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Acer announces new Predator, Nitro, and ProDesigner monitors at IFA

Acer has announced a new lineup of monitors across its Predator, Nitro, and ProDesigner ranges. The displays cover various panel technologies, featuring refresh rates up to 1000Hz and dual- or tri-mode resolution switching.

Three new Predator gaming monitors are on the way, starting with the 24.5-inch Predator XB253Q U1, offering 1080p at 1000Hz refresh rate alongside VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. There is also the 31.5-inch Predator X32 V3, which uses a 4K 180Hz QD-OLED Penta Tandem panel with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400. Meanwhile, the 27-inch Predator XB273K V7 provides UHD resolution in a more compact 27-inch display size, with Dynamic Frame Rate (DFR) technology that switches to Full HD at 500Hz.

Moving to the Nitro brand, Acer is introducing four high-refresh models featuring DFR switching. The 27-inch Nitro XV275X P pairs a 2304-zone Mini LED backlight with a baseline 5K resolution at 165Hz, switching to QHD at 330Hz, and featuring 90W USB-C power delivery. Ultrawide users get the curved 34-inch Nitro XZ340CKR P, with a 5120×2160 resolution at 180Hz or WFHD (2560×1080) at 360Hz with a 0.5ms GTG response time. The last Nitro models are the Nitro XV275U Z2 and XV270U Z3, both featuring tri-mode DFR, allowing switching between QHD at 275Hz, FHD at 360Hz, and HD at 520Hz, with the XV275U Z2 using a 1152-zone Mini LED backlight.

Designed for creators, the 27-inch ProDesigner PE270X P features a native 5K (5120×2880) resolution at 165Hz with DFR support up to QHD at 330Hz. It combines a 2304-zone Mini LED backlight with VESA DisplayHDR 1400 certification, Delta E<1 accuracy, an Auto KVM switch, and 90W USB-C power delivery.

The Predator XB253Q U1 and Predator X32 V3 will be available in Q1 2027, starting at $1,099.99/€1,099 and $899.99/€899, respectively. The Predator XB273K V7 will be slightly sooner, in Q4 2026, at $449.99/€449. As for the Nitro models, the Acer Nitro XV275X P, Acer Nitro XZ340CKR P, and Acer Nitro XV270U Z3 will be available in Q1 2027 at $1,199.99/€1,199, $699.99/€699, and $299.99/€299, respectively. As for the Acer Nitro XV275U Z2, it will be available in Q4 2026, starting at $329.99/€329. Lastly, the Acer ProDesigner PE270X P will be available in Q1 2027 for $1,299.99/€1,299.

KitGuru says: It seems multi-mode is slowly becoming the standard, as even creative-oriented monitors are getting this feature. Interested in any of the new Acer monitors?

The post Acer announces new Predator, Nitro, and ProDesigner monitors at IFA first appeared on KitGuru.

Acer reveals Predator Atlas 7 handheld alongside Project DualPlay Mini concept

Acer has announced the Predator Atlas 7 gaming handheld alongside Project DualPlay Mini, an 8-inch concept device that transforms into a mini-laptop. 

Powered by up to an Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor and Intel Arc B390 graphics, the Predator Atlas 7 pairs its internals with a 7-inch FHD 120Hz VRR touchscreen offering 500nits peak brightness. Acer includes up to an 80Wh battery alongside a dual-fan cooling setup, combining a 0.1mm 89-blade metal AeroBlade fan with a secondary plastic fan. Physical controls include optional tunnelling magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks, Hall-effect triggers, and a power-button fingerprint sensor for Windows Hello logins. Connectivity options cover dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, UHS-II microSD expansion, Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4.

Alongside the Atlas 7, Acer showcased Project DualPlay Mini, an 8-inch conceptual device featuring a flip-and-swivel mechanism. This layout converts the unit between a traditional handheld and a mini-laptop mode with a backlit physical keyboard. Powering the concept is an Intel processor cooled by a dual-fan structure, featuring Morse code detailing on the back cover to celebrate Acer's 50th anniversary.

Regional rollout for the Predator Atlas 7 starts in EMEA and North America in Q4 2026. Acer also confirmed the larger 8-inch Predator Atlas 8, originally shown at Computex 2026, arrives in both regions this month.

