The tech world is abuzz with artificial intelligence at Computex 2026. Over the past three years, AI has become a dominant theme at tech shows, influencing everything from software to hardware. This pervasive focus on AI has significant implications for the gaming industry, particularly in the realm of gaming laptops and handheld gaming devices.
Manufacturers report a 30-40% decline in the DIY PC building market, a trend attributed to the rising costs and demand driven by AI. This shift is also affecting the pricing and availability of gaming handhelds and laptops, making it challenging for consumers to find affordable options.
The Rise of Intel Panther Lake Processors
Intel’s Panther Lake processors are making waves with their powerful integrated graphics. The top-tier Panther Lake chips feature the 12 Xe-core B390 iGPU, which Intel’s Tom Petersen describes as a GPU with an integrated CPU. However, there’s another variant that’s generating interest: the B370 iGPU, found in the Core Ultra 5 338H, which offers 10 Xe cores and promising gaming performance at a lower cost.
Despite the potential of the B370, it’s unlikely to appear in affordable laptops anytime soon. The high cost of LPDDR5x memory, required by Panther Lake processors, makes the price difference between the B370 and B390 negligible. This economic reality is pushing manufacturers to opt for the more powerful B390 chip.
The Role of DRAM Prices
At a demo of the Intel Arc G3 Extreme in various handhelds, including the MSI Claw, Acer Predator Atlas 8, and OneXPlayer 3, Petersen was asked about the likelihood of manufacturers using the straight Arc G3 chip. His response highlighted the current challenges in the market:
“I don’t know the answer to that one. It’s a great question. We’re in a weird time with the whole DRAM thing going on right now, where the pricing difference between the two chips is small, and small relative to what’s going on with DRAM.”
Petersen’s comments underscore the impact of DRAM prices on the gaming hardware market. As memory costs remain high, manufacturers are inclined to invest in the best available components to justify the overall cost of their devices.
Framework’s Approach to Panther Lake
Framework CEO Nirav Patel echoed similar sentiments during an interview at Computex 2026. When discussing the company’s decision to forgo the B370 in favor of the more powerful B390 for the Framework 13 Pro, Patel explained:
“We basically decided that if we go all the way to the X versions, let’s just get the full GPU capability.”
Patel’s strategy aligns with the broader industry trend of prioritizing high-performance components to meet consumer expectations and justify pricing. This approach, however, comes at the expense of more affordable options for budget-conscious gamers.
The Impact on Handheld Gaming
The gaming handheld market is also feeling the effects of AI-driven demand. The Intel Arc G3 Extreme chip, with its powerful integrated graphics, is set to revolutionize handheld gaming. However, the high cost of memory and components is limiting the availability of more affordable handheld devices.
Manufacturers like MSI are focusing on high-end models, such as the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, which feature advanced cooling, upgraded displays, and improved ergonomics. These devices offer superior performance but come with a premium price tag, making them less accessible to casual gamers.
The Future of Gaming Hardware
As AI continues to drive demand for high-performance components, the gaming hardware market is likely to see further shifts. Manufacturers are focusing on high-end devices to justify the costs associated with advanced components like LPDDR5x memory and powerful iGPUs.
For consumers, this means fewer affordable options in the short term. However, as memory prices stabilize and the market normalizes, there may be opportunities for more budget-friendly gaming hardware to re-emerge. Until then, gamers will need to weigh the benefits of high-performance components against the higher costs.
The gaming industry is at a crossroads, driven by the dual forces of AI innovation and market economics. As we navigate this landscape, the choices made by manufacturers and consumers will shape the future of gaming hardware for years to come.
