Intel Teases New Handheld Gaming Devices Powered by Panther Lake Series
January 9, 2026
Intel has announced plans to introduce a new lineup of handheld gaming consoles featuring its upcoming Panther Lake series of processors. While these devices are not expected to arrive immediately, more details are anticipated later in 2026.
Partnerships and Upcoming Devices
Through collaborations with MSI, Acer, GPD, Microsoft, and Onexplayer, Intel aims to expand its presence in the handheld gaming market. Although the focus hasn't been on new entries at CES 2026, Intel’s hints about these upcoming devices suggest a significant push later this year.
Notable Absences
Recently launched devices such as Lenovo's Legion Go 2 and Asus's ROG Xbox Ally X indicate that both manufacturers are likely to wait before releasing new models based on these new Intel chips. This opens the door for other major players like MSI to develop successors to their Claw AI+ handhelds, which currently utilize Intel’s Core Ultra 7 258V processor.
Performance and Hardware Expectations
Intel touts Panther Lake's integrated Arc B390 GPU as offering a 73% performance increase over AMD's Radeon 890M, all while consuming less power. This positions Intel as a formidable competitor in the handheld gaming space.
Potential Performance Boosts
Devices built around Panther Lake CPUs, such as a future MSI Claw successor, could see significant improvements over current-gen handhelds, delivering next-generation gaming performance. Additionally, features like XeSS 3, supporting multi-frame generation, may further enhance visual fidelity—similar to Nvidia's RTX 5000 series.
Market Competition Between AMD and Intel
While AMD's Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU delivers comparable gaming performance in premium handhelds like the GPD Win 5, Intel's Core Ultra 7 258V remains a standout. The MSI Claw AI+ currently represents one of the best handhelds available, although it comes at a higher price point.
Looking Ahead
If Intel’s performance claims hold true, a powerful successor to the MSI Claw 8 AI+ with a Panther Lake processor is expected to emerge. Moreover, Intel's upcoming Arc B770 discrete GPU, rumored to feature 16GB of VRAM, signals further advancements in handheld hardware.
What's Next in Tech
Both AMD and Intel continue to push forward in desktop GPU and integrated graphics technologies, promising exciting developments in 2026. TechRadar will cover CES extensively, with live updates and hands-on impressions—stay tuned!
Follow us on TikTok for real-time updates from CES 2026 and join our live Q&A to ask questions about the show.
Isaiah, Staff Writer at TechRadar
With over two years of experience covering gaming hardware and tech trends, Isaiah is passionate about upcoming GPUs and gaming innovations.