Intel has officially launched its highly anticipated Core Ultra Series 3 “Panther Lake” mobile processors at CES 2026, a move that aims to redefine the landscape of gaming handhelds. These new chips promise remarkable battery life alongside impressive integrated graphics performance, powered by Intel’s innovative Arc Xe3 graphics cores. Initial benchmarks demonstrate Panther Lake’s potential for gaming, showing promising performance metrics.
The Core Ultra Series 3 may provide Intel with the necessary edge to compete in the handheld gaming sector, which has been largely dominated by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 and Z2 chips. Nish Neelalojanan, Intel’s senior director of client product management, expressed confidence in Panther Lake’s ability to outperform competitors, claiming, “They’re selling ancient silicon, while we’re selling up-to-date processors specifically designed for this market.”
These assertive remarks from Neelalojanan suggest Intel believes its technological advancements can shift dynamics in a segment where AMD has established a stronghold. AMD’s lower-tier Z2 chips tend to utilize older technological frameworks for cost efficiency, making Intel’s modern architecture a focal point of contention.
Following Intel’s announcement, Mark Hachman conducted a roundtable interview with Rahul Tikoo, AMD’s senior vice president and general manager of client business, who responded to Intel’s accusations. Tikoo reiterated AMD’s commitment to the handheld market, emphasizing the company’s expertise in developing semi-custom silicon for consoles. He argued that simply adapting mobile chips for handheld gaming is insufficient due to the unique requirements of such devices, which focus heavily on graphics fidelity over processing power.
While Tekoo acknowledged Intel’s claims regarding battery performance, he highlighted that AMD balances efficiency with performance in a way that meets consumer expectations. Testing has revealed that while Intel’s latest chips may excel in certain scenarios, AMD maintains a nuanced approach that thrives in real-world applications.
As both tech giants prepare for what could be a heated rivalry in the growth of PC gaming handhelds, the competition between Intel’s Panther Lake and AMD’s established offerings is expected to drive innovation. With both companies committed to refining their designs for enhanced performance and battery efficiency, gamers may soon benefit from advancements that elevate the handheld gaming experience to new heights. The rivalry promises to keep the segment dynamic and competitive, ensuring enthusiasts gain access to cutting-edge technology.