Introduction

The gaming handheld market is surging, and Acer’s latest creation, the Nitro Blaze 11, is poised to be a major player. The moment it was unveiled at CES, my curiosity piqued: “Will this enormous device fit in my hands?” After testing it out, I can confirm—it does, just barely!

First Impressions Compared to Steam Deck OLED

For a quick comparison, I brought along a Steam Deck OLED. One of the primary observations was that the Nitro Blaze 11 requires a different gripping technique. Picking it up the way I normally grab the Steam Deck felt a bit precarious. My fingers had to stretch just enough to secure it. However, once I had it in hand, the Blaze 11, weighing in at 2.3 pounds, surprisingly felt lighter than expected. This makes it reasonably manageable for cozy gaming sessions on the couch, although one must be cautious if trying to play in bed—trust me, it’s a potential hazard to your face!

In comparison, the Steam Deck OLED at 1.41 pounds felt almost weightless. It also seemed sturdier in build quality. While the Blaze 11 isn’t flimsy by any means, there was a noticeable difference in how premium each handheld felt.

Gaming Experience

But let’s talk about the gaming experience. There’s something magical about being able to enjoy games on a larger screen while on-the-go. The Nitro Blaze 11 boasts a solid kickstand, allowing it to stand in tablet mode when the controllers are detached. This nifty feature is a significant advantage over the Steam Deck, which lacks similar functionality. Additionally, I was impressed by Acer’s use of Hall effect sticks and triggers, making for a smoother gaming experience.

Pricing and Competition

Now, about the price: the Nitro Blaze 11 is set to launch at an eye-watering $1,099 in Q2 2025. But with rising competition, including the much-anticipated Lenovo Legion Go S and the consistently rumored Nintendo Switch 2, it sure has its work cut out for it.

Conclusion

As we await the official release, check out the stunning shots of the Nitro Blaze 11 alongside the Steam Deck OLED. Will the Blaze 11 live up to its hype when it hits the market? Only time will tell!