I Went Hands-On With the Next-Gen Handheld
▼ Summary
– Intel faced multiple setbacks including layoffs, reputation damage from crashing CPUs, and losing market share to competitors like AMD.
– The company’s Panther Lake laptop chip, built on its new 18A process, received excellent reviews.
– A handheld version of Intel’s chip may position the company as a leader in portable gaming chips.
– The author spent two hours with an MSI Claw 8 handheld using Intel’s new Arc G3 Extreme.
– The author concluded that next-gen handhelds have finally arrived with a leap in performance and battery life.
Intel has faced no shortage of adversity lately. Between massive layoffs, government shakedowns, and the crashing CPU scandal that sent desktop gamers flocking to AMD, the company’s reputation has taken a beating. Apple and Qualcomm have muscled Intel out of flagship laptops, and its long-awaited gaming graphics card has gone mysteriously missing. But a bright spot has emerged: the Panther Lake laptop chip, built on Intel’s crucial 18A process, received glowing reviews. Now, a handheld version of that chip could make Intel the dominant force in portable gaming.
On Monday, I spent two hours with the MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus, powered by Intel’s new Arc G3 Extreme. After that hands-on session, I’m convinced the next generation of handheld gaming devices has truly arrived. This is the performance and battery life leap we’ve been waiting for.
(Source: The Verge)
