The Acer Nitro Blaze 7 is the latest handheld gaming console to hit the market, but does it live up to the competition? After getting some hands-on time with the device, it’s clear that while it has some strong points, there are also areas where it falls short.
In terms of design, the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 features a race car aesthetic that may not be to everyone’s taste. However, the grips are comfortable and there are no hot spots on the palm, making it easy to hold for extended gaming sessions. The joysticks feel sturdy and the triggers are smooth, but the lack of back buttons may be a dealbreaker for some gamers.
When it comes to software, the built-in Acer Game Space leaves much to be desired. While you can make some adjustments to settings, such as controlling VRR and setting up AMD FSR, there are limited options available. The launcher menu only has two tabs, which may not be enough for some users.
Performance is another area where the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 struggles to compete with the competition. Using the AMD Ryzen 8840HS processor, the device struggles to maintain a consistent frame rate in intensive games like Horizon Forbidden West and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The display, while bright, lacks the visual quality of competitors like Valve’s OLED screen.
In terms of battery life, the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 falls short with a 50 Whr battery. While this is on par with other handheld consoles, it pales in comparison to the 80 Whr battery found in the Asus ROG Ally X. This means that the device may not be able to keep up with the competition in terms of longevity.
Overall, the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 is a solid handheld gaming console with some strong points, such as comfortable grips and sturdy controls. However, it falls short in areas like software, performance, and battery life when compared to competitors like the Steam Deck OLED and Asus ROG Ally X. It remains to be seen whether Acer can make improvements to the device before its release, but as it stands, it may struggle to keep up in a crowded market.