KitGuru says: If you wanted a smaller variant of the Atlas 8, the Atlas 7 brings a similar feature set in a more compact form factor. As for the DualPlay Mini, it's an interesting concept, but like many others, we might never see it hitting stores.

The post Acer reveals Predator Atlas 7 handheld alongside Project DualPlay Mini concept first appeared on KitGuru.

Embracer confirms new Kingdom Come game and Darksiders 4

It looks like the next Kingdom Come game will be arriving sooner than expected. Embracer has confirmed a release window during its latest earnings report, while also revealing that Darksiders is finally making its long‑awaited return with Darksiders 4 planned for the same period.

In the Interim Report, Embracer states that “in FY 2027/28, we expect the release of the next game in the Kingdom Come franchise from Warhorse Studios”. This is notably sooner than many anticipated, particularly as Warhorse only announced plans for a new Kingdom Come project earlier this year.

Embracer also confirmed that Darksiders 4 is in development at Gunfire Games, marking the franchise’s first mainline entry since 2018. The same release window includes Tomb Raider: Catalyst, which is being developed across Crystal Dynamics, Flying Wild Hog and Eidos Montréal.

Warhorse Studios has been busy recently. Alongside confirming work on a new Kingdom Come title, the studio also revealed plans for a LOTR game. Earlier this year, fans discovered a trademark for Kingdom Come: Salvation, which appears to be a multiplayer‑focused project.

KitGuru Says: It sounds like we will be seeing this new Kingdom Come game very soon, perhaps as early as Gamescom. At that same event, Embracer projects like Metro 2039 will also be playable for the first time. 

The post Embracer confirms new Kingdom Come game and Darksiders 4 first appeared on KitGuru.

Acer Predator Atlas 8 gaming handheld pricing revealed

Following on from a reveal at Computex, Acer has now announced UK pre‑order details for the Predator Atlas 8 handheld, with pricing starting at £999.99. Early adopters will also receive a pre‑packed Corning Gorilla Glass screen protector and two months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with all units.

Acer first introduced the device during its Computex showcase, confirming that the Predator Atlas 8 is built around Intel’s new Arc G3 processors. The handheld features an 8-inch 120Hz display, hall‑effect joysticks, active cooling and full Windows support, enabling access to PC game libraries and Intel XeSS upscaling.

Acer has now outlined UK configurations and pricing ahead of launch this October. Priority pre‑order registration is available today via Acer’s Atlas 8 pre‑order page, with four tiers confirmed. The base Predator Atlas 8 ships with an Intel Arc G3 processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD and a 60Whr battery for £999.99. A second configuration increases memory to 24GB, retaining the same storage and battery, priced at £1,099.99.

For those seeking more performance, the Predator Atlas 8 Extreme upgrades to the Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor, paired with 24GB RAM, a 1TB SSD and an 80Whr battery at £1,299.99. The top‑end model raises memory to 32GB, with the same GPU, storage and battery configuration, coming in at £1,499.99.

KitGuru Says: Are you a fan of handheld gaming systems? Are you considering Acer's Predator Atlas? 

The post Acer Predator Atlas 8 gaming handheld pricing revealed first appeared on KitGuru.

The Crew Motorfest officially announced for the Nintendo Switch 2 with ‘always-online’ requirement

While oft-forgotten in racing game discourse, Ubisoft’s The Crew series has been trucking along healthily for quite a few years, with the latest entry – Motorfest – recently surpassing 10 million players. It seems the game could see another major boost in sales, with The Crew Motorfest now being officially announced for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Taking to their blog to make the announcement, Ubisoft revealed that “The Crew Motorfest will be available on Nintendo Switch 2 starting on October 8 in both a physical retail edition and digitally via the Nintendo eShop.”

Motorfest Switch 2

Details on this port remain light for now, with the main bits of news being that the physical edition is merely a Game-Key Card and the fact that an online connection is required to play – even portably.

These issues aside, The Crew Motorfest could be a strong addition to the Switch’s line-up, serving as the de-facto open world festival racer on the system. Hopefully we will get more details on this port (including price, performance and more) closer to its release.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of The Crew Motorfest? Is its always-online requirement a deal breaker? Are analogue triggers necessary for racing games in your eyes? Let us know down below.

