Qualcomm introduced has its new Snapdragon G series, aiming to disrupt the competitive handheld gaming market. With the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, G2 Gen 2, and G1 Gen 2 chips, Qualcomm is positioning itself as a direct challenger to Intel and AMD, the current leaders in handheld gaming processors.
“The Snapdragon G Series Gaming Platforms are redefining on-the-go gaming with advanced performance and immersive experiences,” said Micah Knapp, Senior Director, Product Management at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “These next-generation Snapdragon G Series processors will power the future of handheld gaming by supporting a wide range of play types and form factors for manufacturers and developers to innovate around.”
Snapdragon G3 Gen 3: Performance and Innovation for Flagship Devices
At the forefront of Qualcomm’s offering is the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, designed to deliver substantial performance gains.
Featuring a new Kryo CPU setup, the chip includes one Prime core, five Performance cores, and two Efficiency cores.
Qualcomm promises a 30% boost in CPU performance and a 28% increase in GPU performance compared to its predecessor. With the addition of the Adreno A32 GPU, the G3 Gen 3 introduces support for ray tracing, a feature typically reserved for high-end gaming PCs.
This capability significantly enhances visual fidelity, especially in titles with dynamic lighting and reflections.
In terms of gaming capabilities, the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 supports QHD+ displays at up to 144 Hz, making it a compelling choice for players who want a fluid and immersive experience on handheld devices.
Devices like the Ayaneo Pocket S2 and OneXPlayer OneXSugar (see below) will feature this chip, allowing users to enjoy AAA games with smoother gameplay and more detailed graphics. Qualcomm promises that Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 will provide gaming experiences that are truly on par with dedicated gaming PCs.
One of the most notable features of the G3 Gen 3 is its compatibility with Lumen, Unreal Engine 5’s dynamic lighting system. Lumen allows for more realistic global illumination and reflections, which will be crucial for enhancing the realism and depth of handheld gaming graphics.
This ensures that the G3 Gen 3 is not just about raw power but also about improving visual immersion, even in portable formats.
Qualcomm’s entry into the handheld gaming sector is a strategic move designed to challenge the established dominance of Intel and AMD in this space. For years, Intel’s x86-based chips and AMD’s RDNA 2-based processors have powered devices like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch.
Now, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G series is positioned to offer an ARM-based alternative, typically known for its use in mobile devices.
The G3 Gen 3’s ability to support high-end features like ray tracing and dynamic lighting systems positions Qualcomm as a serious contender in the world of portable gaming.
In addition to raw performance, the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 also integrates Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 support, ensuring faster and more reliable online gaming experiences.
These advancements aim to improve multiplayer gameplay and reduce latency, which are key factors for handheld devices that rely on wireless connections.
Snapdragon G2 Gen 2: Mid-Tier Performance with a Focus on Graphics
For those not in need of the high-end performance of the G3 Gen 3, the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 provides a more affordable option without compromising on quality. The new Adreno A22 GPU in the G2 Gen 2 offers a 3.8X improvement in graphics performance over the previous generation.
This makes it a good choice for mid-tier handheld gaming devices that need to handle demanding titles with higher frame rates and sharper visuals.
With support for QHD+ displays and enhanced graphics features, the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 will be a popular choice for gaming consoles like the Ayaneo Gaming Pad (see below), which will integrate the chip for a balanced mix of performance and value.
Snapdragon G1 Gen 2: Accessible Performance for Budget Devices
The entry-level Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 rounds out Qualcomm’s new lineup. While it’s not designed for the most demanding gaming experiences, the G1 Gen 2 delivers solid performance for budget-conscious consumers.
With a 25% increase in GPU performance and an 80% boost in CPU performance over the previous generation, the G1 Gen 2 ensures a smooth gaming experience even at a lower price point.
Supporting Full HD+ displays at up to 120 Hz, the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 brings fluid gameplay to entry-level gaming devices. Although it lacks the advanced features of the G2 and G3 Gen 3, its affordability makes it an appealing option for casual gamers or those looking for an entry point into the handheld gaming market.
First Gaming Handhelds to Feature Qualcomm’s New Chips
With the launch of the Snapdragon G series, several handheld gaming manufacturers have already announced their plans to integrate Qualcomm’s latest chips into their upcoming devices. These handhelds, powered by the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, G2 Gen 2, and G1 Gen 2, promise to bring improved gaming performance, high refresh rates, and enhanced graphics to the portable gaming market.
Ayaneo Pocket S2 and Ayaneo Gaming Pad
Ayaneo, a company known for its premium handheld gaming PCs, has confirmed that its new Pocket S2 and Ayaneo Gaming Pad will feature the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3.
The Pocket S2 is expected to deliver high-end gaming performance with support for QHD+ displays at 144 Hz, making it one of the most powerful ARM-based handhelds available. The device integrates a Hall-effect joystick for improved precision and a fully optimized cooling system with an ultra-large heat sink and active cooling fan to ensure stable performance under heavy gaming loads.
