Project DualPlay Mini: Acer’s prototype 2-in-1 gaming handheld has a hidden keyboard

At Acer’s global press conference event in Berlin, the Taiwanese manufacturer showed off their Project DualPlay Mini, a prototype device that combines a regular gaming handheld with a laptop for both gaming and productivity functionality.

We’ve seen such products before of course such as the GPD Win Max, but Acer’s take on the idea is rather unique in that you never actually need to reveal the keyboard until you want to type on it. At first glance, it does look like a standard gaming handheld, complete with joysticks, a D-pad, bumpers, triggers and face buttons.

However, you can actually “open” the handheld to reveal a keyboard tucked away underneath, and then flip the screen to that it faces you, transforming the DualPlay Mini into a traditional(ish) laptop.

You’re not limited to just typing your word documents on it though, with Acer suggesting that gamers can use the backlit keyboard to play first person games too, something that is usually hard to do with a controller on what is effectively a PC. You will however need to bring your own mouse here.

As for the rest of its hardware, Acer didn’t share much else about what processor or battery is under the hood, other that stating their prototype uses the same dual fan cooling system found in the Predator Atlas 8. They did however highlight the back cover of the DualPlay Mini, which has the words ‘Acer 50 since 1976’ embedded in Morse code to mark the brand’s 50th anniversary.

Despite being a pretty exciting concept, it unfortunately remains just that—a concept. Acer says that the conceptual device is just their first step towards mobile-first innovation, and perhaps if enough people like the idea enough we may see a full fledge Predator DualPlay Mini in the near future.

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