Acer Nitro Blaze 7 vs Steam Deck: Which is better?

We can now confidently say that handheld gaming is becoming mainstream! This is because, now even Acer has jumped into the race! The news is of the Acer Nitro Blaze 7, a newly announced handheld device that just might be the perfect contender to challenge the dominance of the Steam Deck. We will talk about this device more but if you’re pondering which handheld is the better choice for your gaming needs, you’re in the right place. Stick around for a detailed comparison of the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 and the Steam Deck, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision on your next portable gaming investment.

While the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 is still on the horizon with no confirmed release date, the detailed specs announced so far provide ample insight into its potential. Despite not being available yet, these specifications allow us to make a comparison with the Steam Deck. And that is what we are going to do! We’ll see how the Nitro Blaze 7’s features stack up against the Steam Deck, giving you a head start in evaluating which device might be the right fit for your gaming preferences.

Acer Nitro Blaze 7 vs Steam Deck: Which is better?

Given that the Steam Deck is available in multiple configurations, we’ll focus our comparison on the Steam Deck OLED 1TB version. So, for a quick overview, we’ll start with a head-to-head comparison of the specifications for both the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 and the Steam Deck OLED 1TB.

That provides a snapshot of how the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 and Steam Deck OLED 1TB stack up against each other. Now, let’s dive deeper into the core aspects that matter most for gaming: performance, display, and battery life.

Performance

Without being too technical, the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, which features 8 cores and 16 threads with a max boost clock speed up to 5.1 GHz, complemented by the AMD Radeon 780M Graphics. This combination is designed for high-performance gaming and multitasking, using advanced AI capabilities for efficiency. In contrast, the Steam Deck OLED 1TB uses a custom AMD APU with a quad-core Zen 2 CPU and AMD RDNA 2 GPU, which, while powerful for its size, operates at lower clock speeds and core counts compared to the Nitro Blaze 7. So, in a nutshell, the Nitro Blaze 7 has a much superior processing power and advanced GPU and will be able to handle modern titles with better performance!

Display

The Acer Nitro Blaze 7 has a 7-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, a high refresh rate of 144Hz, and 100% sRGB color coverage, supported by AMD FreeSync Premium technology. This undoubtedly ensures exceptionally smooth visuals with vibrant colors and reduced screen tearing. On the other hand, the Steam Deck OLED 1TB boasts a 7-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1280 x 800 and a 90Hz refresh rate. While the OLED panel provides deep blacks and high contrast, the Nitro Blaze 7’s higher refresh rate and broader color gamut are all you need for those modern titles.

Battery

When it comes to battery life, the Steam Deck OLED 1TB has an advantage due to its more power-efficient custom AMD APU and OLED display, which generally consumes less power compared to traditional LCDs. The Acer Nitro Blaze 7, with its higher-performance AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor and 144Hz LCD, is likely to consume more power, resulting in shorter battery life under intensive gaming sessions. While the Nitro Blaze 7 might deliver better performance, the Steam Deck OLED will provide longer gaming sessions on a single charge. Either way, you are going to end up playing while plugged in, especially with the Acer Nitro Blaze 7.

Game Pass and Steam library

The Acer Nitro Blaze 7 comes with three months of Xbox Game Pass, which means hundreds of new releases and titles. This subscription service provides a constantly updated library across various genres, making it attractive if you like exploring a wide range of games. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck OLED provides direct access to your existing Steam library, which includes thousands of games you already own or can purchase, along with seamless integration with the Steam platform’s community features, mods, and cloud saves.

Which is better?

For casual gamers who enjoy playing less demanding titles like classic Metroidvanias or indie games, the Steam Deck remains the best choice. Its access to your existing Steam library and hardware is perfectly suited for these types of games. And don’t get us wrong, it will still deliver a solid, cost-effective handheld experience. However, if you’re looking to play the latest AAA titles on the go with minimal compromise on graphics and performance, the new Acer Nitro Blaze 7 is shaping up to be a major contender in the handheld space. The main reason is the powerful CPU and GPU it comes with. With this, it could outperform not only the Steam Deck but also rival devices like the ASUS ROG Ally, making it an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize cutting-edge performance.

Price? (Expected price)

While we know the Steam Deck OLED 1TB is priced at around $649, the cost of the newly announced Acer Nitro Blaze 7 is not known as of now. Price is a significant factor when deciding between these devices. If the Nitro Blaze 7 is reasonably priced and offers good value for money with its upgraded features, it could be a compelling choice. However, if it ends up being priced above $800-$850, it may be a steep ask for most gamers, potentially limiting its appeal despite its advantages.

Well, that’s all the information we have on the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 versus the Steam Deck OLED. We hope this comparison has helped you make a more informed decision about which handheld gaming device suits your needs. Anyway, before you go, don’t forget to bookmark DigiStatement for more gaming guides, news, and comparisons like this one. Read more: Harry Potter Quidditch Champions Offline Support, Crossplay & Cross progression availability