At the Game Developers Conference, Qualcomm unveiled three new Snapdragon G platforms for handheld gaming devices and consoles. These latest additions enhance Qualcomm’s gaming processor lineup, offering more choices for handheld gamers across different platforms, including cloud, console, Android, and PC.
Snapdragon G3 Gen 3: Advanced gaming for Android handhelds
The Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 is Qualcomm’s most powerful G-series chipset yet, designed specifically for Android-based handheld gaming devices. It is the first in the series to support Unreal Engine 5’s Lumen engine, enabling real-time, hardware-accelerated ray tracing with global illumination and reflections for an immersive gaming experience.
Qualcomm claims this chipset delivers a 30% boost in CPU performance and a 28% increase in graphics power compared to its predecessor. It also features Wi-Fi 7 support, helping reduce latency and improve connectivity during gameplay.
Regarding technical specifications, the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 includes an 8-core Kyro CPU (comprising one prime core, five performance cores, and two efficiency cores) alongside an Adreno A32 GPU. It is also the first to feature Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7800, a Wi-Fi 7 component. For mobile data, it integrates the Qualcomm X61 5G Modem-RF System, supporting Bluetooth 5.3, 5G (Sub-6), and high-refresh-rate panels up to QHD+ resolution at 144Hz—all within a handheld gaming device.
Snapdragon G2 Gen 2: Optimised for cloud gaming
Designed with cloud gaming in mind, the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 chipset boasts significant performance upgrades. According to Qualcomm, it offers 2.3 times faster CPU and 3.8 times faster GPU performance compared to its previous version. It also supports Wi-Fi 7, ensuring smoother gaming at up to 144FPS.
Although it shares the same Wi-Fi chip and 5G modem as the G3 Gen 3, the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 has a slightly different CPU architecture. It features an 8-core Kyro CPU with one prime core, four performance cores, three efficiency cores, and a less powerful Adreno A22 GPU. Like its higher-end counterpart, it supports QHD+ displays at 144Hz refresh rates.
Snapdragon G1 Gen 2: Entry-level gaming with solid performance
The Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 is aimed at handheld cloud gaming on Android devices, delivering 1080p gameplay at 120FPS. Qualcomm states that it offers 80% faster CPU and 25% faster GPU performance than the first-generation model, making it a competitive choice for budget-conscious gamers.
To keep costs down, the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 features Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1, supporting displays up to FHD+ resolution at 120Hz. Despite being the entry-level option, it still includes the same 5G modem as the higher-tiered models. The chipset features an 8-core Kyro CPU layout with two performance cores, six efficiency cores, and an Adreno A12 GPU.
Qualcomm has not provided a complete list of manufacturers using these new chipsets but has confirmed partnerships with brands such as Ayaneo, Onexsugar, and Retroid Pocket. The company also stated that gaming devices powered by the latest Snapdragon G-series chips will be available within the first quarter of 2025.
