- An Asus executive was asked if integrated graphics on laptops signify the future of PC gaming.
- He responded that "we're definitely getting into the territory where that becomes a possibility" and that "it's just a matter of time".
- The executive acknowledged the complexities surrounding this issue, noting various nuances and factors at play.
As integrated graphics continue to improve, particularly with advancements like Intel's Panther Lake CPUs, discussions are resurfacing about the potential obsolescence of discrete GPUs.
In an interview with Tom's Guide at CES 2026, Asus indicated that we are approaching a point where integrated graphics could become the standard for PC gaming.
For context, a discrete GPU refers to a standalone graphics card, as opposed to integrated graphics embedded in the CPU. The latter typically offers less powerful performance compared to dedicated solutions.
Dedicated gaming laptops still rely on discrete GPUs for superior performance, but how close are we to sidelining these standalone boards?
Tom's Guide posed this question to Sascha Krohn, Director of Technical Marketing at Asus. Krohn stated, "I would say we're definitely getting into the territory where that becomes a possibility. I think that's something that, in the past, you couldn't really do, but I think now we're getting to the point where, and just the fact that you're asking the question – you're not the only one – it shows that if you follow this trend, it is probably going to happen. And it's just a matter of time."
Krohn added, "Are we there right now? I'm not sure if we're already there right now. It's going to be very interesting in the end how the market reacts, like how end users react to this."
Analysis: Panther Extreme Halo Effect
Krohn's statement is bold; while he expresses uncertainty about our current position, it suggests we may be nearing that threshold. The integrated graphics on Intel's Panther Lake chips are impressive, as are Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and AMD's Strix Halo, which boasts remarkable performance, albeit with higher power consumption and cost considerations.
Krohn noted that Cyberpunk 2077 runs impressively on integrated graphics, which is noteworthy. However, the timeline for when integrated GPUs might replace discrete ones remains complex, as acknowledged by the Asus executive.
He remarked, "It really depends on who you ask. Many might say that integrated GPU performance is sufficient for them, but labeling it as a dedicated gaming device is another matter."
Krohn continued, "Expectations are higher when you call it a gaming laptop. These devices won't disappear anytime soon, and dedicated GPUs will remain relevant for years to come. The balance between dedicated and integrated GPUs will vary among users."
Ultimately, we are not witnessing the demise of discrete GPUs anytime soon, as enthusiasts will always seek better performance for 4K gaming with all settings maxed out. Both discrete and integrated solutions will continue to evolve, with discrete GPUs maintaining their edge.
The real question is when integrated graphics will reach a level of performance that satisfies the majority of gamers. While that moment may not be far off, it is still likely some time away. Integrated graphics will undoubtedly improve, but so will standalone GPUs. In laptops, higher power consumption could pose challenges for discrete GPUs, although advancements in cooling technology may mitigate this.
Asus's optimism may be somewhat premature. A crucial factor for the future of discrete GPUs will be the industry's commitment to developing faster models. With the rise of AI, there are concerns that companies like Nvidia might prioritize AI advancements over gaming, leading to speculation about the future of the GeForce line.
Our publication will provide extensive coverage of this year's CES, delivering all major announcements as they unfold. Visit our CES 2026 live news page for the latest updates and our hands-on reviews of everything we encounter.
Feel free to ask us questions about the event in our CES 2026 live Q&A, and we’ll do our best to respond.
