Acer launches new gaming laptops with screen sizes up to 18 inches

Acer has updated its gaming laptops for 2023 with updates to its high-end Predator Helios lineup as well as the more affordable Nitro lineup.

Tech Advisor took a look at the new laptops for the first time, as well as the new Swift models.

All three lines are equipped with the latest 13^th Generation Intel Core processors along with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs.

If you want a laptop for very long gaming sessions, you need a device that is ready to perform to its limits, then you should look into the Predator Helios line. You can choose from the Predator Helios 16 or 18 – the latest yet largest version – with an 18-inch screen – in the family.

You get up to 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD, offering room to install many of your biggest games. The laptops are available with a variety of displays with refresh rates up to 260Hz and a mini LED panel.

In terms of processor, you can choose an Intel i9 or i7 HX processor with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 GPU. These GPUs use the NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture with improved ray tracing, higher quality frames with DLSS 3, and improved latency compared to GPUs RTX 30 series.

For cooling, the Predator Helios 16 and 18 feature 5th generation AeroBlade 3D metal fans and rectangular vector heat pipes to optimize heat transfer.

Along with a customizable RGB keyboard (which offers per-key customization) and an RGB light bar on the back, the kit includes removable air vents that can be painted in any color, making the laptops more unique. Spare parts are included in the box so you can have multiple options at your disposal.

If you’re into casual gaming and can’t justify spending a lot on the Predator Helios, then the Nitro 16 and 17 are better options.

By comparison, the Predator Helios starts at £1,899 / $1,699 / €2,399 and goes on sale in February, while the Nitro range will be available from May starting at £1,299 / $1,199 / €1,499.

Hannah Cawthon / Foundry

As you might guess, 16-inch or 17.3-inch display options are available with resolutions up to Quad HD and refresh rates up to 165Hz. You’ll have plenty of room to store your games as, again, there’s a 2TB SSD option. You get a one-month subscription to Xbox Games Pass or PC Game Pass to stream games from the cloud – an offer also available on Predator laptops.

Nitro also offers a customizable RGB backlit keyboard, though only the Nitro 17 has 4-zone control. The laptop has pink and blue accents that echo the shape of the new N Nitro logo. Where the more expensive Predator has a metal chassis, the Nitro makes do with plastic.

An Acer spokesperson stated that the team was going for a less aggressive design with the Nitro, and as someone who isn’t a fan of the spaceship look of many gaming laptops, I think they did a good job of that. However, fair warning: the Nitro is not a featherweight, and neither is the Predator. Saving weight was not the goal here.

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For cooling, the Nitro 16 and 17 are equipped with dual fans, four fan outlets, and liquid metal thermal paste. The sound should also be impressive, with the inclusion of DTS:X Ultra audio software.

If you want to know what the competition is like, check out our roundup of the best gaming laptops.