Acer still hasn't disclosed the release date for the Nitro Blaze handheld.

      After missing CES 2026, Acer confirms that its US plans remain intact, but launch dates are still pending.

      Acer showcased monitors, laptops, and various hardware at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, but notably absent were the Nitro Blaze handheld gaming PCs that have been teased for over a year.

      If you're awaiting the Acer Nitro Blaze handheld release before making your next portable purchase, you're still in a state of uncertainty. Acer has stated that the handheld segment is still part of its US strategy, yet the company has not established a local launch timeframe, prioritizing its core products amidst fluctuating tariff-related costs.

      Acer's roadmap still has gaps

      Acer initially expressed interest in handheld devices with a Nitro Blaze 7 prototype displayed at IFA 2024. At CES 2025, the company expanded its lineup to include the Nitro Blaze 8 and Nitro Blaze 11, featuring an unusually large 11-inch model meant to differentiate itself from smaller competitors.

      However, at CES 2026, there was no further communication on this topic. Acer has indicated that handhelds are still part of their plans, but the timeline for a US launch is yet to be defined as they manage tariff issues and concentrate on categories they already sell widely.

      The market has become more challenging

      Even without tariff concerns, the handheld gaming PC market poses significant entry barriers. The Steam Deck has become the go-to choice for many consumers, while newer Windows handhelds, such as the Xbox Ally X and Legion Go 2, are already attracting attention.

      From a supply perspective, the timing is even more complicated. Rising memory prices and GPU shortages have made investing in PC hardware riskier in 2026, particularly for a niche device that still needs to establish demand. Committing to production and pricing before the market stabilizes could prove detrimental for Acer, explaining their caution.

      What you should consider instead

      If you need a handheld device soon, it’s best to focus on currently available options rather than what may arrive later. Acer hasn't provided a US timeframe, and the absence at CES 2026 implies that the company is still evaluating whether and when the timing is appropriate.

      Should Nitro Blaze make a comeback, the primary concerns won’t pertain to screen size. Look out for pricing, regional availability, and compelling reasons to choose it over existing alternatives. Until Acer provides specific dates for its plans, expect potential delays and regard any future demonstration as just that—merely a demonstration.

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      ASUS has introduced its lightest 16-inch Zenbook featuring an 18-core Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme

      ASUS is entering the big-screen ultralight market with the Zenbook A16 Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, which is a 16-inch Copilot+ PC with a weight of 1.2 kg. The key feature is straightforward: it offers a spacious display without the hefty burden typical of 16-inch devices.

      The standout specification is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, which includes an 18-core CPU and an 80 TOPS NPU for on-device AI acceleration. For those seeking Windows laptops that remain responsive on battery while effectively leveraging AI capabilities, this configuration aims to bridge that divide.

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      Lenovo’s latest Yoga laptops provide an innovative solution for ditching your drawing tablet

      The laptops include a distinctive trackpad that can also function as a drawing surface.

      Lenovo may have just addressed a significant portability issue for creatives reliant on drawing tablets. During CES, the company unveiled a new series of Yoga laptops, featuring two models equipped with a trackpad that can also serve as a drawing surface.

      Instead of a conventional trackpad, the new Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition and Yoga Pro 7i Aura Edition come with what Lenovo refers to as a Force Pad, a glass surface designed to operate both as a standard trackpad and a compact pen tablet when used with the provided Yoga Pen Gen 2.

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      The smaller hinge gap on your Zenbook Duo enhances the seamless dual-screen experience

      The new hideaway hinge aims to create a unified workspace on the Zenbook Duo, featuring a minimal 8.28 mm gap for users who multitask across two screens.

      Asus is enhancing the Zenbook Duo’s characteristic dual-display configuration by reducing the gap between panels at CES 2026. The main update is the Zenbook Duo hinge gap, now measured at 8.28 mm, which should render it less distracting when moving windows, timelines, and toolbars between screens.

      This improvement is crucial because while dual-screen laptops can be impressive, having a noticeable separation can disrupt focus. By minimizing the gap, the Duo’s layout starts to function more like a single, expansive canvas, particularly beneficial for split-screen tasks like note-taking on one side and a document or web browser on the other.