The post The Crew Motorfest officially announced for the Nintendo Switch 2 with ‘always-online’ requirement first appeared on KitGuru.

Acer discounts SSDs for Amazon Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day is upon us and if you are in need of an SSD, today may be one of your few chances to get one at a decent price. Acer has discounted a few different SSD models, including PCIe 4 M.2 Predator SSDs, portable SSDs and even SATA SSDs.

The Acer Predator GM7 PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD has been discounted, with the 1TB model reduced to £147 and the 2TB version priced at £245.99. These SSDs offer sequential read speeds up to 7200MB/s and are usable for both PCs and PS5 consoles, making them ideal for gamers.

The Predator GP30 portable SSD is also discounted, with the 1TB model available for £165.99, the 2TB version at £255.99 and the 4TB option at £482.99. The drive uses a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type‑C interface and delivers up to 2,000MB/s read and write speeds.

Acer’s SA100 SATA III SSD is the cheapest of the bunch, with a 240GB version priced at £44, a 480GB version at £79.99 and a 960GB version at £119.99.

KitGuru Says: Are you thinking of picking up an SSD during the Prime Day sales this week? 

The post Acer discounts SSDs for Amazon Prime Day first appeared on KitGuru.

The Crew Motorfest races past new player milestone

While oft-forgotten in racing game discourse, Ubisoft’s The Crew series has been trucking along healthily for quite a few years, amassing millions of players who enjoy the publisher’s take on an open-world festival-styled racer. Less than 3 years on from its initial launch, Ubisoft’s The Crew Motorfest has reached a major player milestone.

Taking to its socials to make the announcement, the official ‘The Crew’ page revealed that Motorfest had surpassed a new milestone, writing: “10 million players. Thank you to everyone who has made The Crew Motorfest what it is today. Beyond this incredible milestone, it’s great to see more and more of you becoming part of the community month after month.”

It appears as though the game has managed to maintain its momentum over the years, with the company revealing some impressive statistics: “From 1 million monthly active players at launch to a peak of 3 million last May, this journey reflects the ever-growing enthusiasm around the game over the years.”

The Crew Motorfest

Concluding on a thankful note, the team wrote: “Your passion for vehicles, competition, exploration, customisation, and all car cultures inspires us every day to keep building new experiences for you. Stay tuned for what comes next. See you at Motorfest!”

As always, it is worth noting that 10 million players does not equate to 10 million copies sold, with the likes of Motorfest being available to play through Ubisoft’s subscription service.

That being said, this milestone is still worth celebrating, and shows that Ubisoft’s continued commitment to offering new and free updates has been paying off. It will be interesting to see what’s next in store for The Crew.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you one of the 10 million players? How does Motorfest compare to its contemporaries? Let us know down below.

The post The Crew Motorfest races past new player milestone first appeared on KitGuru.

Playtonic Games teases what seems to be a Yooka-Laylee Kart Racer

While the Yooka-Laylee series has had its ups and downs, the team at Playtonic Games have put in the work to continuously refine their platforming chops; recently releasing their pseudo-remake Yooka-Replaylee. Similar to the mascot platformers which inspired the series, Yooka-Laylee looks set to receive a surprise kart racing spin-off.

In the lead-up to this week’s onslaught of video game announcements, the team at Playtonic Games have been cryptically teasing something related to Yooka-Laylee (as they have done in the past). Taking to their socials, the indie studio published a couple of playful clips alongside the the poems:

“A green reptile, a purple bat,

Are plotting something… fancy that!

Collecting quills is far too slow,

There may be faster ways to go…”

Yooka-Laylee Kart

Based on the wording, the clips shared and the fact that the end of Yooka-Replaylee included stickers of the protagonists driving race karts, it can be safe to assume that we’ll be getting a Kart Racer next. Topping it all off, Playtonic also recently changed their social media profile picture to a close-up of Yooka’s eye looking suspiciously like a car headlight.

The Yooka-Laylee series has always tried to embody the spirit of classic platformers, and so it makes perfect sense for them to shift gears to a different genre next.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the Yooka-Laylee series overall? Would you welcome a new kart racer? Let us know down below.

The post Playtonic Games teases what seems to be a Yooka-Laylee Kart Racer first appeared on KitGuru.

