Review Predator Atlas 8: Is Arc G3 Extreme a Game-Changer for PC Handhelds?

Key Points:

• Acer's Predator Atlas 8 handheld, priced at $1300/£1300, features Intel's first handheld-specific Arc G3 Extreme chipset, offering a significant performance boost over AMD Z2 Extreme-powered rivals like the ROG Xbox Ally X20.
• The device sports an 8-inch 1920x1200 120Hz VRR screen with good brightness and viewing angles, loud speakers, and modern TMR sensors in sticks and triggers, but its ergonomics and vibration feedback lag behind competitors such as the Xbox Ally and Steam Deck.
• Performance tests show the Atlas 8 outperforms the Xbox Ally X by 50-70% at matched settings, enabling higher frame rates and smoother gameplay on demanding titles like Civilization 7, Forza Horizon 6, and Red Dead Redemption 2.
• However, the Atlas 8's Windows 11 operating system suffers from usability issues including a complicated setup, fragmented driver updates, software crashes, and intrusive standard Windows elements that detract from the gaming experience.
• Despite these software rough edges, the Atlas 8's powerful hardware and solid design make it a compelling handheld gaming device, though future iterations could benefit from ergonomic improvements and a more streamlined OS experience.