Acer Expands Gaming Lineup With New AI Laptops
- The Predator Helios Neo 16S AI is a premium OLED gaming laptop with up to the new Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 386H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs housed in a sleek metal chassis.
- The Acer Nitro V AI series welcomes two new members including the Nitro V 16 AI and the slimmer Nitro V 16S AI for mobile gamers.
- All models support Copilot+ PC experiences on Windows 11 and Acer Intelligence Space for AI-enhanced creativity, productivity, and gaming.
Predator Helios Neo 16S AI Leads the New Lineup
Acer’s flagship announcement is the Predator Helios Neo 16S AI, a slim 18.9 mm metal‑chassis laptop equipped with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU. The system uses NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture and supports DLSS 4, enabling higher frame rates and improved rendering efficiency. A 16‑inch WQXGA OLED display provides high contrast, HDR support and precise color reproduction for gaming and creative work. Internal cooling is handled by a 5th‑generation AeroBlade 3D fan and liquid metal thermal grease to maintain performance under load.
Memory options scale up to 64 GB of DDR5 6400 MT/s RAM, while storage reaches 2 TB of PCIe SSD capacity. The laptop includes an FHD IR webcam and DTS:X Ultra audio for clearer communication and media playback. Copilot+ PC features on Windows 11, such as Live Captions, enhance in‑game communication and productivity tasks. Connectivity includes Intel Killer DoubleShot Pro Wi‑Fi 6E, Thunderbolt 4 and multiple high‑speed I/O ports.
Acer positions the Helios Neo 16S AI as a balance between power and portability. Its hardware configuration targets gamers and creators who need strong performance without moving to a bulkier desktop replacement. The OLED panel and AI‑accelerated graphics aim to support both entertainment and professional workflows. This model anchors Acer’s broader push into AI‑enabled gaming systems.
The Predator Helios Neo 16S AI will roll out across regions throughout 2026, with availability beginning in Australia in Q1, EMEA in Q2 and North America in Q3. Pricing will vary by configuration and market. Acer notes that specifications may differ depending on regional requirements. More details will be provided by local Acer offices.
Nitro Series Offers Flexible Options for Casual Gamers
Acer also expanded its Nitro lineup with two new models designed for mainstream and mobile‑focused users. The Nitro V 16 AI features up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 355 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU, supporting up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and 2 TB of SSD storage. DTS:X Ultra audio and an FHD IR webcam with a privacy shutter round out its multimedia features. The design targets users who want capable hardware without moving into premium pricing tiers.
The Nitro V 16S AI introduces a thinner profile at under 17.9 mm while retaining similar CPU and GPU options. Its 16‑inch WUXGA display, 4‑zone RGB keyboard and Intel Killer Wi‑Fi 6E aim to provide a balanced experience for gaming and everyday use. Acer highlights the device as a suitable choice for on‑the‑go players who want modern features in a lighter chassis. The model also includes a privacy‑focused FHD IR webcam.
Both Nitro models integrate Acer Intelligence Space, a suite of AI‑enhanced tools for productivity, creativity and gaming. As Copilot+ PCs, they include NPUs capable of over 45 AI TOPS for on‑device AI acceleration. Features such as Live Captions and Image Creator support real‑time translation and content generation. These additions reflect Acer’s broader strategy to embed AI capabilities across its gaming portfolio.
Availability for the Nitro series begins in Q2 2026 for most regions, with the V 16S AI reaching North America in Q3. Pricing will depend on configuration and market. Acer expects the Nitro lineup to appeal to a wide range of users seeking performance at accessible price points. Regional Acer offices will provide detailed specifications closer to launch.
New Predator Accessories Expand Acer’s Gaming Ecosystem
Acer complemented its laptop announcements with two new gaming accessories. The Predator Galea 570 headset features 50 mm drivers, customizable audio profiles via the Predator QuarterMaster app and ENC technology for clearer communication. Users can switch between 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.4 or wired modes, with up to 30 hours of use on a single charge. The headset aims to support both competitive gaming and general media consumption.
The Predator Cestus 530 gaming mouse includes a PixArt PAW3395 sensor offering up to 26,000 DPI, 650 IPS tracking and an 8,000 Hz polling rate. Triple‑mode connectivity allows seamless switching between wired, Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless operation. The mouse is rated for 80 million clicks, and its performance settings can be customized through the Predator QuarterMaster app. Acer designed the device to meet the needs of players who require precision and responsiveness.
Both accessories will be available in North America and EMEA beginning in Q1 2026. Pricing starts at USD 149 for the Galea 570 headset and USD 109 for the Cestus 530 mouse. European pricing begins at EUR 149 and EUR 99 respectively. Acer notes that availability may vary by region.
Acer’s accessory lineup is intended to complement its new gaming laptops. The company aims to offer a cohesive ecosystem for players who want consistent performance across devices. These additions reflect Acer’s continued investment in gaming hardware. More details will be shared as regional launches approach.
The Predator Helios Neo 16S AI’s use of liquid metal thermal grease reflects a growing trend in high‑end laptops. Liquid metal offers significantly better thermal conductivity than traditional pastes, but it requires careful application due to its electrical conductivity. Manufacturers have increasingly adopted it to manage heat in thinner systems with powerful GPUs. Acer’s implementation suggests that liquid metal cooling is becoming more common in mainstream gaming laptops rather than remaining a niche feature.
