Handheld Gaming Might Be About to Change: Intel Prepares a Powerful Response to AMD

Test results of the Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor, built specifically for handheld gaming devices, have leaked online. According to PassMark data, the chip noticeably outperforms AMD’s equivalent (Ryzen Z2 Extreme) and uses one of Intel’s most powerful mobile GPUs as its graphics subsystem.

According to the benchmark database, the newcomer scored 4,288 points in single-threaded and 29,622 points in multi-threaded tests. Compared to the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, that gives it an edge of roughly 7.6% in single-threaded tasks and nearly 20.4% under full multi-core load. The Arc G3 Extreme’s configuration includes 14 physical cores with support for 14 threads — 2 high-performance Panther Cove cores (P-cores), 8 power-efficient Darkmont cores (E-cores), and another 4 low-power cores of the same architecture for background processes. L3 cache sits at 12MB, while L2 cache is 18MB. The base clock is recorded at 3.7GHz, with a maximum boost of 4.6GHz.

The new chip’s main trump card is its integrated Arc B390 graphics based on the Xe3 architecture, featuring 12 full-fledged cores. This GPU previously made waves in laptop benchmarks and is now debuting in the ultra-compact segment. Support for XeSS 3 and dynamic VRAM allocation from system memory makes the combo highly appealing for devices with small screens and modest thermal envelopes. The platform is designed to run between 15 and 30W, which aligns perfectly with what a typical pocket PC with active cooling can handle. For comparison, the laptop Core Ultra 5 338H, which has a similar core count, delivers comparable results but at higher power consumption.

Interestingly, the Arc G3 Extreme has already appeared in the specs of a finished device — the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ gaming handheld, which is priced at €1,599. This is most likely the flagship model built around the new chip. The Arc G3 processor line is expected to include simpler non-Extreme versions as well, featuring eight-core Arc B370 graphics.

According to unofficial plans, the platform will be announced in mid-2026. By that time, AMD won’t have a direct update to the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, with its successor expected only in the first half of 2027. That gives Intel a real window of opportunity to cement its place in the fast-growing handheld gaming PC niche.

What do you think — can Intel seriously shake up the handheld gaming segment, or will the transition to the new architecture drag on, letting AMD keep its lead until its response arrives in 2027? Drop your take in the comments.