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The gaming landscape is evolving, especially in handheld devices. Intel, a former leader in the industry, is set to re-enter the market with its latest Core Ultra Series 3 chips, known as Panther Lake. This development arises as AMD currently dominates the handheld PC gaming sector with its established processors.
Gamers have increasingly favored handheld solutions that offer portability and affordability. AMD’s processors, recognized for their graphics integration, have been pivotal in this trend. However, the launch of Panther Lake positions Intel to challenge AMD’s market share.
Intel’s Panther Lake and its unique features
Intel executives have announced plans to introduce a version of the Panther Lake chip specifically designed for handheld devices. According to Nish Neelalojanan, Intel’s senior director of product management, the new processors will utilize the advantages of low-power E-cores, first introduced in the initial generation of Core Ultra chips.
Neelalojanan emphasized that these low-power cores are particularly effective for gaming applications, aimed at improving the performance of handheld gaming devices. Although Intel’s previous attempts, such as the Core Ultra Series 2 (known as Lunar Lake), did not achieve significant success, the groundwork laid by prior innovations positions Panther Lake as a formidable contender.
Comparison with AMD’s offerings
AMD has established a strong foothold in the handheld gaming market by supplying processors for numerous gaming consoles. Devices like the ROG Xbox Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go utilize AMD’s Z1 and Z2 chips, benefiting from their well-established technology. Neelalojanan critiqued AMD, stating, “They’re selling ancient silicon, while we’re selling up-to-date processors specifically designed for this market.”
Intel’s strategy with the Panther Lake series involves not only adapting existing technology but also developing tailored solutions for handheld gaming. This approach reflects a more aggressive strategy to regain market share from AMD.
Performance and advancements in Panther Lake
The Panther Lake chips are constructed using Intel’s latest 18A process technology, indicating advancements under the 2nm scale. This technology enables the chips to accommodate more transistors in a compact area, significantly enhancing performance. During its keynote at CES 2026, Intel highlighted a potential 77% increase in integrated graphics performance compared to its predecessors, particularly the Lunar Lake series.
Moreover, the new Intel Arc B390 GPU integrated into the Panther Lake chips promises substantial improvements for gaming and AI applications. With enhancements in its driver offerings, Intel aims to deliver a seamless gaming experience, particularly for slim and lightweight devices.
Battery life and efficiency
A critical aspect of the Panther Lake series is the notable improvements in battery life. Intel asserts that the new processors can support up to 27 hours of battery life, competing closely with offerings from Apple and Qualcomm. These enhancements are vital for users seeking endurance during extended gaming sessions without frequent recharging.
In addition to gaming performance, the Panther Lake series is expected to excel in multi-threaded tasks, making them versatile for gaming and productivity applications. With a focus on efficiency, Intel aims to reach a broader audience beyond gamers.
Future of handheld gaming with Intel
Gamers have increasingly favored handheld solutions that offer portability and affordability. AMD’s processors, recognized for their graphics integration, have been pivotal in this trend. However, the launch of Panther Lake positions Intel to challenge AMD’s market share.0
Gamers have increasingly favored handheld solutions that offer portability and affordability. AMD’s processors, recognized for their graphics integration, have been pivotal in this trend. However, the launch of Panther Lake positions Intel to challenge AMD’s market share.1