Intel Core G3 'Panther Lake' Chips for Gaming Handhelds Revealed | Quick Digest
Intel is reportedly preparing new 'Core G3 Extreme' and 'Core G3' processors based on its Panther Lake architecture, specifically designed for upcoming gaming handhelds. These chips are expected to feature powerful Xe3 integrated GPUs with 12 and 10 cores respectively, aiming to challenge AMD's dominance in the portable gaming market.
Intel's 'Core G3' series targets dedicated gaming handhelds.
Features 'Panther Lake' architecture with Xe3 iGPUs.
'Core G3 Extreme' has 12 Xe3 GPU cores (Arc B380).
Standard 'Core G3' includes 10 Xe3 GPU cores (Arc B360).
Aims to provide strong competition to AMD's handheld chips.
Performance claims are significant, with major iGPU improvements.
Intel is reportedly developing a new line of processors, branded 'Core G3' and 'Core G3 Extreme,' specifically optimized for the growing gaming handheld PC market. These chips are based on Intel's upcoming 'Panther Lake' architecture, which was a significant highlight at CES 2026. While Intel officially confirmed plans for a handheld platform at CES, details regarding the 'Core G3' branding and specific core configurations for these dedicated handheld chips have emerged through leaks, prominently reported by VideoCardz and subsequently corroborated by several other tech outlets.
The 'Core G3 Extreme' variant is anticipated to boast a powerful integrated GPU (iGPU) featuring 12 Xe3 graphics cores, expected to be branded as Intel Arc B380. The standard 'Core G3' chip will reportedly come with 10 Xe3 GPU cores, under the Intel Arc B360 designation. The Xe3 architecture itself is based on Intel's Arc Battlemage design, promising significant performance uplifts. This move signifies Intel's aggressive push into the handheld gaming segment, aiming to directly challenge AMD's current stronghold with its Ryzen Z-series chips.
Early benchmarks and Intel's own performance claims for the broader Panther Lake (Core Ultra Series 3) mobile processors suggest substantial improvements in integrated graphics performance. For instance, the top-tier Arc B390 iGPU (also 12 Xe3 cores, but for laptops) has shown impressive results, even against discrete GPUs in some scenarios, and demonstrates considerable gains over previous generations and AMD's competing iGPUs. While the Core G3 variants might feature slightly tweaked clock speeds for power efficiency in handhelds, they are expected to leverage the same powerful Xe3 graphics foundation. The focus on a tailored design for handhelds, prioritizing GPU performance and thermal efficiency, is critical for delivering a consistent and enjoyable portable gaming experience.
Read the full story on Quick Digest