The AYANEO Pocket S2 is designed with an ergonomic, CNC all-metal frame for enhanced durability and comfort during extended play. It features dual X-axis motors for immersive haptic feedback and AYANEO’s self-developed AYASpace + AYAHome software suite, offering advanced performance tuning and customization.
The device supports Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, ensuring faster and more stable multiplayer gaming and cloud streaming. Its high-capacity battery, combined with efficient power management, allows for longer gaming sessions, complemented by fast charging support to reduce downtime.
The Ayaneo Gaming Pad, meanwhile, will provide a more compact design while still taking advantage of the G3 Gen 3’s ray tracing capabilities and Wi-Fi 7 support for seamless online gaming.
Designed with a 8.3-inch 1440p 120Hz display, the AYANEO Gaming Pad delivers high refresh rates and visuals across a variety of games, from AAA titles to retro classics. The handheld also introduces the Explorer Edition, a model featuring a transparent glass back cover and a CNC-machined all-metal frame, emphasizing both aesthetics and durability. To sustain high-performance gaming, it includes a gaming-grade turbo cooling system, ensuring stable frame rates even during extended play sessions.
Beyond gaming performance, the AYANEO Gaming Pad offers a high-end audio and control experience, featuring quad-chamber speakers for immersive sound and six-axis gyroscope support for precise motion controls. It also includes a 50MP main camera and a 13MP ultra-wide sensor, making it one of the few gaming tablets with professional-grade imaging capabilities. AYANEO has positioned the device as a flagship Android gaming handheld, aiming to push the boundaries of mobile gaming while integrating support for external controllers, keyboards, and other peripherals.
OneXPlayer OneXSugar
OneXPlayer has also jumped on board, confirming that its upcoming OneXSugar handheld will incorporate the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3. Known for its Windows-based gaming devices, OneXPlayer is now embracing Qualcomm’s ARM-based platform, aiming to provide a lightweight, high-performance alternative to x86-powered handhelds like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
It features a unique transformable design that allows users to switch between a traditional horizontal handheld mode and a dual-screen configuration reminiscent of the Nintendo DS. This transformation is achieved through a swing-out secondary screen and twin-hinged gamepads, providing versatility for various gaming experiences. The device also emphasizes modularity, allowing users to customize controls and adapt the form factor to suit different gaming scenarios.
Retroid Pocket (Next Generation)
For gamers looking for a more affordable option, the next-generation Retroid Pocket will be among the first devices to use the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2. It features a vertical form factor reminiscent of the original Game Boy, aiming to provide a nostalgic gaming experience. This entry-level handheld will offer Full HD+ gaming at 120 Hz, making it a compelling option for retro gaming enthusiasts and casual players who want a smooth, cost-effective portable gaming experience.
Under the hood, the Retroid Pocket Classic is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 chipset, featuring an 8-core Kryo CPU with 2 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores, along with an Adreno A12 GPU. This processor is designed for efficiency and sustained performance, making it suitable for emulating games up to the Sega Saturn era.
The device offers two configurations: 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM operating at 2133MHz with 64GB of eMMC 5.1 storage, or 6GB of RAM with 128GB of storage. Both configurations include a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing ample space for game libraries.
It houses a 5,000mAh battery, ensuring extended gaming sessions without frequent recharging. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1, facilitating online multiplayer gaming and connectivity with various peripherals.
The handheld features a D-pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, and offers an optional six-button layout for enhanced compatibility with a broader range of games, particularly those from the Sega Saturn era. It also includes L1, L2, R1, and R2 shoulder buttons, providing a comprehensive control scheme for various gaming genres.
More Manufacturers Expected to Join
While Ayaneo, OneXPlayer, and Retroid have been the first to announce their Snapdragon-powered handhelds, other companies are expected to follow suit. Qualcomm’s shift toward high-performance gaming chips for handheld devices suggests that more manufacturers will adopt the G series in the coming months, bringing increased competition to the space traditionally dominated by x86-based processors from Intel and AMD.
Potential Challenges Ahead: Power Consumption and Software Optimization
Despite the impressive specifications of the Snapdragon G series, some concerns linger. Power consumption could become a limiting factor, especially for the G3 Gen 3, which integrates ray tracing and advanced graphical features.
With handheld devices already constrained by battery life, the added load from powerful graphics processing might lead to shorter play sessions between charges. Qualcomm has not yet disclosed specific details on how it plans to address this issue in real-world gaming scenarios.
Moreover, while the hardware improvements are clear, the success of the G3 Gen 3 will depend largely on software optimization. Game developers will need to adapt their titles to take full advantage of the chip’s capabilities, particularly when it comes to ray tracing and other advanced visual features. Without proper software support, the performance gains from the hardware could be underutilized.
As Qualcomm looks to gain ground in the handheld gaming market, it will need to balance performance with power efficiency and ensure that developers are on board with optimizing their games for the new Snapdragon chips.
Independent reviews and industry testing will be crucial in validating Qualcomm’s claims, especially regarding the real-world performance of the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 in comparison to existing solutions. However, with support for high-end graphical features and the integration of next-gen connectivity standards, the Snapdragon G series holds significant promise.
