PC gaming can be a costly hobby, particularly if you’re always aiming for the newest games and top-of-the-line equipment. However, many gamers aren’t necessarily focused on having the very latest releases.
As a researcher, I’ve noticed a lot of gamers don’t actually *need* the most powerful, expensive hardware. Luckily, it looks like we’re going to see even more affordable gaming options become available this year, which is great news for budget-minded players.
At CES 2026 this week, Acer unveiled a wide range of new products, including two new gaming laptops – the Acer Nitro V 16 AI and Nitro V 16S AI. Acer says these laptops are built for gamers who want a good experience without spending a fortune.
At first glance, these two laptops seem quite alike, but the Nitro V 16S AI is noticeably thinner, measuring less than 17.9mm. You can find a detailed list of features for the new Acer Nitro V 16 AI Series below.
| Acer Nitro V 16 AI | Acer Nitro V 16S AI | |
| OS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Release dates | Q2 2026 (NA, EMEA, Australia) | Q2 2026 EMEA, Q3 2026 NA |
| Processor | Up to Intel Core Ultra 7 355 | Up to Intel Core Ultra 7 355 |
| NPU | 45 AI TOPS | 45 AI TOPS |
| Graphics | Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 L | Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 L |
| Memory | Up to 32GB DDR5 RAM | Up to 32GB DDR5 RAM |
| Storage | Up to 2TB PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD | Up to 2TB PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD |
| Display | 16-inch 16:10 WUXGA (1920×1200), 180Hz, 100% sRGB color gamut, MUX Switch | 16-inch 16:10 WUXGA (1920×1200), 180Hz, 100% sRGB color gamut, MUX Switch |
| Features | Copilot+ PC, Acer Intelligence Space, 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard, AcerPurifiedVoice, AcerPurifiedView, NitroSens | Copilot+ PC, Acer Intelligence Space, Slim chassis design (>17.9mm), 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard, AcerPurifiedVoice, AcerPurifiedView, NitroSense |
| Connectivity | Intel Killer DoubleShot Pro Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2 | Intel Killer DoubleShot Pro Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ports | 1x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2z USB-A 3.2, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x audio jack, 1x RJ45 | 1x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2z USB-A 3.2, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x audio jack, 1x RJ45 |
| Webcam | FHD 1920 x 1080 IR, with camera shutter | FHD 1920 x 1080 IR, with camera shutter |
| Audio | DTSX: Ultra, 2 speakers, triple-mic array | DTSX: Ultra, 2 speakers, triple-mic array |
Acer is well-known for making PCs for all kinds of users and budgets, from everyday office work to serious gaming. They have two main lines for gamers: Predator, which is their top-of-the-line brand, and Nitro, which provides more affordable options without sacrificing too much performance.
Acer’s new laptops aim to provide a balance between powerful performance and easy portability. While the exact specifications are still being finalized, they’re expected to feature the newest Intel Core Ultra processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-Series graphics cards. Because these Intel processors are designed for artificial intelligence – capable of up to 45 AI TOPS – these laptops will be both AI PCs and compatible with Copilot+ features.
AI processors include a special component called an NPU, which helps handle artificial intelligence tasks, freeing up the main CPU and graphics card. This makes the whole system run smoother. In gaming laptops, these AI chips often let manufacturers prioritize battery life and a smaller size over raw power – that’s why Acer’s more affordable Nitro series uses them.
There’s debate about whether AI chips are suitable for top-of-the-line gaming devices, and sometimes that’s true depending on the specific hardware. However, AI chips are rapidly becoming more powerful, and many companies seem to be adding them to their high-end products, likely to prepare for future advancements and ensure long-term performance.
The Acer Nitro V 16 AI laptop will launch in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia in the second quarter of 2026. The Acer Nitro V 16S AI will be available in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in Q2 2026, and in North America during the third quarter of 2026. Pricing for both models hasn’t been revealed yet.
We’re planning our PC gaming hardware coverage for 2026 and want to know what you’d like to see! Are you most interested in affordable gaming desktops, laptops, or handheld devices? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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2026-01-06 02:11