Acer has made its debut in the handheld gaming sector with the Nitro Blaze 7, marking its first entry into portable gaming consoles. This device is tailored for on-the-go, high-performance gaming and is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor alongside Radeon 780 M graphics. It stands as a competitor to devices like the Asus ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and Lenovo Legion Go.
Display and Performance
Featuring a 7-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display, the Nitro Blaze 7 offers a 144Hz refresh rate for seamless gameplay. The display also reaches a peak brightness of 500 nits, ensuring visibility under various lighting conditions. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium, which minimizes screen tearing and stuttering, enhancing the gaming experience.
The powerhouse behind the Nitro Blaze 7 is the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor, boasting 8 cores and 16 threads with clock speeds reaching up to 5.1 GHz, which ensures robust performance for intensive games. The Radeon 780M graphics, featuring clock speeds up to 2.7 GHz and 12 compute units, are capable of handling modern games effectively on the compact screen of the Nitro Blaze 7.
Storage and Controls
In terms of storage, the Nitro Blaze 7 offers up to 2 TB of M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x 4 Gen 4 SSD, granting ample space for games and applications. Additionally, it comes with 16GB of LPDDR5x SDRAM, facilitating smooth multitasking and rapid load times.
The design includes physical joystick-style buttons, a D-pad, bumpers, triggers, and shoulder buttons, providing a familiar interface for gamers accustomed to traditional console controllers.
Additional Features
Beyond hardware, the Nitro Blaze 7 includes software enhancements for gaming, such as the Acer Game Space app. This app integrates popular gaming platforms and provides features like game recording, streaming, and performance optimization. The device also comes with a 3-month subscription to PC Game Pass, offering access to a vast array of games.
In other developments, Bitmo Lab has unveiled the GameBaby, a versatile iPhone accessory that doubles as both a protective case and a retro gaming controller. The GameBaby attaches directly to the iPhone, providing physical buttons for playing classic games through the Delta emulator, all without requiring a power source. Early pre-orders are priced at $20, with a future retail price of $39.99, and shipments set to begin in October. The case is compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the forthcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max.