Computex 2026: Acer unveils new SpatialLabs 3D and 1000Hz gaming monitors

Acer has unveiled a refreshed lineup of gaming displays from its Predator and Nitro series, including new 1000Hz options for those chasing the fastest possible refresh rates, and new SpatialLabs 3D displays for those who miss the days of 3D TVs.

Starting with the Predator XB273K 3D, this monitor features a 180Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution. However, its main selling point is the 3D eye-tracking technology, allowing for glasses-free 3D. For someone after something a bit more traditional, there is the Predator X34 F1, which uses a curved WQHD (3440×1440) QD-OLED Penta Tandem panel with 360Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms GTG response time, 99% DCI-P3 gamut coverage, and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500.

The curved 34-inch Acer Nitro XV345CKR P offers a 5K WUHD VA panel with 1344-zone Mini LED backlighting. It features a 180Hz refresh rate and supports DFR for 360Hz at WFHD resolution. The screen is VESA DisplayHDR 1000-certified and offers 95% DCI-P3 gamut coverage. As for the 31.5-inch Acer Nitro XV320QX, it features a 5K IPS panel with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 0.5ms GTG response time. DFR technology enables 330Hz operation when dropped to QHD. It features 95% DCI-P3 coverage, Acer HDR400, an Acer Smart Dial, and an infrared remote control.

Lastly, the 27-inch Acer Nitro XV273U F5 offers a QHD IPS panel with a native 540Hz refresh rate, which can be increased to 1000Hz at HD resolution via DFR, making it one of the fastest gaming monitors on the market.

KitGuru says: Are you planning on getting a new monitor this year? Are you going for an OLED, or are you after something with a ridiculously fast refresh rate? 

The post Computex 2026: Acer unveils new SpatialLabs 3D and 1000Hz gaming monitors first appeared on KitGuru.

Acer unveils Predator Atlas 8 gaming handheld powered by Intel Arc G processors

Yesterday, Intel officially announced its new Arc G Series processors, designed specifically for a new generation of PC gaming handhelds. Now, Acer has revealed itself as one of the first OEMs adopting the new processors, which will ship later this year inside of the new Predator Atlas 8 handheld.

The Predator Atlas 8 is a new Windows‑based gaming handheld built that can be configured with either the new Arc G3 processor, or the more powerful G3 Extreme, mimicking the Ryzen Z line-up. These processors include up to Arc B390-level graphics, along with hardware support for features like ray tracing and XeSS 3 AI upscaling. Through Intel's optimisations, the handheld should offer an excellent balance between performance and power-draw for longer play sessions.

Cooling is handled by Acer’s Predator AeroBlade system, which debuts the first metal fan used in a handheld device. The 89‑blade, 0.1mm‑thick AeroBlade fan works alongside a secondary plastic fan and Vortex Flow internal tuning to improve airflow and maintain sustained performance under load.

The handheld features an 8‑inch WUXGA touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, VRR, 500‑nit brightness and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with DXC for added durability and reduced glare. Audio comes from dual speakers with DTS:X Ultra, along with a dual-microphone array for comms during multiplayer gaming.

We don't have pricing yet but we expect to see the Predator Atlas 8 up close at Computex. The handhelds are planned to launch in October 2026.

KitGuru Says: It will be interesting to see how Intel's new Arc G processors perform when the time comes.

The post Acer unveils Predator Atlas 8 gaming handheld powered by Intel Arc G processors first appeared on KitGuru.

Acer details new Swift Spin 14 AI and Snapdragon-powered Aspire Go 15

Acer has expanded its laptop lineup with the introduction of the Swift Spin 14 AI and the Aspire Go 15. The premium Swift Spin 14 AI model integrates Snapdragon X2 Elite or Snapdragon X2 Plus processors, while the mainstream Aspire Go 15 marks the market debut of the entry-level Snapdragon C platform.

The Swift Spin 14 AI features a 2-in-1 convertible design with a 360-degree hinge, housed in an aluminum casing finished in cobalt blue. The processing core features an integrated NPU delivering 80 TOPS for local AI execution alongside an Adreno GPU with DirectX 12.2 hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Hardware configurations support up to 32GB of LPDDR5X memory and up to 1TB of SSD storage. The device is equipped with a 14-inch WUXGA IPS touch-enabled glass screen, bundled with a Wacom AES 2.0-based Acer Active Stylus 420, which sits inside an integrated charging garage. Acer specifies up to 23 hours of video playback battery life, supported by up to 100W fast charging via a USB4 Type-C interface.

