Intel launches Arc G3 handheld chips focusing on efficiency and performance

Intel announced its new Arc G3 series of system‑on‑chips for gaming handhelds, featuring fewer CPU cores but a larger integrated GPU and power‑optimized designs. The chips target TDP ranges from 8 W up to 35 W, aiming to extend battery life while maintaining graphics performance, and are positioned as competition to AMD's Ryzen Z2 platform. Intel cited a demo on the Acer Predator Atlas handheld achieving stable 60 fps in Forza Horizon 6, noting the role of AI‑upscaling.

At Computex, MSI showcased its Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld equipped with the higher‑end Arc G3 Extreme. The processor includes two high‑performance cores, eight efficient cores, four low‑power cores and 12 Xe graphics clusters. Early testing showed Battlefield 6 running around 50 fps on medium settings without XeSS, rising into the high hundreds with XeSS enabled, while F1 2025 reached roughly 40 fps on maximum settings and about 60 fps on medium. MSI estimates a launch price of about $1,500 for the device, scheduled for June 23, amid broader price pressures in the PC market.