Acer unveils Nvidia G-Sync gaming monitors, including ultra-wide and curved model

BERLIN -- A top-notch PC gaming set-up is nothing without a first-rate monitor, and if you're in the market for a lavish upgrade, Acer's got you covered. At IFA 2015 in Berlin, the company announced two new series to its Predator gaming monitor lineup. With a total of four new monitors, including two 4K displays and an ultra-wide curved model, they all feature Nvidia's G-Sync technology.

The most exciting of the bunch is the Acer Predator Z35. At 35-inches, it's an ultra-wide behemoth with a 21:9 aspect ratio and a curve measurement of 2000R -- most curved monitors today range between a 2000R and 3000R curvature. It features a 2,560x1,080-pixel resolution screen and, according to Acer, a 3,000:1 contrast ratio and wide 178 degree viewing angles. Acer also asserts that the monitor can overclock to a 200Hz refresh rate, though 144Hz is the standard.

The Z35's design has some ergonomic qualities, allowing a tilt range of -5 to 25 degrees and a height-adjustable stand with a 130mm range. The monitor also houses two built-in 9-watt speakers with DTS sound and a DisplayPort and HDMI port, as well as a USB 3.0 hub (one up and four down).

The recently released Acer X341CKA was the first curved display to feature Nvidia G-Sync, but the Predator Z35 is the first in the Predator Z series, a series Acer specifically dedicates to Nvidia's G-Sync-touting curved monitors. Curved monitors provide an immersive experience that's specifically effective when you're gaming, rather than while you're working. So it makes sense that Acer's gamer-centric monitor lineup adds a new series dedicated to the cutting-edge curve.

The Acer Predator Z35 will be available in December. It will cost $1,120 in the US and 1,100 euros in Europe, which converts to roughly £810 or AU$1,770.

Additionally, Acer announced three monitors as part of the Predator XB1 series: one 28-inch model and two slightly different 27-inch models. All of the monitors have, according to Acer, an estimated 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and they share a few design aspects in common. Not only do they look like triplets, they have identical ergonomic support: a tilt adjustable from -5 to 35 degrees, a left and right swivel of 30 degrees, a height-adjustable stand with a 150mm range, and, last but not least, they can pivot. The trio also house two 2-watt speakers, one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, and a USB 3.0 hub (one up and three down).

The Predator XB281HK is the 28-inch monitor in the series. It has a 3,820x2,160-pixel resolution -- better known as 4K -- 60Hz refresh rate and, Acer claims, a horizontal 170 degree viewing angle and 1ms response time. The two 27-inch monitors in the Predator XB1 series share the same 178 degree viewing angle and 4ms response time, but they have different resolutions and refresh rates. The XB271HK boasts a 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate, while the 27-inch XB271HU has a 2,560x1,440-pixel resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate.

What makes these monitors special is the inclusion of Nvidia's display technology. G-Sync (featured on all of the monitors) aims to eliminate tearing and screen stuttering during gameplay and improve input lag. The 27-inch Predator XB271HU and the Predator Z35, also feature Ultra Low Motion Blur, which helps with input lag too but is mostly dedicated to combating motion blur.

The Predator XB1 series will hit North America in November with prices starting at $800 and in October it'll be available in Europe for 700 euros. Australia and UK availability have yet to be announced, but the price roughly converts to £515 or AU$1,125.

Acer tends to be on top of its game when it comes to releasing gamer-geared products. Also announced at IFA 2015 were the Predator G6 and G3 desktops and the Predator 8 GT-810 tablet . Coming after its competition with a variety sleek, high-end gaming devices, Acer's Predator lineup is truly living up to its name.

For more of the best of IFA 2015, see CNET's complete coverage.