Intel Expands Support: Intel has stepped up efforts to aid handheld console gaming manufacturers with dev kits, specialist advice, and performance optimization tools. In the face of increasing competition with AMD’s Z1 and Z1 Extreme processors, Intel is establishing itself as a heavy hitter in handheld gaming PCs. Intel has initiated close collaboration with developers, giving them sample consoles and special technical assistance to improve gameplay on its newer processors.
Intel Hands Over Prototype Handheld PCs to Developers
It began planting prototype handheld game consoles with game developers so that there could be optimal utilization of its hardware. Manufacturers such as MSI and ASUS, producers of the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and ASUS ROG Ally X, are direct beneficiaries.
In an interview with Laptop Mag, Robert Hallock, VP and GM of AI and Technical Marketing at Intel, reiterated this move. According to him, Intel looks to boost gaming performance by offering early access to hardware, dev kits, and technical support.
Alongside hardware support, Intel has initiated internal programs to aid console makers in creating performance profiles. The profiles assist developers in optimizing games for improved efficiency on Intel-powered handhelds.
Next-Gen Arrow Lake H-Series Chips to Power Handheld Consoles
Intel’s Arrow Lake (Core Ultra Series 2) processors, which were introduced in October 2024, will drive the next generation of handheld gaming consoles. There were some vendors who demonstrated handheld products with these processors at CES 2025, creating buzz for future releases.
These Arrow Lake H-series chips will deliver better performance and efficiency than Intel’s earlier Lunar Lake CPUs. With improved power efficiency and enhanced AI processing, these chips will ensure seamless gameplay and extend battery life for handheld gaming consoles.
Panther Lake Chips to Provide More Memory Customization
Intel has already started testing its Panther Lake processors next gen, due to power laptops and handheld gaming PCs. Unlike Lunar Lake, they will not have system memory on the CPU package, giving vendors the ability to customize RAM configurations per device needs.
This transition provides more flexibility for handheld gaming PC manufacturers, allowing them to provide models with varying memory capacities. Intel has not revealed a specific launch date for Panther Lake chips, but these chips will significantly improve power efficiency and gaming performance.
Intel vs. AMD: The Handheld Gaming PC Battle Heats Up
Intel’s foray into the handheld gaming market places it directly against AMD, which has long ruled this market with its Z1 and Z1 Extreme processors. Products such as the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally X are based on AMD hardware, so it is imperative that Intel raises its game.
Through offering direct developer support, improving gaming performance, and providing customizable hardware options, Intel hopes to become a preeminent chip supplier for handheld gaming PCs.
What’s Next for Intel-Powered Handheld Consoles?
Several Arrow Lake H-powered handheld consoles are set to be unveiled officially in the months to come, introducing next-gen performance gaming to hand-held devices. With Intel’s larger support network, dev kits, and new CPU tech, handheld gaming PCs may soon undergo a dramatic change in performance, efficiency, and tuning possibilities.
As the demand for portable gaming continues to increase, Intel’s strategic alliances with console manufacturers and game developers will be instrumental in determining the direction of portable gaming hardware in the future.
