This concept handheld can turn into a laptop, complete with a keyboard

Acer is no stranger to handheld gaming, as its Windows handhelds have been around for a while. Now, the company has revealed its new Predator Atlas 7 handheld, along with a radical concept handheld.

Starting with the concept device, Acer has unveiled the Project DualPlay Mini handheld. This gadget looks like a large Windows handheld at first, complete with all the expected controls. However, the device opens like a laptop, revealing a large, backlit physical keyboard. The 8-inch screen also swivels inwards to complete the laptop/netbook transformation.

Acer adds that the Project DualPlay Mini can connect to an external display, giving you a larger screen for work or play. The device also packs an unnamed Intel chip and the same dual cooling fans seen on the Atlas 8.

The biggest downside to this handheld is that it’s merely a concept at this stage. We also don’t know whether it’s comfortable to use, if there are any weight issues (e.g., heavy design or top-heavy), or if it can withstand repeated folds and swivels. Windows handheld pioneer GPD has long offered netbook-style devices with the gamepad controls crammed above the keyboard. So Acer’s solution seems like an intriguing alternative to this established approach.

Predator Atlas 7: A smaller (but still large) handheld

The Predator Atlas 7 is effectively a smaller version of the Predator Atlas 8 that launched back in May. As the name implies, the new model has a seven-inch display (1080p, 16:9, 120Hz, Gorilla Glass Victus) versus the Atlas 8’s eight-inch panel. The new handheld also has a slightly lighter design (albeit still at least 700 grams) and a negligibly smaller form factor.

As for core specs, the Predator Atlas 7 offers your choice of Intel Arc G3 or G3 Extreme processor, Arc B370 or B390 graphics, up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and up to 1TB of NVMe storage. The handheld also comes with your choice of 60Wh or 80Wh battery, although there’s no word on exact battery life. Otherwise, 65W charging should get you back up to speed relatively quickly.

Other notable features include full-size TMR analog sticks, Hall Effect triggers, rear buttons, an Xbox key, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, microSD expansion, and a power button/fingerprint scanner combo.

There’s no word on pricing just yet, but Acer says the Predator Atlas 7 will launch in North America in Q4 2026 and in EMEA markets from November.