PC manufacturers are releasing a steady stream of portable gaming PCs equipped with widescreen displays.
While these devices offer specifications more than sufficient for gaming, some users feel it’s a waste to use them exclusively for gaming.
Perhaps in response to this sentiment, Acer announced “Project DualPlay Mini,” a concept model featuring a QWERTY keyboard, in September 2026.
I got to see the actual unit that same month at IFA 2026 in Berlin.
A portable gaming PC with an 8-inch display
" Project DualPlay Mini " is a concept model featuring gaming controllers on either side of the display, allowing users to hold it with both hands for a full-fledged PC gaming experience.
Acer already offers two portable gaming PCs: the “Nitro Blaze” and the “Predator Atlas.”
The “Project DualPlay Mini” has an angular design and, if anything, resembles the “Nitro Blaze” in appearance.
The display measures 8 inches.
As this is a concept model, detailed specifications have not been released.
What is known is that it utilizes an Intel platform, including the “Intel Arc G3 Extreme” for the processor’s graphics.
Additionally, the cooling system features a dual-fan setup combining standard plastic fans with “Predator AeroBlade”—thin metal blades that improve airflow by up to 10 percent.
Furthermore, the rear panel features two USB Type-C ports—including Thunderbolt—that support external monitor output, balancing high processing power with expandability.
Looking at the back, you’ll see the “PREDATOR” logo, indicating that this device belongs to the brand’s “Predator Atlas” series.
Furthermore, the row of dots engraved below that logo is actually Morse code.
To commemorate the company’s 50th anniversary this year, 2026, the message “Acer 50 since 1976” is displayed in Morse code.
While it is the latest concept model, it is a thoughtfully designed device that also celebrates the company’s rich history.
A proprietary gaming management launcher is running on the display.
The demo unit features titles such as “Disney Speedstorm” and “Forza Horizon 5,” with icons for major platforms like Xbox and Steam positioned at the bottom of the screen.
This is equivalent to “PredatorSense,” which is featured in the existing “Predator Atlas” series.
This device is a Windows-based portable gaming PC, and its strength lies in a user-friendly UI that allows you to intuitively manage and launch games via the touchscreen.
However, the true value of this device is revealed when you lift the screen upward and flip it 180 degrees.
“Project DualPlay Mini” truly shines with its “open and rotate” display mechanism.
While there are examples of connecting a Bluetooth keyboard to a high-performance portable gaming PC for business or everyday use, carrying a separate keyboard around is inconvenient, isn’t it?
That’s why Acer came up with a solution: a rotating mechanism that integrates the keyboard right into the device.
When the display is fully raised, it takes on the form of a widescreen laptop.
However, the display isn’t visible in this state.
The keyboard features a standard layout, and both its size and key feel are satisfactory.
That said, since this is a concept model, the key feel and other aspects may change when it’s actually released as a product.
Rotating the display up or down from this position transforms it from a portable gaming PC style into a widescreen laptop.
When closed, this configuration is more compact than a standard laptop—a design that brings to mind Sony’s legendary “VAIO P,” released about 20 years ago.
The determination and passion behind cramming a QWERTY keyboard into a widescreen, game-console-style body seem to have revived the DNA of those quirky gimmicks for the modern era using Reiwa-era technology.
I strongly felt that this shouldn’t just remain a concept—I really hope it gets put into production.
The “Predator Atlas 7” was also unveiled at IFA 2026.
Compared to the “Predator Atlas 8” announced in May, the display aspect ratio is 16:9—wider—and the chassis is noticeably more compact and streamlined.
The front speaker grille has been removed, giving it a more solid and refined appearance.
It’s easy to grip even for Asian players with smaller hands, and combined with the TMR-style sticks that minimize drift, the finish gives a sense of extremely high quality.
Acer’s latest lineup of handheld PCs each exudes its own distinct personality.
The "Predator Atlas 8," boasting a large, immersive screen and a 16:10 aspect ratio; the newly announced "Predator Atlas 7," which is a size smaller and offers superior portability; and the "Project DualPlay Mini," which offers a glimpse into the future with its innovative flip-and-rotate mechanism.
From classic ease of use to romantic new concepts, Acer is striving to meet every need of PC gamers.
▼Photo & Written by Yasuhiro Yamane/Yasuhiro Yamane
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