Acer Nitro Blaze 11: Powerful Gaming Handheld Rivals Nintendo Switch Ahead of 'Switch 2' Launch

The gaming hardware landscape is evolving rapidly, with major manufacturers pursuing dominance in the lucrative portable gaming space.

Following the runaway success of the Nintendo Switch, Acer has officially entered the fray, unveiling its largest and most powerful gaming handheld yet: the Nitro Blaze 11.

The announcement comes as anticipation mounts for Nintendo’s own next-generation hardware, colloquially dubbed the ‘Switch 2’, which is expected to feature an 8-inch display and a more compact design. Acer’s Nitro Blaze 11 makes an immediate impression with its massive 10.95-inch screen—one of the largest on any handheld gaming device to date.

The Nitro Blaze 11 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 8040HS processor, backed by 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and can be configured with up to 2TB of storage.

Designed with versatility in mind, the system includes a pair of detachable controllers featuring hall-effect joysticks, a built-in kickstand, and two additional back buttons to enhance the gameplay experience.

Set for release in Q2 2025, the Nitro Blaze 11 will carry a premium price tag starting at $1,099.99. For gamers preferring a smaller form factor, Acer is also introducing the Nitro Blaze 8.

This model has an 8.8-inch screen but forgoes some of the ergonomic features found in its larger sibling, such as the detachable controllers and integrated kickstand.

Despite the size reduction, the Nitro Blaze 8 is positioned as a robust alternative for those who value portability alongside raw performance. As the portable gaming market surges with innovations from PC and Android-based handhelds, Nintendo’s influence remains undeniable.

The detachable controller design, pioneered by the Nintendo Switch in 2017, has become a standard feature across many competitors.

As an Acer spokesperson noted, the company sought to "combine performance and flexibility in a device that redefines the boundaries of handheld gaming," underlining the impact of Nintendo's earlier innovations. Nintendo has officially confirmed plans to announce its next flagship console, the so-called Switch 2, by the end of March 2025.

With an 8-inch display, the upcoming Nintendo Switch successor aims to deliver the hybrid versatility fans love while remaining more portable than many recent PC handhelds, like the Nitro Blaze 11. While the Nitro Blaze 11’s large form factor is notable, its arrival signals that the gaming handheld market is more competitive than ever—a market shaped significantly by Nintendo's legacy.

As these new devices prepare to launch, players have more options than ever to experience console-quality games on the go, further propelling innovation within the portable space.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 PC Switch Acer Nitro Blaze 11