Acer’s new Predator Atlas 8 gaming handheld was officially unveiled at this year’s Computex, and while its main purpose is for gamers to enjoy their favourite AAA games on the go, we thought its ability to perform as a standalone gaming PC might be one of its best features.

The Acer Predator Atlas 8 gaming handheld looks set to launch between now and the end of the year – with keen gamers able to register their interest via the official Atlas 8 landing page. It was unveiled at this year’s Computex as one of Acer’s biggest unveilings – and it’s easy to see why.

The new gaming handheld will hit shelves in four core configurations, with the top model sporting the powerful Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor, Intel Arc B390 graphics, and 24GB LPDDR5 memory. Its 8″ WUXGA IPS display offers up to a 120 Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness, bringing games to life in stunning, vivid detail.

With all that power, it’s no surprise to hear that the Predator Atlas 8 gaming handheld can also be used as a fully functional, standalone Windows PC. That’s right, gamers can hook up their monitor, keyboard and mouse (or controller), and convert handheld gaming into work emails, browsing the web, or streaming.

With that in mind, we’ll be pitting the Predator Atlas 8 gaming handheld against a similarly priced gaming PC to see which offers the best overall experience – and you might be surprised by the results.

• Pre order the Predator Atlas 8 gaming handheld now

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Why choose the Acer Predator Atlas 8

There are plenty of positives to choosing the Acer Predator Atlas 8 for your next gaming handheld. For a start, it’s easily the best gaming handheld the brand has designed, and one that looks to make its mark in the ever-growing handheld marketplace. But what makes it so great?

As mentioned above, the Predator Atlas 8 prioritizes top-end performance, equipped with the latest Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor and B390 graphics. It isn’t all about raw performance, though; the Atlas 8 also comes with a bunch of features geared towards your gaming experience, build quality, and usability.

Firstly, Acer has equipped the Atlas 8 with the latest TMR joysticks, delivering zero deadzone input while also offering reduced contact wear and better drift-resistant control. The rear triggers now feature Hall-effect analog triggers, which help keep consistent, precise pulls – for a more premium gaming feel. Gamers also have the option to adjust the actuation of the rear triggers via a built-in toggle switch – perfect for more competitive games that require speedier response.

Lastly, the powerful onboard 80Wh battery now produces between 8 and 20+ hours of run time – depending on your hardware setup and game settings. All combined, the Atlas 8 gaming handheld is a formidable offering to today’s market. It’s also worth mentioning that, alongside the free screen protector that comes with every unit – and the excellent pre-order launch pack worth £285 – the Atlas 8 also features the latest Corning Gorilla Glass with DXC for improved visual performance when used in direct sunlight.

Buying the Predator Atlas 8 gaming handheld over a gaming PC

As gaming handhelds grow in popularity, the question of “should I buy a handheld over a gaming PC” becomes more frequently asked – even more so now that pricing for handhelds is directly in line with gaming PCs.

So, we’ve seen what you can buy for £1,299; now let’s see what the Atlas 8 gaming handheld offers when it comes to a direct gaming PC comparison.

1. Hardware designed to handle modern AAA games

Modern games demand more performance than ever, and the Predator Atlas 8 has been designed with that in mind. Powered by Intel’s latest gaming-focused hardware and Arc graphics architecture, it’s built to tackle today’s biggest releases while also supporting modern rendering technologies that help improve both image quality and frame rates.

Combined with fast LPDDR5X memory and PCIe Gen4 storage, the result is a handheld that’s engineered to keep up with the latest games rather than just yesterday’s favourites.

2. Windows 11 functionality

Next up, the Predator Atlas 8 runs Windows 11, giving you access to the same PC gaming ecosystem you’d use on a desktop. That means you can install your favourite launchers, access your existing game libraries, and enjoy the flexibility that comes with a full Windows PC. Rather than being tied to a single storefront, you’re free to play the games you already own across multiple platforms.

Simply use a supportive Docking Station to connect your monitor, keyboard, and mouse – converting the Atlas 8 from gaming handheld to fully fledged gaming PC.

3. PredatorSense gives you full control

Powerful hardware is only half the story. Having quick access to the settings that matter most can make a huge difference when you’re switching between gaming and browsing.

That’s where PredatorSense comes in. Acer’s software acts as a central hub for managing your handheld, allowing you to adjust performance profiles, monitor system temperatures, customise controls, and fine-tune your gaming experience without digging through Windows settings.

Whether you’re looking to prioritise maximum performance for demanding AAA games or dial things back to extend battery life while travelling, PredatorSense makes those changes quick and accessible.

4. Small footprint ideal for students

One of the biggest ‘issues’ – if you want to call it that – with a gaming PC is the amount of physical space it takes up. Most modern gaming PC cases take up a decent amount of space on the floor or your desk – and we all know how small today’s dorm rooms can be.

With the Atlas 8, that won’t be a huge concern, as you’ll only need space for the a Docking Station and your keyboard/mouse (or controller if you’re that way inclined).

Having powerful hardware in a small chassis is a huge plus for anyone looking to not only enjoy AAA gaming but also keep their student accommodation tidy – and another great reason why the Atlas 8 is worth considering instead of a gaming PC.

5. Gaming on-the-go

Arguably the biggest selling point of the Predator Atlas 8, after everything we’d mentioned, is that it’s a gaming handheld. Once you’ve finished using it as a standalone gaming PC (or work machine), you can simply unplug it from the dock and take it on the road as it was designed to do.

All that power can instead be used to enjoy high-fidelity gameplay wherever you may be. And with an 80Wh battery, players can expect anywhere from 8-20+ hours of usage – depending on their hardware setup.

6. Dual controller connectivity

Just like any great console, the Acer Atlas 8 gaming handheld wouldn’t be complete without the versatility of being able to connect two controllers for Co-op gaming. Thanks to the extensive connectivity of the Docking station, you’ll be able to load up two controllers and play your favourite co-op game with your buddy.

Pair that with the Atlas 8’s excellent portability, and it’s easy to see why this could easily be a replacement for your gaming PC.

Predator Atlas 8 vs Gaming PC

Before we start, let’s take a quick look at what gamers could get if they decided to spend their money on a standalone gaming PC. Below, we’ve priced up a gaming PC for £1,300 and compared it spec-for-spec with the Atlas 8.

At first, we tried to keep the gaming PC as similar as possible to the Atlas 8 – assuming it would be around £200-300 cheaper. However, when you factor in the monitor – and peripherals that haven’t been added to the above price comparison – it soon added up to be almost identical in price.

To give you an idea of what the above means, we’ve done benchmarking on both systems to see what the difference would be.

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Final thoughts

The Acer Predator Atlas 8 isn’t trying to be just another handheld gaming console. It’s designed to deliver the freedom of portable gaming while retaining many of the advantages that make PC gaming so appealing in the first place.

From modern Intel-powered performance and a fast 120Hz display to Windows 11 compatibility and versatile connectivity, it brings together many of the features gamers expect from a desktop in a much smaller package.

For anyone considering their next gaming upgrade, the Predator Atlas 8 makes a strong case for leaving the traditional desktop behind – without leaving your favourite PC games behind with it.

About the Author

Charlie Noon

Charlie is the Affiliate manager for PC Guide. He has a vast understanding of most PC hardware and consumer essentials, using his knowledge to provide the best products and the biggest deals.