Acer DualPlay: a gaming PC concept with integrated controller
Mobile gaming has been more appealing than ever since the release of the Steam Deck, which inspired a whole line of new hybrids halfway between PCs and conventional portable consoles. These machines have breathed a breath of fresh air into a slightly sclerotic ecosystem, which had suffered from a serious lack of innovation for a few years; it's been a long time since a major brand has had the audacity to think outside the box and offer a truly original gaming PC. But Acer seems determined to change that. The brand has just presented its DualPlay Project, a unique PC gaming concept that includes its own controller.
The device is derived from a gaming laptop from the Predator family. Even without a spec sheet, we can therefore assume that it would be a model with a high refresh rate screen and a dedicated graphics card.
But it's not the hardware that sets this device apart. Its main selling point is hidden in its large trackpad — or rather, underneath it. With a dedicated button at the top of the keyboard, it detaches from the machine to reveal a proper wireless controller, embedded directly into the computer!
At first glance, this is an interesting idea, likely to simplify the logistics of traveling gamers who swear by their controller; no need to clutter up with an additional case when the controller is integrated into the machine.
The cherry on the cake is that once removed from its housing, the controller can also be split into two parts. The visuals provided by the brand unfortunately don't show what this might look like in practice. But the description strongly suggests that this feature is modeled after the Nintendo Switch; this should allow two people to enjoy a multiplayer game together without additional hardware.
A false good idea?
But there are several elements that are likely to raise the eyebrows of potential customers.
The most obvious is the format of this famous controller. Even if the layout is relatively classic (four main buttons, two analog sticks and a directional pad below the left stick, like on Xbox controllers), we cannot say the same about the form factor rectangular, which is more reminiscent of the ROG Ally than a conventional controller. At first glance, she seems rather uncomfortableand will likely struggle to compete with Xbox and DualShock/Dualsense peripherals in terms of usability. Not good news, considering that this is the DualPlay's number one selling point…
The same observation is made regarding the fact of being able to split the controller in two. Is this a relevant choice? There is reason to be doubtful. Because if this sleight of hand works well in party games as Mario Kart Or Mario PartyAcer's press release highlights games with significantly more complex mechanics such as Street Fighter 6. However, it is hard to imagine that fans of these titles will feel comfortable with half a controller. Chaining the hadoukens on a thumb-sized device is likely to be pretty laborious…
As it stands, it will probably take substantial adjustments to obtain a mature product, attractive enough to convince gamers to invest a probably significant sum in this niche PC. It is no coincidence that this is still only a concept. In any case, the idea remains original, and it will be interesting to see if a device of this kind will one day arrive on the market.
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