Qualcomm’s New Snapdragon G Chips Boost Handheld Gaming

Qualcomm is updating its series of mobile gaming processors with the launch of three new chips designed for Android handheld gaming devices. Leading the pack is the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, crafted for hardcore gaming enthusiasts.

In the upcoming weeks, this high-end chip will debut in handheld consoles from brands like Ayaneo and Onex. The mid-range Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 is optimized for gaming at 144fps, while the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 is aimed at entry-level devices prioritizing cloud-based gaming.

Kicking off with the flagship Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, this chip is a successor to the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 that powered devices like the Ayaneo Pocket S. It features an octa-core configuration, comprising a single prime core, five performance cores, and two efficiency cores to manage demanding tasks.

Qualcomm touts a 28% increase in graphics performance compared to its predecessor, along with support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing. It integrates the Snapdragon Game Super Resolution technology and the Adreno Frame Motion Engine 2.0, ensuring a fluid visual experience.

Making strides in game technology, it is also the first in the Snapdragon G series to support Unreal Engine 5’s Lumen system for advanced handling of light and reflections in video games. On the hardware front, it can power devices with up to a QHD+ display and features a peak refresh rate of 144 Hz.

The Ayaneo Pocket S2 will be the first device to utilize this chip, launching later this month with enhanced thermal management and an improved input design. While the design is similar to the original Pocket S, the internals feature several important upgrades.

Additionally, the forthcoming Ayaneo Gaming Pad, scheduled for release in May, will also be powered by this processor, as will the OnexSugar Sugar 1, touted as the world’s first dual-screen Android gaming handheld.

Low-End Market Considerations

Targeting the mid-tier category, the Qualcomm Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 is an octa-core processor featuring a single prime core for heavy-duty tasks, four performance cores, and three efficiency cores.

It promises an impressive 2.3x increase in CPU performance, with graphics performance seeing a generational leap of 3.8x. Like its flagship counterpart, it can also support a QHD+ display at 144Hz and will soon appear in a Retroid handheld device.

Lastly, the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 chip features a 6+2 core layout without a prime core, comprising two mid-range performance cores and six lower-end efficiency cores.

Qualcomm claims an 80% enhancement in CPU performance with this chip, along with a 25% improvement in graphics capabilities, thanks to the Adreno A12 GPU. It can manage displays with up to full-HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rates.

Retroid is set to be among the first to adopt this low-power gaming processor, with the Retroid Pocket PR Classic launching soon, featuring the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 chip alongside an OLED display, a 5,000 mAh battery, and active cooling.