Acer Project DualPlay is a concept laptop with a gaming controller built right in

Acer unveiled its Nitro Blaze 7 at IFA 2024, but another showstopper that caught everyone's attention was Project DualPlay. It is Acer’s latest concept laptop with a built-in gaming controller. Acer took its Predator gaming laptop and integrated a custom controller, cleverly tucked beneath the keyboard in a special cutout.

When stored face-down, the controller’s back functions as the laptop’s trackpad. With the press of a button, the controller pops out, and two 5W speakers slide out from the sides for enhanced audio. The controller can also split into two separate gamepads, similar to the Nintendo Switch.

Acer claims versatility with Project DualPlay, letting you switch between the keyboard and mouse for FPS and MOBA gameplay, or grab the controller for intense fighting and sports games. Plus, the said ‘powerful’ pop-up speakers deliver heart-pounding audio, while 360-degree dynamic RGB lighting sets the mood.

So, how does this controller stack up? And if someone’s got the controller, how does it feel gaming on a laptop with a conspicuous hole where the trackpad used to be? Plus, what’s the price tag for having a controller built right into your laptop—are you ready to fork over some serious cash? These burning questions remain unanswered for now, as Project DualPlay is still just a concept.