Acer concept laptop's touchpad pops out as a gaming controller

Gaming laptops used to be a bit of a punchline, but we’re long past the point where desktop elites can scoff at them. So, why not go all-in and make one that has a full controller built right into the body?

That seems to be the thinking behind Acer’s Project DualPlay design. As PCWorld’s Mark Hachman said on the IFA 2024 show floor, it’s giving off Transformers’ Soundwave vibes.

The Acer DualPlay is a chunky gaming laptop when closed and keeps that look when opened, plus it has a huge amount of RGB bling. You can play it in its normal configuration just like any gaming laptop (or, I dunno, just edit some spreadsheets like some kind of crazy person).

But when you’re ready to get your Elden Ring on, you can simply press the release button to pop the touchpad out, which then becomes a full-powered (if somewhat squat) game controller.

Mark Hachman/Foundry

Mark Hachman/Foundry

Mark Hachman/Foundry

Acer says that the wireless touchpad is held in place with an “electromagnetic lock,” and when it’s released the laptop’s speakers also pop out from the sides.

Don’t get too excited — those are just 5-watt speakers, so only a little more powerful than you’d get on any laptop. But they probably sound a lot better when they’re not firing directly into the laptop’s interior.

Acer

Acer

Acer

Alas, it’s just a concept for now. Acer hasn’t released any further specs on the design — not even bits like the CPU or the size of the screen — so I wouldn’t expect the DualPlay to hit retail shelves at any point.

If that saddens you, maybe just grab an 8BitDo wireless gamepad and stick it to your laptop with some magnets.

Further reading: The best gaming laptops worth buying

Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer, PCWorld

Michael is a 10-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE. On PCWorld he’s the resident keyboard nut, always using a new one for a review and building a new mechanical board or expanding his desktop “battlestation” in his off hours. Michael’s previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he’s covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he’s always looking forward to his next kayaking trip.

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