A new Intel chip, Panther Lake, is expected to power upcoming gaming handhelds with significantly lower power consumption. The chip, designed for portable gaming devices, is said to operate at just 8 watts, making it more energy-efficient than current options. This development could challenge the Steam Deck, which currently uses a more power-hungry setup.

Intel's latest chip features a modern Xe3 iGPU and eight processor cores, yet manages to maintain low power usage. This balance of performance and efficiency could appeal to consumers looking for longer battery life without sacrificing gaming capabilities. The chip's potential impact on the handheld gaming market is significant, as it may enable more compact and sustainable devices.

Industry experts suggest that the Panther Lake chip could lead to a new wave of affordable gaming handhelds. With lower power needs, manufacturers might offer devices at a more competitive price point. This could expand access to high-performance gaming on the go, particularly in markets where portability and energy efficiency are key priorities.

The release timeline for devices using Panther Lake remains unclear, but the chip's specifications indicate a shift toward more sustainable and powerful portable gaming solutions.