Intel's next-generation flagship gaming GPU, the Arc B770, appears to be nearing its debut. Following a year of anticipation and rumors, the successor to the Arc A770 has been spotted in an Intel GitHub repository, signaling that its launch could be imminent. This leak provides the clearest look yet at the specifications and positioning of Intel's ambitious "Big Battlemage" graphics card, poised to inject fresh competition into the mid-range market.
The GitHub Leak and Imminent Launch
The first concrete sign of the Arc B770's existence emerged on January 4, 2026, when eagle-eyed users discovered its device ID listed in an official Intel GitHub repository. This listing, which included other current and upcoming Arc GPUs, is a strong technical indicator that the card is in an advanced stage of driver development. The timing is particularly suggestive, as CES 2026—the major U.S. consumer electronics trade show—is set to begin in just two days. Intel has a history of unveiling new graphics hardware at CES, having launched the Arc B570 at the event a year prior, making a reveal at the upcoming show a distinct possibility.
Key Timeline & Context:
- January 4, 2026: Arc B770 device ID discovered in Intel GitHub repository.
- CES 2025 (January 2025): Intel launched the Arc B570 discrete GPU.
- CES 2026 (Starting January 6, 2026): Suspected launch window for the Arc B770.
- H2 2025: Intel launched workstation-grade Arc Pro B50/B60 GPUs based on the smaller BMG-G21 die.
- Market Context: The launch occurs during an industry-wide DRAM shortage and follows scaled-back ambitions for the Battlemage architecture.
Specifications of the "Big Battlemage" BMG-G31
The Arc B770 is expected to be powered by Intel's top-tier Battlemage GPU, codenamed BMG-G31. This represents a significant architectural shift, moving from the first-generation Xe cores found in Alchemist GPUs to more advanced Xe2 cores. The flagship configuration is rumored to pack 32 of these Xe2 cores, a substantial compute unit count designed to deliver a major performance uplift. The card is also slated to feature 16 GB of GDDR6 memory connected via a 256-bit bus, providing ample bandwidth for high-resolution gaming. With a reported Total Graphics Power (TGP) of 300 watts, the B770 will require robust cooling, positioning it as a performance-oriented part.
Rumored Arc B770 Specifications vs. Predecessors:
| Feature | Intel Arc B770 (Rumored) | Intel Arc A770 | Intel Arc B580 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | Battlemage (Xe2) | Alchemist (Xe) | Battlemage (Xe2) |
| GPU Die | BMG-G31 | ACM-G10 | BMG-G21 |
| Process Node | TSMC 5nm | TSMC 6nm | TSMC 5nm |
| Xe/Xe2 Cores | 32 | 32 | 20 |
| Memory | 16 GB GDDR6 | 16 GB GDDR6 | 12 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 256-bit | 192-bit |
| TGP | 300W | 225W | 190W |
| Launch Price | TBD (Target: ~USD 300-400) | USD 349 | USD 249 |
Market Positioning and Competitive Landscape
Intel is strategically targeting the fiercely competitive mid-range segment with the Arc B770. Industry reports suggest it is designed to go head-to-head with offerings like NVIDIA's anticipated RTX 5060 and AMD's RX 9060 series. A critical factor for its success will be pricing. The outgoing Arc A770 launched at USD 349, and for the B770 to be compelling, it will likely need to hit a similar or slightly higher price point, perhaps in the USD 300-400 range. This would offer gamers a potent alternative from a third player in a market long dominated by a duopoly.
Challenges and Context for the Launch
The development of Battlemage has not been without its hurdles. Reports indicate that Intel initially had more ambitious plans for the architecture, which were later scaled back. Furthermore, the GPU is launching into a challenging market environment characterized by ongoing DRAM shortages, which could impact production volumes and final specifications. Interestingly, by the time the B770 arrives, Intel's integrated graphics architecture will have already progressed to Xe3 cores in its latest mobile processors, though these are still branded under the Battlemage family. This highlights the different development cycles for discrete and integrated graphics solutions.
What This Means for Gamers
The potential arrival of the Arc B770 is a promising development for the PC gaming hardware landscape. A viable third competitor in the GPU space can drive innovation and more consumer-friendly pricing. Intel has also been diligently improving its graphics drivers since the rocky launch of its first-generation Arc cards, which should translate to a better out-of-the-box experience for the B770. If the leaked specifications and competitive pricing materialize, the Intel Arc B770 "Big Battlemage" could become a compelling choice for gamers building a new mid-range system in 2026, finally giving Team Blue a true flagship contender.