"Perhaps oversized handheld consoles are the future of gaming."

The Steam Deck may seem large, and the Acer Nitro Blaze 11 is no exception, but what I've experienced is a true monster of a portable gaming device. I combined a pre-production version of Asus's ROG Flow Z13 tablet with a GameSir G8 Plus mobile controller. Equipped with the AMD Strix Halo processor, this device positions itself as one of the most powerful in its category, although its weight can cause hand cramps after prolonged use.

The inclusion of a 13-inch screen, while seemingly absurd, turns out to be impressive. I'm not the first to conduct this unconventional experiment, as the idea came from other enthusiasts who shared something similar on forums. However, after trying it personally, I'm reconsidering the future of portable gaming devices. The recent Nintendo Switch 2 with its eight-inch screen and the Acer with its 11 inches seem to indicate that the simplicity of portability might be giving way to the need for visual quality.

It's important to note that the combination of this controller and tablet wasn't designed to work together. I had to modify the GameSir G8 Plus to fit, as it is not prepared for devices larger than an iPad Mini. On one occasion, the controller slipped from my hands, and although my fingers weren't injured, it served as a warning about the risks of this setup.

At an event, I compared the Acer Nitro Blaze 11 with the Steam Deck and felt torn: while part of me thought it was too big, another part enjoyed the idea of experiencing that enormous screen while gaming on the couch. After receiving positive feedback about this perspective, I realized that the ROG Flow Z13 could meet this need.

This device performs impressively, managing to run Helldivers 2 at nearly 50 fps at a 2.5K resolution. Although this is not a formal review since it's a pre-production unit, the AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 "Strix Halo" chip, with its 40 graphics cores, surpasses other portable devices. While testing games like Helldivers 2 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, I was able to maintain smooth gameplay in each session, which cannot always be said for the Steam Deck.

However, I must mention that the battery drains quickly; it went from 100% to 10% in about 90 minutes, which isn't ideal, although still acceptable compared to other similar devices. Still, I'm convinced that gaming on this extraordinary setup is a challenge that redefines the concepts of portability and functionality in gaming devices.

An unexpected aspect is how comfortable I felt using Windows on this "laptop." The greatness of the screen facilitates interaction with the elements of Windows 11, making me question the need for a specialized operating system for these platforms.

In terms of weight, this combination exceeds 3.6 pounds, which is considerably more than other devices. It feels like holding two Steam Decks and a Nintendo Switch at the same time. Defining "portability" becomes a challenge, especially when considering how the device performs when used in bed.

Although the sturdy support of the Z13 helps manage its weight, the logistics of carrying the attached controller can be inconvenient. It makes more sense to use the tablet on a stable surface with a traditional controller, given the discomfort the GameSir controller can cause after several hours of gaming.

This experience has shown that there is a future for portable gaming devices, even for larger ones. Perhaps the Acer Blaze 11 is just the first step towards a trend of home-staying gaming devices, similar to what Sony's PlayStation Portal has achieved. If Asus were to develop appropriate controllers for the Z13, it could have the potential to create a 13-inch portable gaming PC.

My perspective on the ideal size for these devices has changed; excessive sizes also have a place in the market. I'm excited to see how the range of portable gaming devices evolves, no matter how large they may be.