Acer unveiled Project DualPlay Mini – a hybrid laptop and handheld console
Acer unveiled the Project DualPlay Mini concept at the IFA 2026 exhibition, which combines a portable game console and a mini laptop.
The device features an 8-inch display, a built-in gamepad, and a physical keyboard hidden inside the chassis. Switching between the two modes can be done without connecting additional accessories.
From a portable console to a mini-laptop
In its normal state, Project DualPlay Mini resembles modern handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck. Analog sticks, a D-pad, ABXY buttons, and triggers are located on the sides of the screen.
The main feature of the design is revealed when the case is opened. The screen lifts up, after which it can be rotated 180 degrees. Underneath it is a compact physical keyboard with backlighting. In this configuration, the Project DualPlay Mini becomes a miniature laptop.
Acer calls the design Flip-and-Swivel. Users can quickly switch between two control options depending on the game. A gamepad is better suited for racing, action, and platformer games, while a keyboard is useful in shooters, strategy games, and other PC games with many commands.
Portable device for work
The display diagonal is only 8 inches, so Acer does not attempt to present the device as a full replacement for a conventional laptop. Instead, the company views it as a universal mobile computer that can be used for work while traveling.
Project DualPlay Mini supports external monitor connection. In this mode, the built-in keyboard allows you to use the device almost like a compact system unit without the need to constantly carry a separate keyboard.
Two USB-C ports are located on the top edge of the prototype. According to journalists who got acquainted with the device on IFA 2026, at least one of them supports Thunderbolt. A 3.5-mm headphone jack is also provided.
Performance and cooling
Full technical specifications for Acer have not yet been disclosed. It is known that Project DualPlay Mini is built on the Intel platform.
The cooling system consists of two fans and largely replicates the design of the portable console Predator Atlas 8. One of the fans is a metal Predator AeroBlade with thin blades, while the second one is made of plastic.
The processor model, RAM capacity, storage specifications, display resolution and refresh rate, as well as battery capacity have not yet been announced.
Price and start of sales
Project DualPlay Mini currently exists only as a concept. Acer explicitly states that the company has no specific plans to launch the device for mass production.
Therefore, the price, release date, and final specifications are unavailable. It is also unknown whether this unusual design will be retained in future commercial Predator devices.
At the same time as Project DualPlay Mini, the company presented the already mass-produced portable console Predator Atlas 7. Unlike the concept, it will go on sale: the model features a 7-inch display with 1920 × 1080 pixels resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate, Intel Arc G3 or G3 Extreme processors, graphics up to Arc B390, up to 24 GB of RAM, and a battery with capacity up to 80 Wh.