Additional hardware features include a 5MP IR webcam with automated Windows Hello facial login, Acer PurifiedView video effects, and a triple-microphone array paired with PurifiedVoice AI noise cancellation. Audio output uses dual speakers with DTS:X Ultra and Snapdragon Sound wireless technology, while connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, dual USB Type-C, dual USB Type-A, and HDMI 2.1. The software configuration qualifies as a Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, integrating context-aware features such as Click-to-Do, AcerSense monitoring utility, and a programmable Acer My Key hotkey.

The budget oriented Aspire Go 15 scales down to the new Snapdragon C processor architecture to drive basic computing tasks in a quiet, fanless configuration. The specifications include a 15.6-inch display with narrow bezels, up to 8GB of system memory, and 512GB of storage. External connectivity options provide dual full-function USB Type-C ports, a native HDMI output, and Wi-Fi 6E wireless support. The chassis structure is built from post-consumer recycled plastics and packaged in 100% recyclable materials, meeting Energy Star and EPEAT certification requirements.

The Acer Swift Spin 14 AI is scheduled to launch in EMEA markets in July 2026, followed by a US release in August 2026 and an Australian rollout later in Q3.

KitGuru says: Interested in any of Acer's new Snapdragon-powered laptops?

The post Acer details new Swift Spin 14 AI and Snapdragon-powered Aspire Go 15 first appeared on KitGuru.

Acer Swift AI 16 laptop giveaway winner announced!

Over the last few weeks we've been running our annual reader survey, offering up entrants the chance to win a high-end Acer laptop. The results are now in, and we are ready to share the winner! 

The annual KitGuru Reader Survey is what we use to get an idea of what our readers want to see us review and focus on in the year ahead. As always, we do offer a giveaway as a thank you for entering. This time around, the prize was an Acer Swift 16 AI laptop, packing an Intel Core Ultra 7 385H CPU, 32GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 1TB SSD, along with a 120Hz OLED display.

The random prize draw has now been completed. Our winner this time is… Michael Gibbon! We've reached out to Michael already and are in the process of organising shipping with Acer.

If you missed out this time around then keep an eye out as we have more giveaways cooking up.

KitGuru Says: Congrats to Michael and thanks to everyone who entered our reader survey this year! 

The post Acer Swift AI 16 laptop giveaway winner announced! first appeared on KitGuru.

Star Wars: Galactic Racer officially arrives this October

One of the biggest surprise announcements from last year’s The Game Awards was the official unveiling of Star Wars: Galactic Racer – a AAA racing title led by ex-Burnout and Need For Speed developers. Previously slated for release sometime in 2026, the teams at Fuse Games and Secret Mode have now officially confirmed that Star Wars: Galactic Racer will launch in October.

Making the announcement via a new trailer, Star Wars: Galactic Racer is officially slated to arrive on the 6th of October 2026. Alongside its release date, the team also shared Galactic Racer’s price and various editions.

Costing £49.99 for the standard edition, a digital deluxe edition is also on offer (setting you back £64.99) and includes:

  • Three exclusive vehicles 
  • Unique Livery 
  • Three Arcade Events 
  • Deluxe Player Banner 
  • Digital Art Book

As expected, a small bonus is also on offer for those who pre-order the game ahead of its release, netting you an “exclusive Pre-Order bonus Livery” and Banner.

Everything we’ve seen so far from Star Wars: Galactic Racer looks great, however we will have to wait and see whether the game is able to offer enough in the way of substance to justify its cost. We should find out when the game officially arrives this October.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the game's price? Does it seem fair? How much replayability do you expect from a game like this? Let us know down below.

The post Star Wars: Galactic Racer officially arrives this October first appeared on KitGuru.

Star Wars: Galactic Racer release date leaked via Steam Store page

One of the biggest surprise announcements from last year’s The Game Awards was the official unveiling of Star Wars: Galactic Racer – a AAA racing title led by ex-Burnout and Need For Speed developers. Currently slated for launch some time this year, an accidental update to Galactic Racer’s Steam page seems to have confirmed its release date.

