You won't see Acer Nitro Blaze handheld gaming PCs at CES 2026 — I asked why, and this is what a PR representative told me

Like many other large tech companies, Acer has been showing off several new devices at CES 2026 this week in Las Vegas, Nevada.

While casting my eyes over the various gaming monitors, laptops, and other hardware offerings, I noticed that one device category isn't making an appearance at all.

You guessed it, there was absolutely no mention of those Nitro Blaze handheld gaming PCs that Acer previously announced.

For those who don't know, Acer first revealed it was getting into the handheld gaming PC market by showing off the Nitro Blaze 7 prototype at IFA 2024. A few months later, at CES 2025, the company revealed two new handhelds along with their specs: the Nitro Blaze 8 and massive Nitro Blaze 11.

I even went hands-on with the Nitro Blaze 11, and was so taken aback by its enormous dimensions that I created a Nitro Blaze 11 size comparison chart showing how it towered above the Steam Deck and other popular handhelds.

As such, when I saw that these handhelds weren't mentioned anywhere at CES 2026, I started wondering if the Nitro Blaze 7, 8, and 11 had turned into vaporware that would never see store shelves.

To get answers, I reached out to Acer, and a PR representative told me what's going on.

Are the Acer Nitro Blaze gaming handhelds still coming out?

When I asked an Acer PR representative to comment on why the Nitro Blaze handhelds weren't making an appearance at CES 2026, I was told:

"This is an emerging product category that remains on Acer’s U.S. roadmap, but our local launch plans are TBD. As we continue to navigate the tariff situation, we’re currently focused on our core products. When products become available in the U.S, we will let you know."

There you have it, the Acer Nitro Blaze handheld gaming PCs have not been canceled... at least not yet. It seems Acer currently still intends to release them down the road; we just don't know when. Of course, that doesn't rule out the possibility that Acer could change its mind.

As for the reason why these handhelds aren't at CES 2026, it's really no surprise to hear that tariffs have been cited. After all, companies have been using the T-word regularly over the past several months to explain delays, cancelled products, and price increases.

Looking back, volatile is certainly the word I'd use to describe the 2025 US tariff situation. For a while there, it seemed like the Trump administration was issuing changes every few weeks and then delaying those changes from going into effect.

For consumers, it was hard to tell how much anything was going to cost, since this situation led to so many notable price increases, including a notable rise in Christmas gift prices (thanks, NBC).

From a company's angle, it's hard to know what the ROI (return on investment) is going to be when manufacturing and import costs keep fluctuating. As Acer alluded, it's worth the gamble of continuing to produce evergreen products that are always in demand, but handheld gaming PCs are definitely more niche.

But that's not the only reason Acer probably shouldn't release its handhelds right now.

Tariffs aren't going to be the only hurdle Nitro Blaze handhelds face in 2026

The handheld gaming PC market is already ruled by Steam Deck, the king of portable gaming devices. Meanwhile, Xbox Ally X and Legion Go 2 are other formidable rivals dominating the field.

If Acer wants its handhelds to succeed, it really needs to offer something that the competition doesn't. That's potentially why the company decided to go all in on that massive 11-inch handheld.

Outside of general competition, there's also the increasingly worrisome RAM price increases and GPU shortage, which make handheld production a risky business for many companies in 2026. Considering Acer hasn't truly entered the market yet, it's an especially difficult time to try and win new customers when other options have already proven successful.

I'm not holding my breath for Acer Nitro Blaze handhelds

I won't relish in it, but I really won't be surprised if we find out that Acer's three Nitro Blaze handheld gaming PCs all get cancelled and never make it to store shelves.

It's a rough time for computer manufacturing, in general, and then there's the fact that handhelds are such niche products with powerful competitors already in play. It just doesn't seem like a good idea for Acer to pursue this tech category unless they can offer something that really gets people's attention.

And, no, I honestly don't think the comically large Nitro Blaze 11 is going to cut it; for one thing, it will probably be very expensive and won't be as easy to transport and travel with as other handhelds.

As any handheld enthusiast can tell you, we already have several high-end handheld gaming PCs selling at exorbitant prices. So, the premium side of things is covered. Believe me, we're good.

It makes sense that so many companies are chasing top-tier handheld manufacturing, since it's a way to grab attention and bring more money back to OEM coffers when a purchase is made. I can see the ROI hunger reflecting in CEO eyes as I type this.

But what we need more of are affordable entry-level handhelds, especially now that Valve has stopped Steam Deck LCD production, taking away its budget offering.

Tariffs have made tech more expensive, as have RAM and GPU scarcity. What will really help a handheld stand-out at this point is not flashy specs or a large screen, but reliable performance at a lower price than competitors.

For now, Acer still has handhelds on its roadmap. We'll just have to see how this year plays out and how that affects gaming hardware, and more specifically, handheld gaming PCs.

What do you think about the Acer Nitro Blaze handheld gaming PCs? Are any of them of interest to you? Are you sad they aren't at CES 2026, or do you think there are already too many handhelds on the market? Tell us about it in the comments.

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