Acer kicked off CES 2026 in Las Vegas by announcing fresh AMD processor upgrades for its Nitro V 16 AI gaming laptop and Aspire series. These updates bring better performance for gamers and everyday users, focusing on AI features and stronger graphics without a full redesign.
The changes come as laptop makers push for more power in slim designs. With AMD’s latest Ryzen AI chips leading the charge, Acer aims to attract budget conscious buyers who want solid speed for gaming, work, and creative tasks.
Key Highlights from the CES Reveal
Acer shared details on several models during the event on January 6, 2026. The upgrades center on AMD Ryzen AI processors, which promise faster AI tasks like photo editing and video calls.
This move follows a trend where companies blend gaming power with daily use. Acer also refreshed its Swift lineup with similar AMD options, showing a broad push across segments.
Experts note these incremental steps help Acer stay competitive against rivals like Dell and HP. The focus on AI fits with growing demand for smart features in laptops.
Inside the Nitro V 16 AI Upgrade
The Nitro V 16 AI stands out as a gaming focused model with the new AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 processor. This chip pairs with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU for smooth gameplay and content creation.
Acer designed this laptop for value seekers. It includes a 16 inch WQXGA display with a 180Hz refresh rate, ideal for fast paced action.
Cooling gets a boost with quad intake fans to handle heat during long sessions. Users can expect better multitasking thanks to up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM.
Battery life aims for all day use, making it suitable for travel. Acer claims the setup supports extended gaming without quick drain.
One neat addition is Copilot+ PC certification, enabling on device AI tools like live captions and smart search.
Aspire and Swift Series Get a Boost
Acer also updated the Aspire series with AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors. These laptops target everyday tasks like browsing and office work, now with improved efficiency.
The Swift Go models join in with options for Ryzen AI 400 series chips. They feature OLED screens for vivid colors and thin builds for portability.
These refreshes include better battery claims, up to 14 hours on some models. Acer added stylus support on select versions for note taking and drawing.
Compared to last year’s models, the upgrades mean faster load times and smoother video editing. This helps students and professionals who need reliable performance on the go.
Performance Specs and Comparisons
To break down the upgrades, here are key specs for the main models:
- Nitro V 16 AI: AMD Ryzen AI 9 465, NVIDIA RTX 5070, 16 inch 180Hz display, up to 2TB storage.
- Aspire 14 AI: AMD Ryzen AI 300 series, integrated graphics, 14 inch screen, lightweight design.
- Swift Edge 16: AMD Ryzen AI 400 series, OLED panel, haptic touchpad for precise control.
These specs show Acer balancing power and price. For context, the Ryzen AI chips offer up to 50 TOPS of AI performance, outpacing older Intel options in some tests.
| Model | Processor | GPU | Display | Starting Price Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitro V 16 AI | AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 | NVIDIA RTX 5070 | 16-inch WQXGA 180Hz | $1,200 |
| Aspire 16 AI | AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series | Integrated | 16-inch IPS | $800 |
| Swift Go 14 | AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series | Integrated | 14-inch OLED | $900 |
This table uses early estimates from the announcement. Actual prices may vary by region.
What This Means for Buyers
These upgrades arrive amid a busy CES week, where AI took center stage. Acer’s timing taps into excitement around AMD’s Gorgon Point chips, which boost efficiency.
Buyers gain options for hybrid work and play. For instance, the Nitro suits casual gamers, while Aspire fits family use.
Looking ahead, these laptops could influence back to school sales later in 2026. Acer plans global rollout starting in March.
Industry watchers predict strong sales, building on last year’s success with similar refreshes. This positions Acer well in a market expected to grow 5 percent this year.
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