Intel is Building a Handheld Gaming Platform Including a Dedicated Chip

Intel handheld gaming chip targets AMD’s dominance—here’s what we know about Panther Lake and Intel’s portable play.
Matilda
Intel is Building a Handheld Gaming Platform Including a Dedicated Chip
Intel Enters the Handheld Gaming Arena with Panther Lake At CES 2026, Intel made a bold move that could reshape the portable gaming landscape: the company is developing a dedicated chip and full platform for handheld gaming devices. According to Intel Vice President Daniel Rogers, this new initiative builds on the company’s Core Series 3 “Panther Lake” processors—its first chips fabricated on the cutting-edge 18A node, now entering mass production in early 2026. For gamers wondering if Intel will challenge AMD’s stronghold in handhelds like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, the answer appears to be a resounding yes. Credit: Joan Cros/NurPhoto / Getty Images Why a Dedicated Intel Handheld Gaming Chip Matters Handheld gaming has exploded since the launch of the Steam Deck in 2022, and AMD has reigned supreme thanks to its efficient, powerful APU designs. But Intel’s new Panther Lake-based platform signals a strategic pivot aimed directly at that market. Unlike previous attempts that relied on re…