Qualcomm has unveiled its latest Snapdragon G Series lineup, introducing three new processors designed specifically for handheld gaming devices. The newly announced Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, Snapdragon G2 Gen 2, and Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 platforms aim to deliver enhanced performance, improved graphics, and superior connectivity for Android-based handheld consoles. These new chipsets mark a significant leap forward in Qualcomm’s efforts to dominate the handheld gaming market, offering a range of options to suit various performance needs.
 

Leading the new lineup is the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, which is the most powerful chipset in the G Series range. While it does not include Qualcomm’s latest Oryon CPU or the high-performance Adreno 830 GPU seen in flagship smartphone processors, the G3 Gen 3 still introduces substantial improvements over its predecessor. Qualcomm claims that the G3 Gen 3 delivers a 30 percent boost in CPU performance and a 28 percent improvement in graphics capabilities. This enhanced processing power is expected to significantly improve gameplay fluidity and responsiveness. One of the standout features of the G3 Gen 3 is its support for Unreal Engine 5’s Lumen lighting and reflections system, making it the first Snapdragon G Series chipset to incorporate this advanced visual technology. The G3 Gen 3 also supports up to QHD+ resolution at a 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring sharper visuals and smoother animations. Connectivity has been upgraded with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 integration, powered by Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7800 system, enabling low-latency online gaming and improved wireless performance.
 

The Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 is designed to serve both traditional gaming and cloud gaming needs, making it a versatile choice for handheld gaming consoles. As the successor to the Snapdragon G2 Gen 1, the new G2 Gen 2 delivers impressive upgrades, including up to 2.3 times better CPU performance and nearly 3.8 times faster GPU capabilities. This enhanced GPU performance is attributed to the integration of the Adreno A22 GPU, ensuring visually richer and smoother gameplay. The G2 Gen 2 also supports QHD+ resolution at a 144Hz refresh rate and offers Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, allowing for improved online gameplay with reduced lag. The entry-level Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 has also received notable upgrades, targeting budget-friendly handheld devices that focus on cloud gaming. Qualcomm claims that the G1 Gen 2 achieves an 80 percent boost in CPU performance and a 25 percent increase in GPU power compared to the earlier G1 Gen 1. Additionally, the G1 Gen 2 now supports up to FHD+ resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate, doubling the refresh rate capability over its predecessor to deliver smoother motion and improved visuals in cloud-based gaming.
 

Among the three chipsets, only the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 and Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 will include support for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Game Super Resolution and Adreno Frame Motion Engine 2.0. These technologies are designed to improve visual quality and optimize frame rates for a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. Qualcomm has confirmed that several upcoming handheld gaming consoles will integrate these new Snapdragon G Series processors. The Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 will power Ayaneo’s Pocket S2 and Gaming Pad, as well as OneXPlayer’s OneXSugar, ensuring a powerful gaming experience on premium devices. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 is set to debut in Retroid’s next-generation handheld console, expected to be the Retroid Pocket 6. The entry-level Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 will be featured in the upcoming Retroid Pocket Classic, a Game Boy-inspired console that features a 3.92-inch AMOLED display designed for retro gaming enthusiasts.
 

Micah Knapp, senior director of product management at Qualcomm Technologies Inc., emphasized that the new Snapdragon G Series processors are designed to shape the future of handheld gaming by offering developers and manufacturers the flexibility to create innovative devices across multiple price segments. With improved graphics, enhanced connectivity, and better overall performance, these chipsets aim to expand the handheld gaming market and cater to both traditional and cloud gaming audiences. Devices powered by the latest Snapdragon G Series platforms are expected to launch later this quarter, with major gaming brands already confirming their plans to introduce new consoles featuring these processors. Qualcomm’s strategic push into handheld gaming highlights its commitment to delivering high-performance solutions that meet the evolving demands of mobile gamers worldwide.