Intel recently unveiled its highly anticipated Core Ultra Series 3 “Panther Lake” mobile chips at CES 2026. These chips promise impressive battery life and enhanced graphics performance, thanks to their new Arc Xe3 graphics cores. Initial benchmarks show that their gaming performance holds up quite well.
The Core Ultra Series 3 could be a game-changer for Intel, especially in the market for gaming handhelds. Currently, this segment is largely controlled by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 and Z2 chips. Nish Neelalojanan, Intel’s senior director of client product management, expressed confidence in the Panther Lake’s potential, stating that Intel is offering modern processors suited for handheld gaming.
In contrast, AMD’s Z2 chips are based on older technology to maintain lower costs. Just a day later, AMD’s senior vice president, Rahul Tikoo, defended his company’s position during an interview. He emphasized AMD’s commitment to the handheld space, arguing that their expertise originates from their success with semi-custom silicon in consoles.
Tikoo raised an important point about chip design, noting that gaming devices require specialized chips focused on high graphics rather than broad computing capabilities. He stated, “They want purpose-designed, purpose-built chips that have great graphics technology.” This specialization is crucial for optimal performance in handheld gaming devices.
Intel claims that its low-power E-cores extend battery life, but AMD has countered this assertion. In a recent test, AMD found that while Intel’s chips might excel in specific scenarios, their performance could diminish under certain conditions.
Interestingly, early benchmarks for the Panther Lake show competitive frame rates, hinting that the battle for dominance in the handheld market is just heating up. Industry experts believe that the success of these chips will greatly depend on how well they can cater to gamers’ needs.
As the competition escalates, social media buzz reflects gamer anticipation and skepticism. Users are eagerly discussing whether Intel’s new offerings can challenge AMD’s established presence.
In the end, this rivalry could shape the future of portable gaming. Only time will reveal if Intel can match or surpass AMD’s stronghold in this fast-evolving market.
For more insights on the latest in tech, check out PCWorld and AMD’s official announcements.