In a surprise update to the game’s Steam Store page (which has since been reverted), Star Wars: Galactic Racer’s publisher Secret Mode revealed that the title will be arriving in roughly 6 months time on the 6th of October.

Alongside its release date, we also got our first look at the game’s Deluxe Edition, set to include:

  • A Steelbook
  • 3 ‘exclusive’ Repulsorcraft
  • 3 ‘deluxe’ liveries
  • 3 ‘unique’ Arcade events
  • Digital art book
  • Pre-order bonus livery and player banner

Star Wars Galactic

Unfortunately we did not get a price for the game, nor are we likely to, given that the page has since been reverted to only including the very basics.

Still, hopefully this means that Secret Mode is gearing up to drop a bunch of new details – including confirmation of its leaked release date and hopefully its launch price.

KitGuru says: Are you excited for Star Wars: Galactic Racer? Will it get swept up in the pre-GTA VI rush? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post Star Wars: Galactic Racer release date leaked via Steam Store page first appeared on KitGuru.

Acer Gadget invests in Plugable to accelerate Thunderbolt 5 and AI peripheral growth

Acer Gadget, the specialised subsidiary of the Acer Group, has announced a strategic investment and partnership with Plugable Technologies. While Plugable will continue to operate under its own brand and maintain its existing support model, the infusion of Acer’s resources is intended to fast-track the development of high-bandwidth hardware, specifically targeting the professional and “prosumer” markets.

As we move further into 2026, the demand for Thunderbolt 5 (TBT5) peripherals and AI-integrated docking stations is increasing. Plugable has already launched an AI docking solution named TBT5-AI. However, with Acer’s backing, Plugable intends to scale these “next-gen” solutions across global markets much faster than it could as a standalone entity.

For those who know Plugable, the most important aspect of this announcement is the preservation of the company's identity. Lynn Smurthwaite-Murphy, CEO of Plugable Technologies, emphasised that this investment strengthens the company without diluting the transparency and dependability that customers trust.

The partnership also addresses the issues that have occasionally plagued smaller peripheral brands during major technology transitions. By tapping into Acer Gadget's diversified supply chain, Plugable can ensure more consistent availability for enterprise-level deployments of its charging devices and multi-display hubs. Allen Jong, President of Acer Gadget Inc., noted that the investment is a core part of Acer's strategy to dominate the high-end PC peripheral portfolio as hybrid work environments continue to evolve into more complex, multi-display configurations.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: With this partnership, Acer gains immediate access to some of the best connectivity engineers in the business, and Plugable gains the financial and logistical muscle to compete on a global stage. 

The post Acer Gadget invests in Plugable to accelerate Thunderbolt 5 and AI peripheral growth first appeared on KitGuru.

Deus Ex studio hit with more layoffs

Fans of the Deus Ex franchise must unfortunately brace for more bad news. Eidos Montreal has been hit with another wave of layoffs, reducing headcount for a third year in a row, indicating that a new major game is not close to coming out.

In a statement shared this week, Eidos Montreal confirmed that it is letting go of another 124 employees, marking the third year in a row that the studio has made cuts. This most recent round of layoffs also coincides with studio head, David Anfossi, stepping down from his position at the company.

Eidos Montréal formed in the late 2000s before joining Square Enix. While under the Japanese publisher, the studio led the revival of the Deus Ex franchise, resulting in 2011's Mankind Divided and 2016's Human Revolution. Square Enix ultimately sold off Eidos Montreal and the Deus Ex IP to Embracer Group in 2022.

Eidos Montreal has not shipped a game since 2021's Guardians of the Galaxy, which did score well in reviews but ultimately did not hit its sales targets. It has been rumoured for years that Eidos has been trying to get a new Deus Ex game greenlit but due to the financial situation at Embracer Group in recent years, it has been unable to secure the funding. In recent years, Eidos has found work as a support studio for other major AAA projects at non-Embracer studios.

KitGuru Says: It is a real shame to see what is happening to Eidos Montreal. In an ideal world, they would have instantly jumped into work on a new Deus Ex game after joining Embracer. At the rate things are going though, we may not see a new Deus Ex game again.

The post Deus Ex studio hit with more layoffs first appeared on KitGuru.

