Acer used the closing moments of its IFA 2026 press conference in Berlin to unveil Project DualPlay Mini, an experimental Predator gaming handheld that can transform into a small laptop, complete with an integrated physical keyboard and fold-out speakers.
The concept explores an interesting question for the increasingly crowded Windows handheld market: instead of carrying a gaming handheld and a laptop, could one device realistically handle both?
Project DualPlay Mini looks much like a conventional PC gaming handheld, with a central display flanked by game controls. Acer says it uses TMR joysticks and Hall-effect triggers, technologies designed to provide precise controls while reducing the mechanical wear that can eventually lead to stick drift. The concept is powered by an Intel processor, although Acer has not disclosed the exact chip.
The unusual part becomes apparent when you open the device. A physical keyboard folds out from underneath the display, effectively turning the handheld into a miniature laptop. At the same time, two speaker wings deploy on either side of the screen, giving the system a distinctly unconventional appearance.
During the presentation, Acer framed the design around three potential scenarios: gaming on the couch as a handheld, using it as a productivity machine while traveling, and connecting it to a larger monitor at a desk.
Acer envisions this concept as a seamless transition between handheld gaming and notebook-style productivity. According to the company, users could play using the integrated controls, then open the device to work on documents, email, communication, or other everyday Windows tasks without carrying a second computer.
The keyboard also changes how the DualPlay Mini could be used for PC gaming. Acer suggests pairing the integrated keyboard with a Bluetooth mouse, effectively providing conventional keyboard-and-mouse controls for first-person shooters while retaining the handheld form factor when those controls are not needed.
Predator Cooling In a Much Stranger Form Factor
Project DualPlay Mini uses Predator AeroBlade cooling, combining ultra-thin metal fan blades with the company’s Vortex Flow cooling technology.Acer claims the system can improve airflow by up to 10% compared with a conventional plastic fan, based on its internal testing. The goal is to maintain performance during extended gaming sessions despite the compact chassis.
The company did not reveal other important specifications such as display resolution and refresh rate, battery capacity, RAM, storage, processor model, dimensions, or weight.
And importantly, this is still a concept rather than an announced retail product. Acer has not provided pricing or a release date, and the company notes that the images may not represent a final production device.
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