In the ever-evolving world of gaming hardware, 2025 has brought a new wave of excitement around handheld gaming PCs. With Google Trends showing a surge in interest for “best gaming handheld 2025,” it’s clear that gamers are hungry for portable powerhouses. While AMD has long dominated this space with its Ryzen Z-series APUs, a surprising contender is emerging from the shadows: Intel. Once considered a fading titan in the chipmaking world, Intel may now be poised to redefine the handheld gaming landscape—if it plays its cards right.
The buzz began with the release of the MSI Claw 8 AI+, a chunky but powerful handheld that ran on Intel’s Core Ultra 258V processor. Despite not being designed specifically for handhelds, the chip delivered impressive performance, rivaling AMD’s purpose-built solutions. This unexpected success sparked a conversation: Could Intel, not AMD, be the key to unlocking the full potential of next-gen handheld gaming?
The MSI Claw Series: Intel’s Quiet Entry into Handheld Gaming
The MSI Claw 7 was met with lukewarm reception, but the Claw 8 AI+ changed the narrative. Though bulky and expensive, it showcased how Intel’s chips—originally intended for lightweight PCs—could hold their own in demanding gaming scenarios. The Core Ultra 258V, paired with Intel’s ARC 140V graphics, delivered frame rates nearly on par with AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme in titles like Far Cry 6, Hitman 3, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Leaked benchmarks revealed that AMD’s Z2 Extreme only outperformed Intel’s chip by a few frames per second in most games. Considering the 258V wasn’t optimized for handhelds, this performance parity is remarkable. It suggests that Intel’s architecture, even in its current form, has untapped potential in the handheld space.
AMD’s Z2 Extreme: Evolution or Plateau?
AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme, built on the Zen 5 architecture and featuring updated RDNA 3.5 GPU cores, was expected to be a game-changer. However, early benchmarks tell a more nuanced story. YouTuber ETA Prime compared the Z2 Extreme to its predecessor, the Z1 Extreme, and found only modest gains in real-world gaming performance. In titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the Z2 averaged just four to five frames per second more than the Z1 at 25W TDP.
While the Z2 performs better at lower power levels—an advantage for battery-conscious gamers—it doesn’t offer a compelling reason to upgrade for those already using the Z1. This incremental improvement, coupled with rumors of rising handheld prices, has left some enthusiasts questioning AMD’s trajectory.
Intel’s Roadmap: Lunar Lake and Panther Lake Could Change Everything
Intel isn’t standing still. Robert Hallock, Intel’s general manager of client AI and technical marketing, confirmed that the company is developing chips specifically for handheld gaming. These chips, part of the Lunar Lake family, are expected to evolve into the Panther Lake generation, which could be a turning point.
Recent leaks suggest Panther Lake chips will feature 50% more graphics cores and transition from Xe2 to Xe3 architecture. If these improvements are paired with enhanced AI upscaling—potentially surpassing AMD’s FSR and Intel’s current XeSS 2—Intel could offer a more immersive and efficient gaming experience.
The implications are significant. More graphics cores mean better rendering, smoother gameplay, and potentially higher frame rates. Combined with AI-driven enhancements, Intel’s next-gen chips could deliver console-quality visuals in a portable form factor.
The Software Challenge: SteamOS and AMD’s Advantage
Despite Intel’s promising hardware roadmap, software compatibility remains a hurdle. Valve’s SteamOS, widely regarded as the best operating system for handheld gaming, currently supports only AMD’s Ryzen Z-series APUs. This gives AMD a strategic edge, especially as devices like the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and Asus ROG Ally X are confirmed to use the Z2 Extreme.
For Intel to compete, it must either push for broader SteamOS support or optimize its chips for Windows-based handhelds. The latter is feasible, but it may not appeal to gamers who prefer the streamlined, console-like experience SteamOS provides.
What Intel Needs: A Flagship Handheld to Lead the Charge
Hardware and software aside, Intel’s biggest challenge is visibility. AMD has already secured partnerships with major brands, while Intel lacks a flagship handheld to showcase its capabilities. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ was a step in the right direction, but its bulk and price limited its appeal.
What Intel needs is a sleek, affordable, and performance-driven handheld that can compete directly with AMD-powered devices. A collaboration with a major brand—perhaps Lenovo, ASUS, or even Valve—could give Intel the platform it needs to make a statement.
Why Intel’s Entry Matters for Gamers
Competition breeds innovation, and Intel’s entry into handheld gaming could be a catalyst for better devices across the board. If Intel delivers on its promises, gamers could benefit from:
- More powerful and efficient handhelds
- Better AI upscaling and graphics rendering
- Lower prices due to increased competition
- Greater diversity in device design and features
Moreover, Intel’s focus on AI and graphics could lead to breakthroughs in areas beyond gaming, such as mobile content creation, streaming, and productivity.
Final Thoughts: A Narrow Path to Victory
Intel’s journey into handheld gaming is far from guaranteed. The company faces stiff competition, software limitations, and the challenge of proving its worth in a market dominated by AMD. But the leaked benchmarks, upcoming chip architecture, and confirmed development of handheld-centric CPUs suggest that Intel is serious about this space.
If Intel can deliver a compelling device, secure SteamOS support, and continue improving its graphics and AI capabilities, it could become the unexpected hero of next-gen handheld gaming. For now, the path forward is narrow—but promising.
Gamers watching Google Trends and speculating on the future of portable gaming should keep an eye on Intel. The next big leap in handheld performance might not come from the usual suspects. It might come from a company ready to reclaim its throne, one frame at a time.
Source: gizmodo.com
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