Intel Panther Lake: The Next Leap for Handheld Gaming in 2026
MSI Claw 8 AI+ New Model May Benefit Directly
While CES 2026 did not feature many flashy new Handheld Gaming PCs, Intel sent a strong signal for gamers with the reveal of its new Panther Lake processors, officially called Intel Core Ultra Series 3, designed specifically for portable gaming. Rumors suggest that MSI is preparing the next iteration of the MSI Claw 8 AI+, powered by this new chip.
A key highlight is the new integrated graphics, Arc B390, using the Xe3 architecture, which Intel claims offers 73% higher gaming performance compared to AMD’s Radeon 890M while consuming less power. The platform also supports XeSS 3 with Multi-frame generation, which can generate up to four frames simultaneously, making AAA gaming on handhelds smoother than ever, nearly rivaling discrete GPUs in some laptops.
The handheld gaming market in 2026 looks increasingly competitive. While Asus and Lenovo recently launched upgrades like the ROG Xbox Ally X and Legion Go 2, they may not adopt Intel’s new chips immediately. This presents a golden opportunity for MSI and partners like Acer and GPD to capture attention with Panther Lake-powered devices, offering performance jumps at more accessible prices.
In the premium segment, the GPD Win 5 uses AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395, offering laptop-level performance at a price of nearly $2,000, whereas the current MSI Claw 8 AI+ with Core Ultra 7 258V is priced at $899, making it a much more balanced choice for gamers seeking performance without breaking the bank.
Intel also emphasizes better power management thanks to the 18A architecture, addressing early handheld issues like overheating and short battery life. If testing showing Cyberpunk 2077 running smoothly above 100 FPS is accurate, Intel may redefine portable gaming standards entirely.
In 2026, Intel’s next move is more than a PC market competition—it’s a direct challenge to AMD in the handheld gaming space, combining high-performance hardware with intelligent software for smoother, visually richer experiences. Gamers looking for a new portable device should watch for official announcements later this year, as MSI and partners may unleash Panther Lake-powered devices that shake the market once again.
Source: Techradar