Acer refreshes Predator Neo gaming laptops with Core Ultra 200HX Plus CPUs and RTX 5080 graphics

Acer has refreshed its Predator Helios Neo lineup with three new gaming laptops built around Intel’s Core Ultra 200HX Plus processors. Acer has also upgraded the gaming grunt that these laptops provide with the addition of an RTX 5080 laptop GPU. The updated 16‑inch and 18‑inch models focus on high‑end performance, while the new 16S variant offers a slimmer, more portable option.

The Predator Helios Neo 16S AI is the thinnest model, measuring in at under 18.9mm thick. It supports up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and an RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, paired with a 240Hz WQXGA OLED HDR display with 1ms response time and 100% DCI‑P3 coverage. Cooling is handled by a Predator AeroBlade 3D fan and liquid metal thermal grease to maintain performance in the compact chassis. The standard Predator Helios Neo 16 AI offers the same CPU and GPU options but adds a more robust thermal setup with AeroBlade 3D cooling, liquid metal and vector heat pipes.

The Predator Helios Neo 18 AI is the option for those who require a larger display, offering an 18‑inch WQXGA screen with a 240Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI‑P3 coverage. It introduces Acer’s new Ambient Contrast Ratio film, designed to reduce glare and improve contrast in bright environments. Cooling again uses AeroBlade 3D fans, liquid metal and vector heat pipes to sustain top‑end performance. As for the core hardware, it offers the same Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and RTX 5080 as its smaller sibling.

All three laptops include Acer’s AI‑driven PredatorSense controls for performance tuning, RGB lighting and fan management. Acer PurifiedVoice and PurifiedView use AI for noise reduction and improved video quality, while Acer Intelligence Space adds tools such as Game Assistant and ProCam for gameplay support and automatic clip capture.

All three of Acer's newly refreshed laptop models will be available in Europe starting in June.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you planning on buying a new gaming laptop this year? Will you be going with an Acer model?

The post Acer refreshes Predator Neo gaming laptops with Core Ultra 200HX Plus CPUs and RTX 5080 graphics first appeared on KitGuru.

Acer introduces new Nitro ultrawide with 240Hz refresh rate

Acer has expanded its Nitro display family with the Nitro ED340CUR W0bmiipx, a 34-inch ultrawide monitor designed to bring high-refresh-rate gaming to the value-conscious segment. This model pairs a 1500R curved VA panel with a 3440 x 1440 (UWQHD) resolution, offering the expansive field of view that has become a staple for simulation fans and multitasking professionals alike.

Featuring a 240 Hz refresh rate, the ED340CUR W0 (via DisplaySpecifications) brings a significant jump over previous iterations of the ED340 series, which typically maxed out at 165/180Hz. This, combined with AMD FreeSync Premium support, ensures fluid motion and reduced screen tearing in fast-paced titles. The panel uses an 8-bit + FRC (Frame Rate Control) method to achieve 10-bit colour depth, covering 99% of the sRGB colour space. As is typical of VA technology, the monitor boasts a high 3000:1 static contrast ratio. However, its peak brightness is rated at a modest 250 nits, making its HDR10 support more of a baseline compatibility feature than a transformative visual experience.

The monitor follows Acer's streamlined “ZeroFrame” aesthetic, maximising screen real estate by minimising bezel width. The included stand is tilt-only, which is a common trade-off in the budget category. However, the unit is fully compatible with 100 x 100 mm VESA mounts for those who require height or swivel adjustment. Connectivity options include dual HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 input, and integrated 2W speakers for basic audio.

Additionally, Acer has packed the display with its VisionCare suite, including Blue Light Shield Pro, flicker-free technology, and a low-dimming feature. These additions, combined with the “Super Sharpness” processing, position the ED340CUR W0 as a versatile tool for both competitive gaming and general office productivity. The monitor is now available for $349.99.

KitGuru says: It's impressive to see 240Hz in a 34-inch UWQHD monitor at this price point. For gamers coming from older 60Hz panels, the move to 240Hz on a curved 34-inch panel is one of the most cost-effective ways to fundamentally change how your gaming setup feels in 2026, assuming your system can support such a refresh rate.

The post Acer introduces new Nitro ultrawide with 240Hz refresh rate first appeared on KitGuru.
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