CES 2026 has come and gone, and it wasn’t a great year for gamers. While there were some interesting new gamepads, the show failed to deliver any new handheld devices or desktop GPUs from major players like Nvidia, Intel, and AMD.
However, AMD did share some noteworthy news. First, they’re bringing back socketed mobile chips. This means users can potentially upgrade their processors in the future, a big shift from the soldered design commonly used now. This could affect both gaming and general computing. Jason Banta from AMD mentioned that these chips should hit desktops by Q2 2026.
Price is another concern. AMD’s powerful Strix Halo systems have often priced around $2,000, which many find steep. Banta indicated that due to new chip versions, some prices for these systems might drop below the $2,000 mark.
Intel seemed to take a jab at AMD, claiming they were offering outdated processors while promoting their new Panther Lake processors. However, AMD is confident that their Strix Halo chip will outperform these new entrants. Rahul Tikoo from AMD stated that their Strix Halo chip can deliver discrete-level graphics, potentially giving gamers a better experience.
Interestingly, recent trends show an increase in demand for mobile gaming solutions. A 2023 survey revealed that 60% of gamers favor handheld devices for their portability and convenience. With companies like Qualcomm and Intel venturing into the handheld space, AMD faces more competition than ever. Banta remains optimistic, noting that AMD has proven its ability to optimize for gaming needs.
In short, while CES 2026 may not have dazzled gamers, AMD’s plans to lower prices and reintroduce socketed chips could signal positive changes. As the handheld gaming market heats up, gamers and PC builders alike will want to pay close attention.
For further insights on AMD’s developments, you can check out this PCWorld piece.
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