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Intel’s ambition in handheld gaming
In recent years, AMD has emerged as the dominant force in the handheld gaming PC market, powering devices such as the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go. However, Intel is now making significant strides to reclaim its position in this competitive landscape. The company’s renewed focus was highlighted during CES 2025, where it unveiled plans to enhance its presence in the handheld gaming sector. Intel’s Vice President, Robert Hallock, emphasized the importance of this market in an exclusive interview, stating that the company is ramping up its efforts to support gaming independent software vendors (ISVs) interested in handheld devices.
Strategic initiatives and support for developers
Intel’s approach goes beyond merely providing hardware; it is implementing comprehensive internal programs aimed at optimizing performance for handheld gaming devices. This includes assembling a dedicated team of handheld specialists who will assist engineers and software developers in creating optimized gaming experiences. A crucial element of Intel’s strategy is to offer game developers early access to mobile gaming hardware, allowing them to broaden their development focus beyond traditional desktop environments. Hallock noted that many developers tend to concentrate on what they have readily available in their labs, which can limit innovation in handheld gaming.
Innovative products and future developments
At CES, Intel showcased a variety of upcoming products featuring its latest chipsets, including the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Tencent Sunday Dragon 3D handhelds. Notably, some devices on display were powered by Intel’s Arrow Lake-H System on Chip (SoC), which offers impressive graphics performance. Hallock highlighted that Arrow Lake-H is particularly well-suited for the gaming handheld form factor, operating at power levels that enhance performance without compromising efficiency. Looking ahead, Intel is already preparing for its next-generation mobile chips, codenamed Panther Lake, which promises greater customization options for handheld vendors, allowing them to tailor memory configurations to their specific needs.
Collaboration with game developers
As part of its commitment to the handheld gaming market, Intel is actively seeking partnerships with game developers to optimize software for handheld devices. Hallock extended an open invitation to developers interested in exploring handheld gaming opportunities, encouraging them to reach out for collaboration. This proactive approach not only aims to enhance the gaming experience on handheld devices but also positions Intel as a key player in shaping the future of handheld gaming technology.