Acer Spearheads AI Gaming Evolution: New Predator and Nitro Laptops Feature Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and RTX 50 Series GPUs

TL;DR

• Acer unveils the Predator Helios Neo 16S AI, featuring a premium WQXGA OLED display and a slim 18.9 mm metal chassis.
• The new gaming lineup integrates Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs for superior AI throughput.
• Designated as Copilot+ PCs, these laptops deliver over 45 NPU TOPS to support advanced on-device AI features and Windows 11 experiences.
• New Predator peripherals, including the Galea 570 headset and Cestus 530 mouse, complement the hardware for a holistic gaming ecosystem.

As the digital landscape transitions into an era defined by localized machine learning and agentic workflows, hardware manufacturers must innovate to meet escalating computational demands. At the Las Vegas CES 2026 summit, Acer demonstrates its leadership by introducing a sophisticated array of Acer Predator and Nitro gaming laptops. These machines represent a fundamental pivot in mainstream and enthusiast portable computing, leveraging the newly announced Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors. By combining these advanced CPUs with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs, Acer provides gamers and creators with the necessary infrastructure to execute complex AI workloads directly on the device, ensuring low latency and enhanced data privacy.

Predator Helios Neo 16S AI: Engineering Portability and Power

The Predator Helios Neo 16S AI stands as the flagship of this release, designed for users who refuse to compromise between aesthetic elegance and raw performance. This workstation is equipped with up to the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 386H, an architecture optimized for high-frequency tasks and efficient multi-threading. Complementing the processor is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU, built on the Blackwell architecture. This synergy allows for the implementation of NVIDIA DLSS 4, which utilizes AI to multiply frame rates and generate high-fidelity imagery at unprecedented speeds.

Visually, the device features a 16-inch WQXGA OLED display. This panel is a significant upgrade for the series, offering a 165 Hz refresh rate, a 1 ms response time, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. The inclusion of true HDR imaging support ensures that both gameplay and creative projects benefit from professional-grade contrast and color accuracy. To maintain system stability within its 18.9 mm slim metal chassis, Acer employs a state-of-the-art thermal solution involving a 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fan and liquid metal thermal grease. Consequently, the device handles up to 64 GB of DDR5 memory and 2 TB of PCIe storage without thermal throttling.

Acer Nitro Series: Democratizing High-Performance AI

The Nitro series welcomes two new iterations: the Acer Nitro V 16 AI and the Nitro V 16S AI. These models target casual gamers and mobile professionals who require modern features at accessible price points. Both devices utilize up to the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 355 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPUs. Notably, the Nitro V 16S AI prioritizes mobility with a chassis thickness of less than 17.9 mm.

Despite their streamlined silhouettes, these laptops do not sacrifice functional depth. They feature 16-inch WUXGA displays with 180 Hz refresh rates and 100% sRGB color support. Connectivity is equally robust, with Intel Killer DoubleShot Pro Wi-Fi 6E and Thunderbolt 4 ports facilitating high-speed data transfer and peripheral integration. Furthermore, the inclusion of a 4-zone RGB keyboard and DTS:X Ultra audio provides the immersive sensory feedback expected of contemporary gaming hardware.

The Copilot+ PC Experience and Proprietary AI Tools

A defining characteristic of the 2026 lineup is the designation of these devices as Copilot+ PCs. To achieve this, the integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) delivers over 45 AI TOPS, exceeding the threshold required for advanced Windows 11 AI experiences. Users can leverage Live Captions for real-time translations during international gaming sessions or utilize Image Creator to generate custom visual assets on the fly.

Acer supplements the Windows ecosystem with Acer Intelligence Space. This proprietary hub centralizes AI-enhanced tools for productivity and system optimization. Tools like Acer PurifiedVoice and Acer PurifiedView utilize the NPU to filter environmental noise and enhance video clarity during streaming or conferencing. Moreover, the PredatorSense and NitroSense applications remain integral for monitoring system health and customizing hardware performance profiles.

Predator Peripherals: Completing the Ecosystem

To complement the new laptops, Acer introduces the Predator Galea 570 gaming headset and the Predator Cestus 530 gaming mouse. The Galea 570 features 50 mm drivers and Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology, ensuring crystal-clear communication via a detachable omnidirectional mic. It offers 30 hours of wireless use through Bluetooth 5.4 or 2.4 GHz connectivity.

The Predator Cestus 530 mouse utilizes a PixArt PAW3395 sensor, providing an expansive 26,000 DPI and a staggering 8,000 Hz polling rate in wired mode. This level of precision is critical for competitive scenarios where millisecond latencies determine success. Both peripherals are configurable via the Predator QuarterMaster app, allowing for granular control over lighting and performance metrics.

Global Market Availability and Regional Pricing

The rollout for these devices is scheduled across 2026. The Predator Helios Neo 16S AI arrives in Australia in Q1 2026, followed by EMEA in Q2 and North America in Q3. The Nitro V 16 AI follows a similar trajectory, becoming available in most regions by the second quarter of 2026. The Predator peripherals are expected to debut in North America and EMEA as early as Q1 2026. Prospective buyers can find comprehensive technical documentation and localized pricing at www.acer.com.