Acer’s new Predator laptops offer glasses-free 3D and killer RTX 40-series GPUs
New Triton and Helios models sport the latest hardware and some unique extras.
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Acer unveiled a massive collection of new hardware during itsnext@acer global press conference, including some pretty spectacular gaming laptops to expand its Predator range. Headlining thePredator Triton 17 Xas its most powerful so far, Acer looks to dominate the gaming laptop scene with a skinny workhouse that doesn’t sacrifice performance, somewhat of an answer to the oversized chunky gaming-centric machines of the past.
It’s a solid metal machine with customizable components, including up to a13th Gen Intel Corei9-13900HX processor and NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 4090 laptop GPUs. Acer is also introducing a vapor chamber solution for thermal control with the Triton X, much like its rival brands have recently opted for. Everything seems in line with the competition, but a specialSpatialLabs Editionof its newHelios 3D 15gaming laptop stands out as a fascinating addition.
Featuring the same Intel Core i9-13900HX CPU as the Triton X, theHelios 3D 15 SpatialLabs Editionsports an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 laptop GPU that pairs with a particularly exciting feature built into its 15.6" screen. Combining eye-tracking and stereoscopic 3D tech from its SpatialLabs namesake, gamers can experience three-dimensional visuals without needing unflattering glasses or other head-mounted accessories. Over 70 games are set to support the feature at launch via the TrueGame app, with more to be added regularly.
In its standard 2D mode, theHelios 3D 15 SpatialLabs Editioncan display up to an ultra HD (3840 x 2160) image or 1920 x 2160 with the SpatialLabs 3D Stereoscopic module active, higher than the typical 1080p either way. It’s a wild feature that somewhat takes a backseat to the remaining Predator Triton and Helios laptops in Acer’s announcement, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed for an opportunity to check it out in person. An RTX 4080 laptop GPU should have no trouble powering the visuals, and configuring up to 32GB ofDDR5-5600 RAMbags you a portable powerhouse.
Closer to the realms of affordability, Acer also revealed two small yet powerful gaming variants. Despite the price drop, thePredator Helios Neo 16still offers 13th Gen Intel Core -HX series processors, paired with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 laptop GPU alongside 32GB of DDR5-4800 RAM. It’s a powerful option for less than half the price of its stereoscopic 3D sibling and comes with curious laser-etched codes on the lid. Does it mean anything? Up to you to find out.
There’s a smaller Triton variant, too, still loaded with up to a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 or 4070 laptop GPU in thePredator Triton 14. The 14" panel thankfully opts for a 16:10 aspect ratio, supporting up to WQXGA (2560 x 1600) resolutions at 250Hz. For the price, that’s an outrageously smooth screen that’ll pair well with its Mini-LED tech featuring DisplayHDR 600 certification, going up against some of thebest gaming laptopsin terms of value.
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Ben is a Senior Editor at Windows Central, covering everything related to technology hardware and software. He regularly goes hands-on with the latest Windows laptops, components inside custom gaming desktops, and any accessory compatible with PC and Xbox. His lifelong obsession with dismantling gadgets to see how they work led him to pursue a career in tech-centric journalism after a decade of experience in electronics retail and tech support.
