CES 2023 Hands-On: Acer Unleashes Overpowered Nitro and Predator Gaming Laptops

For several years, the Predator Helios has been Acer’s top gaming laptop, and the new Predator Helios 18 (PH18-71; starting at $1,699.99) looks to be the best yet, featuring 13th-Gen Intel Core i9 processors, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Series laptop GPU, and an impressive 18-inch mini-LED display. We had a chance to see it firsthand at CES 2023.

Acer Predator Helios: Leader of the Pack

Display options on the Predator Helios include standard IPS panels and IPS with mini-LED backlight, and refresh rates ranging from fast (165Hz) to blistering (240 and 250Hz). With a 16:10 aspect ratio, you get extra height and WQXGA (2,560 by 1,600) resolution for awesome visuals.

Powered by Adaptive mini-LED (AmLED) technology, the best panel option promises brightness of up to 1,000 nits with HDR content and boosted contrast in many circumstances thanks to automatic dimming and thousands of mini-LED backlight.

Under the hood is your choice of Intel 13th-Gen Core i7 or Core i9 HX-Series processors, matched with up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Series mobile GPU. The whole thing is kept frosty cool with a combination of liquid metal thermal grease, a pair of Acer’s AeroBlade 3D fans, and Vector heat pipes.

(Credit: Brian Westover)

If 18 inches seems like a bit more screen than you want to deal with, there’s also a 16-inch model. The Acer Predator Helios 16 (PH16-71) runs with many of the same specs and features as the 18-inch model, such as a 2,560-by-1,600 resolution IPS display with a mini-LED backlight option and refresh rates of up to 250Hz.

This system can be configured with the same 13th-Gen Intel Core i7 or Core i9 HX series processors, up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and Nvidia’s newest 40 Series laptop GPUs. Aside from the smaller display, there’s about a 1-pound weight difference between the two. The Acer Predator Helios 16 (PH16-71) will begin selling in March, starting at $1,649.99.

Acer’s Nitro Line Gets a Boost

Taking a step down in price and size, Acer’s Nitro line is also returning with all-new hardware and features. Available in 16- or 17.3-inch sizes, the new Nitro laptops are powered by the latest 13th-Gen Intel Core processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Series laptop GPUs.

Acer hasn’t detailed what CPUs will be in the Nitro 16 (AN16-51) beyond Core i5 and Core i7 options, but the 17-inch (AN17-51) model will be powered by HX-Series chips and both will have Nvidia’s latest GeForce RTX 40 Series graphics. Nvidia Advanced Optimus helps manage power by switching back and forth between integrated and discrete graphics as needed. As it should be, Wi-Fi 6 networking comes standard.

(Credit: Brian Westover)

Configurations scale up to 2TB of PCIe Gen 4 storage and up to 32GB of DDR5 memory. Other features include an HD webcam, dual microphones, and DTS:X Ultra stereo sound. The Acer Nitro 16 includes a four-zone RGB backlit keyboard, and the Nitro 17 adds a large 4.9-by-3.2-inch touchpad.

Both models also feature improved cooling systems with dual fans, ample ventilation, and liquid metal thermal grease. Despite the improved cooling, the new Nitros are actually thinner and lighter than previous models, offering better gaming performance in a more portable design.

Both models have multiple display options, but high refresh rates come standard. The 16-inch model has both WUGA and WQXGA resolutions, with 165Hz refresh rates and a 3-millisecond response time. The 17-inch model has both full HD and QHD options and depending upon the panel selection, refresh rates of either 144Hz or 165Hz.

The new Acer Nitro models will begin selling this May, with the Nitro 16 (AN16-51) and the Nitro 17 (AN17-51) both starting at $1,199.99.