This week marks an exciting shift in the gaming laptop landscape as Asus and Acer unveil their latest offerings, both emphasizing AI-powered performance and enhanced portability. Asus is introducing a sleek 14-inch gaming laptop designed for gamers on the go, while Acer is expanding its Nitro AI lineup with new laptops and desktops that promise a blend of power and intelligent features. Acer is significantly upgrading its Nitro gaming series with the launch of new Nitro AI laptops and the Nitro 20 desktop. The latest additions to the Nitro AI series include an 18-inch model and three 16-inch variants, featuring slim designs tailored for both gaming and multitasking on the move. These laptops are engineered to provide a seamless experience, whether you're battling it out in the latest AAA titles or handling demanding creative tasks. The new Nitro AI laptops are Copilot+ PCs, powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 Series chips and paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs. This combination brings next-level AI performance to a broader audience, enhancing everything from gaming visuals to productivity applications. Across the board, these Nitro AI machines offer up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and up to 2 TB of PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage, ensuring ample memory and lightning-fast storage for all your needs. Specifically, the Nitro 18 AI (AN18-61) boasts a large 18-inch display with up to WQXGA (2560x1600) resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, providing immersive visuals and smooth gameplay. The Nitro 16 AI (AN16-61), Nitro V 16S AI (ANV16S-61), and Nitro 16S AI (AN16S-61) feature the same crisp WQXGA panels but with even smoother 180Hz refresh rates and up to 400 nits of brightness. All four models support NVIDIA G-SYNC, minimizing screen tearing, lag, and stutter for a fluid gaming experience.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0WPvzNhNe0 To keep these powerful components cool, all devices feature dual-fan systems with quad-intake and quad-exhaust technology. The new models also incorporate liquid metal thermal grease on the processors and vector heat pipes, optimizing heat transfer for sustained performance during intense gaming sessions. These advanced cooling solutions ensure that the laptops maintain optimal temperatures, even under heavy loads. Several factors differentiate these new Nitro laptops. Screen size is an obvious one, with one model sporting an 18-inch display while the others feature 16-inch screens. The Nitro 16S AI and Nitro V 16S AI models stand out with their sleek, slim profiles, measuring under 19.9 mm. However, this thinner build results in a slightly smaller 76Whr battery compared to the standard 90Whr battery found in the non-S models. When comparing the Nitro V 16S AI and Nitro 16S AI directly, the primary distinction lies in the processor options. The V model is equipped with the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365, while the 16S AI offers greater flexibility, allowing users to choose between the Ryzen AI 9 365, AI 7 350, or AI 5 340, catering to different performance and budget requirements.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njr-t9-J9s0&t=7s In terms of connectivity, the 18-inch model, the 16-inch model, and the Nitro 16S AI all support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 or higher. The Nitro V 16S AI also includes Wi-Fi 6E, but its Bluetooth capability tops out at 5.2. All models come with USB 4 ports for versatile connections and feature FHD IR cameras, ideal for streaming or video calls. Additionally, NitroSense and the built-in Experience Zone provide access to various AI features designed to enhance both gaming and productivity. While US availability is still pending, Acer has announced launch details for other regions. The Nitro 18 AI is set to launch in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) this August, with prices starting at €1,499 (approximately $1,700). The Nitro 16 AI will arrive in North America in Q3 and in EMEA in July, starting at €1,399 (around $1590). The Nitro 16S AI is also scheduled for release in EMEA in July, with a starting price of €1,399. The Nitro V 16S AI is expected in North America in Q3 and in EMEA in August, starting at €1,299 (roughly $1475). The delay in US availability may be linked to uncertainties surrounding new import tariffs, which could affect final pricing. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
