen size. A significant jump.
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Acer Nitro Blaze 11 | Acer Nitro Blaze 7 | Acer Nitro Blaze 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS | AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS | AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS |
| GPU | AMD Radeon 780M | AMD Radeon 780M | AMD Radeon 780M |
| Display | 10.95-inch, 2,560 x 1,600p, IPS, 120Hz, 500 nits, 98% DCI-P3 | 7-inch, 1,920 x 1,080p, IPS, 144Hz, 500 nits, 100% sRGB | 8.8-inch, 2,560 x 1,600p, IPS, 144Hz, 500 nits, 97% DCI-P3 |
| Battery | 55Wh | 50Wh | 55Wh |
| RAM | 16GB 7500MT/s | 16GB 7500MT/s | 16GB 7500MT/s |
| Storage | Up to 2TB M.2 SSD | Up to 2TB M.2 SSD | Up to 2TB M.2 SSD |
| Size | 36.4 x 17.1 x 1.59 | 25.6 x 11.4 x 2.2 centimeters | 30.5 x 13.4 x 2.2 centimeters |
| Weight | 1050 grams | 670 grams | 720 grams |
| Ports | 2 USB Type-C, USB Type-A, microSD slot | 2 USB Type-C, microSD slot | 2 USB Type-C, 1 USB Type-A, microSD slot |
The Acer Nitro Blaze 11 flaunts an impressive 10.95-inch screen, designating it as the largest notable Windows gaming handheld we have encountered since these gadgets began gaining traction following the launch of the Asus ROG Ally in 2023. Even when excluding devices specifically utilizing Windows, it is substantially larger compared to any other handhelds that most users are used to.
For reference, The
Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck LCD both feature 7-inch screens. The Steam Deck OLED measures slightly larger at 7.4 inches, while the Asus ROG Ally also sports a 7-inch display. Initially, the MSI Claw came with a 7-inch panel but has since enhanced to 8 inches with the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus.
At first, the Lenovo Legion Go held the title for the largest among its rivals, measuring 8.8 inches. It was also the heaviest, weighing in at 1.9 pounds, yet all of these devices remained within a fairly acceptable 7-inch to 9-inch spectrum.
Acer appears to be looking to disrupt the current landscape with the introduction of the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, as its 10.95-inch screen size exceeds that of its competitors, and it weighs 2.3 pounds, which is over two pounds. For comparison, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is 1.3 pounds, indicating that the Nitro Blaze 11 is an entire pound heavier than the original Asus ROG Ally.
Weight, of course, is not the sole factor to consider. Ergonomics are crucial as well, as the device’s 2.3-pound mass may feel pleasant if designed thoughtfully. Nevertheless, observing photos of individuals handling the device, it is difficult not to remark on how massive and cumbersome it appears.
We are also somewhat apprehensive about how its expansive 10.95-inch display and 2,560 x 1,600-pixel resolution might impact battery longevity, especially since it maintains a 55Wh battery. For perspective, smaller devices like the 8-inch MSI Claw 8 AI Plus and the 7-inch Asus ROG Ally X both include an 80Wh battery.
While we eagerly anticipate testing the device personally, particularly given its extraordinary size and weight, we cannot help but be concerned about its usability over extended periods, along with whether its large 2K display could lead to poor battery performance. If you wish to stay updated on the latest technology news, visit our CES 2025 page.