When it comes to budget gaming laptops, Acer’s Nitro series has always been a go-to choice for gamers who don’t want to spend a fortune. Older Nitro models were bulky, heavy, and made entirely of plastic, but this year Acer has made some meaningful changes. The new Acer Nitro V 16S AI brings aluminum into the design, a faster refresh rate display, and the latest Nvidia RTX 50-series graphics.
Design and Build Quality
Instead of going with an all-plastic build, Acer has added aluminum panels, which makes the laptop thinner, lighter, and more premium in feel. The total weight is about 2.08kg (4.58 lbs), which is fairly reasonable for a 16-inch gaming machine. The design is simple and understated, with only a silver “N” logo on the lid breaking the all-black look. The four-zone RGB backlit keyboard and highlighted WASD keys bring that gaming flair when the lights are on.
Display
The Nitro V 16S AI features a 16-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1,920×1,200 and a 180Hz refresh rate. That’s a step up from last year’s 165Hz. Brightness peaks around 443 nits, which is solid for both indoor and outdoor use. The large screen makes 1080p or 1200p gaming feel much more immersive than on a smaller display.
Hardware and Performance
Inside, you get an AMD Ryzen 7 260 processor paired with Nvidia’s 8GB RTX 5060 GPU. While the GPU is capped at 85 watts (instead of its full 115W potential), it still delivers respectable performance for 1080p gaming. Acer pairs this with a generous 32GB of RAM and a roomy 1TB SSD. There’s also a second M.2 slot, so you can add extra storage without replacing the existing drive — something you don’t often see in budget gaming laptops.
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Gaming Experience
On benchmarks, the Nitro V 16S AI did well enough, though it generally fell behind the MSI Katana 15 HX and Lenovo Legion 5i, both of which use GPUs running at full wattage. For example, in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, it managed 62fps, but in other titles, it lagged behind its rivals by noticeable margins. On the flip side, the lower GPU wattage means less heat and noise. The laptop runs quieter than competitors and delivers better battery life, lasting about 8.5 hours in a YouTube streaming test, which is far longer than either the Lenovo or MSI machines.
Weak Points
Not everything is perfect, of course. The 720p webcam is grainy, the stereo speakers are weak, and the plastic keyboard deck has a bit too much flex. Port selection is decent but lacks faster next-gen USB options.
Price and Value
There’s one configuration available (ANV16S-41-R2AJ), priced at $1,300. For that money, you’re getting a big screen, a much-improved design, tons of RAM, and solid storage. If you’re looking for maximum frame rates, the Legion 5i or Katana 15 HX will serve you better, but for an all-rounder with a big display and long battery life, the Nitro V 16S AI holds its ground.
Acer Nitro V 16S AI – Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 16-inch, 1920×1200 resolution, 180Hz IPS |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 260 |
| Memory | 32GB LPDDR5-5600 |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 (85W) |
| Storage | 1TB SSD, extra M.2 slot available |
| Ports | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.1, microSD, LAN |
| Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Weight | 2.08kg (4.58 lbs) |
| Battery Life | Around 8.5 hours |
| Price | $1,300 |
Final Verdict
The Acer Nitro V 16S AI is a good but not great budget gaming laptop. The RTX 5060 being power-limited means it performs closer to an RTX 5050, but you still get smooth 1080p gaming on most AAA titles. Add in the big display, better design, long battery life, and expandable storage, and it becomes an appealing choice at this price point. If you prioritize raw performance, the Lenovo Legion 5i or MSI Katana 15 HX might be smarter picks, but the Nitro V 16S AI offers a balanced package for gamers on a $1,300 budget.
