Intel aims to launch its Arc Xe2 Battlemage lineup of discrete graphics cards in the latter half of this year, as disclosed by a senior official within the company. This impending release is anticipated to contribute to the array of gaming GPUs available in 2024.
Originally introduced in 2022 after encountering several delays, Intel’s initial generation of discrete GPUs featured the Xe-HPG architecture, code-named Alchemist. The upcoming Xe2-HPG architecture, also known as Intel Arc Battlemage, is positioned to enhance upon its forerunner, although specific details regarding its release remain guarded by Intel.
‘About 30%’ of Intel’s Engineers Are Currently Working on Xe2 Battlemage GPUs
However, the company recently provided insights into the Arc Battlemage line at CES 2024. In a conversation with PCWorld, Intel Fellow Tom Petersen suggested that approximately “about 30%” of the company’s engineers are presently dedicated to completing the Battlemage project. Their primary emphasis lies in refining the software aspect, with a significant portion of Intel’s hardware team concurrently engaged in developing the next significant advancement – the Arc Xe3 Celestial architecture.
See Intel’s Tom Petersen Talks About The Future Of Arc On Youtube
Meanwhile, the inaugural Battlemage chips are already in existence within Intel’s laboratories, signaling that the project is progressing on track for an imminent commercial launch. Expanding on this development, Petersen expressed optimism that the Battlemage GPU line would debut before CES 2025. Given this projection and Intel’s recent release patterns, a late 2024 launch appears plausible for Battlemage. This update aligns with various leaks circulating in connection with the Intel Arc roadmap, all pointing towards a potential market debut around 2024.
While Intel’s reentry into the GPU market was well-received for introducing increased competition against Nvidia and AMD, the initial generation of graphics cards received lukewarm reviews. This was largely attributed to the lackluster software accompanying the Alchemist graphics cards, hindering their overall performance. However, Intel has been diligently enhancing this aspect of its GPUs, instilling confidence among enthusiasts that the Battlemage generation will overcome such initial challenges at launch.
Intel’s updated GPU roadmap reveals two additional confirmed product generations succeeding Battlemage: Celestial and Druid. Limited details are available about either, but Celestial is anticipated to be built on TSMC’s 3nm process node. Concurrently, Intel is actively pursuing broader consumer applications for its GPU technology. This objective was underscored by the introduction of the MSI Claw, a striking competitor to the Steam Deck that showcases Intel Arc graphics.
