Gaming laptops was once a little bit of a punchline, however we’re gone the purpose the place desktop elites can scoff at them. So, why not go all-in and make one which has a full controller constructed proper into the physique?

That appears to be the considering behind Acer’s Undertaking DualPlay design. As PCWorld’s Mark Hachman stated on the IFA 2024 present flooring, it’s giving off Transformers’ Soundwave vibes.

The Acer DualPlay is a chunky gaming laptop computer when closed and retains that look when opened, plus it has an enormous quantity of RGB bling. You possibly can play it in its regular configuration identical to any gaming laptop computer (or, I dunno, simply edit some spreadsheets like some type of loopy particular person).

However once you’re able to get your Elden Ring on, you possibly can merely press the discharge button to pop the touchpad out, which then turns into a full-powered (if considerably squat) recreation controller.

Mark Hachman/Foundry

Mark Hachman/Foundry

Mark Hachman/Foundry

Acer says that the wi-fi touchpad is held in place with an “electromagnetic lock,” and when it’s launched the laptop computer’s audio system additionally come out from the edges.

Don’t get too excited — these are simply 5-watt audio system, so solely slightly extra highly effective than you’d get on any laptop computer. However they in all probability sound lots higher once they’re not firing straight into the laptop computer’s inside.

Alas, it’s only a idea for now. Acer hasn’t launched any additional specs on the design — not even bits just like the CPU or the dimensions of the display screen — so I wouldn’t anticipate the DualPlay to hit retail cabinets at any level.

If that saddens you, perhaps simply seize an 8BitDo wi-fi gamepad and stick it to your laptop computer with some magnets.

Additional studying: One of the best gaming laptops value shopping for