With the Arc G3 and G3 Extreme, Intel is introducing its first processors designed exclusively for gaming handhelds. The first devices from Acer, MSI, and OneXPlayer are expected to launch in June 2026.
Just in time for Computex 2026, Intel is introducing the “Arc G-Series”—a processor family aimed exclusively at gaming handhelds.
Instead of relying on (partially scaled-down) laptop APUs as before—which often required compromises—Intel aims to make a splash with the Arc G3 and Arc G3 Extreme.
Both are based on the Xe3 architecture, with which Intel has already delivered promising results as part of the “Panther Lake” generation.
Intel’s first dedicated handheld chip
The CPU layout is identical in both models, with 14 cores:
- This includes 2 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores, and 4 LP-E cores (low-power cores).
- The Arc G3 clocks the P-core up to 4.6 GHz, while the G3 Extreme goes slightly higher at up to 4.7 GHz.
The configurable TDP range for the G3 is between 8 and 30 watts; for the G3 Extreme, it is between 8 and 35 watts—a comparatively wide window by handheld standards. In any case, the memory interface supports classic low-profile RAM with up to 8,533 MT/s and a maximum capacity of 96 GB.
Arc G3 and G3 Extreme: Focus on Graphics and AI
The key difference between the two models lies in the GPU.
- The Arc G3 features the Intel Arc B370 with 10 Xe cores running at up to 2.2 GHz. Intel estimates the computing power at up to 90 PTOPS (Peak Tera Operations Per Second).
- The G3 Extreme features the Arc B390 with 12 Xe cores at 2.3 GHz and, according to the manufacturer, delivers up to 113 PTOPS.
Both variants integrate XMX AI engines into each Xe core—these are specialized AI accelerator hardware designed for matrix operations and serve as the foundation for XeSS 3.
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MFG and Precompiled Shaders On Board
Independent tests will have to show whether the Multi-Frame Generation, a new feature in this generation, delivers what Intel promises in real-world handheld use; as always, manufacturer claims regarding frame rates and image quality should be taken with a grain of salt.
- Added to this are “precompiled shaders”: Intel loads precompiled shader files from its own cloud to shorten load times and reduce the typical stuttering at game startup—at least for select titles.
- Finally, Intel notes that the Arc G3 supports Wi-Fi 7 R2, Bluetooth 6.0, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports—the latter also featuring “Thunderbolt Share” for fast PC-to-PC transfers of large game libraries.
First devices starting in June 2026
Intel names three OEM partners for the launch: Acer with the “Predator Atlas 8,” MSI with the “Claw 8 EX AI+,” and OneXPlayer. Specific prices and availability details for these devices are also expected to be announced at Computex 2026.
The market launch of the first Arc G3 handhelds is planned for June 2026, with additional models expected to follow later in the year.
