Acer’s 2026 Gaming Laptops Get Panther Lake Power at CES
▼ Summary
– Acer announced a new range of gaming laptops at CES 2026, including the Predator Helios Neo 16S AI and two Nitro V 16 models, covering top to mid-range price points.
– The flagship Predator Helios features an OLED display and up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU, while the Nitro models have more basic displays and top out at a Core Ultra 7 processor.
– All three laptops can be configured with up to an Nvidia RTX 5070 GPU and 2TB of storage, but the entire lineup uses Wi-Fi 6E instead of the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard.
– The Nitro V 16 AI launches in Q2 2026, with the Nitro V 16S AI and Predator Helios Neo 16S AI following in Q3; pricing for all laptops is currently undisclosed.
– Acer also announced two gaming peripherals: the Galea 570 headset and Cestus 530 mouse, which will launch in Q1 2026 for $149 and $109 respectively.
Acer has unveiled a significant refresh of its gaming laptop portfolio at CES 2026, headlined by new models powered by Intel’s next-generation Panther Lake processors. The announcement covers the high-end Predator Helios Neo 16S AI and the more accessible Nitro V 16 AI and Nitro V 16S AI, promising a tiered approach to performance for different budgets. While final pricing remains under wraps, the new systems signal Acer’s commitment to integrating advanced AI capabilities and robust graphics power across its lineup.
Sitting at the top of the range, the Predator Helios Neo 16S AI is configured as a premium mobile gaming powerhouse. It can be equipped with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor and a formidable Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU. It distinguishes itself with a stunning 16-inch OLED display running at a 2560 x 1600 resolution and a 165 Hz refresh rate, housed in a chassis that supports up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM. For connectivity, it includes Thunderbolt 4 and a comprehensive array of ports, though it utilizes Wi-Fi 6E instead of the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard. A substantial 92 WHr battery aims to provide extended unplugged use.
Positioned for the mid-range market, the Nitro V 16 AI and its slightly slimmer sibling, the Nitro V 16S AI, share many core specifications. Both models can be configured with up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 355 processor and the same Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU as the higher-end model, ensuring strong graphical performance. They feature 16-inch displays with a 1920 x 1200 resolution and a fast 180 Hz refresh rate, complemented by a MUX switch for optimized gaming performance. System memory tops out at 32GB of DDR5, and storage can be expanded to 2TB. The primary physical difference is a thinner profile on the 16S AI model, measuring 10.3 mm at its slimmest point compared to 11.37 mm for the standard Nitro V 16 AI.
Availability for these new laptops is staggered throughout the year. Acer plans to release the Nitro V 16 AI first in the second quarter of 2026, followed by both the Nitro V 16S AI and the flagship Predator Helios Neo 16S AI in the third quarter. The company has not disclosed starting prices, citing market volatility in component costs like RAM.
Beyond laptops, Acer introduced two new gaming peripherals set for an earlier launch. The Galea 570 gaming headset features hybrid active noise cancellation, multiple connectivity options including Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, and a claimed battery life of up to 30 hours. It will carry a price tag of $149. The companion Cestus 530 gaming mouse also supports dual wireless connectivity and boasts a high 8,000 Hz polling rate for ultra-responsive input, priced at $109. Both devices can be customized through Acer’s QuarterMaster software and are scheduled to hit the market in the first quarter of 2026.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
