The Acer Predator Atlas 8 Extreme might look like just another gaming handheld, but in terms of performance, it's right up there with the best of them, thanks to its impressive Intel APU. Following the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, it is the latest handheld to be powered by the ultra-fast Intel Arc G3 Extreme, which delivers a genuinely significant performance boost, even in AAA games.
Design and Features
The device packs the Intel Arc G3 Extreme APU with integrated Intel Arc B390 Graphics, supporting XeSS 3 and Ray Tracing. The chip has a 14-core, 14-thread layout featuring 2 Cougar Cove performance cores (up to 4.7 GHz), 8 Darkmont efficiency cores, and 4 low-power Darkmont efficiency cores.
Unlike the standard Acer Predator Atlas 8, the Extreme model features a 1TB SSD and 24GB of LPDDR5x memory, while the standard version has a 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5x memory. The display is an 8-inch, 1920x1200 panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio, a 120 Hz refresh rate with VRR, and a matte finish.
It includes two Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) ports, a UHS-II microSD card reader (up to SD 4.0/SDUC), and a 3.5 mm combo audio jack. It also has an 80Wh battery. In terms of weight, it weighs 810g, which is slightly more than the ROG Xbox Ally X20 and the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+.
Performance Benchmarks
In performance tests with TDP set to the absolute max, the Acer Predator Atlas 8 Extreme consistently placed 1st or 2nd overall across tested AAA benchmarks at 1920 x 1200 resolution. It delivers smooth, native 60+ FPS gameplay in demanding titles and scales dramatically with Intel XeSS upscaling, leading the entire competitive market in games like F1 25 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
In Cyberpunk 2077 (low graphics settings, no upscaling), it averaged 65fps, behind the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ at 75fps. With upscaling, it hit 99fps, close to the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ at 104fps. In F1 25 (low graphics settings, no upscaling), it averaged 104fps, and with upscaling, it led at 128fps.
In Shadow of the Tomb Raider (high graphics settings, no upscaling), it averaged 75fps, and with upscaling, it hit 93fps, leading the field. In Black Myth Wukong (low graphics settings, no upscaling), it averaged 43fps, and with upscaling, 50fps.
Value for Money
The Acer Predator Atlas 8 Extreme comes in at £1299.99 / $1,749 (rough conversion). The only other Intel G3 Extreme-powered handheld, the MSI Claw EX AI+, is priced at £1399.99. For that extra £100, you do get slightly better performance (in most games) and 8GB more RAM.
The ROG Xbox Ally X20 has the same MSRP, but it has a gorgeous OLED screen, better ergonomics and a more premium feel, though you give up quite a bit of performance. The value is neither good nor bad really; it just depends on what you're looking for.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, the Acer Predator Atlas 8 Extreme is a gaming handheld with great performance, at a decent price point. Yes, it doesn't feel as premium as others, and it doesn't have an OLED display, but if performance is the be-all and end-all for you, this is definitely worth looking at, thanks to its Intel G3 Extreme chip, its TMR thumbsticks and its golden 16:10 aspect ratio. This handheld might just be the ultimate sleeper gaming handheld, with average looks but stunning performance.
