In a significant move to redefine handheld gaming, Qualcomm has introduced its latest Snapdragon G Series chipsets at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025. This new lineup, comprising the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, G2 Gen 2, and G1 Gen 2, is tailored to cater to a diverse range of gaming experiences, from high-performance gaming to cloud-based streaming.
Snapdragon G3 Gen 3: Premium Gaming Performance
Leading the new series, the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 is engineered for top-tier handheld gaming devices. It features an octa-core Kryo CPU with a configuration of one Prime core, five Performance cores, and two Efficiency cores, delivering a 30% improvement in CPU performance over its predecessor.
The chipset is equipped with the Adreno A32 GPU, supporting ray tracing and offering a 28% boost in graphics performance. It also supports up to QHD+ resolution at 144Hz refresh rates, ensuring smooth and immersive visuals.
Connectivity is enhanced with Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7800, providing Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 support. Notably, the G3 Gen 3 is the first in the G Series to integrate Unreal Engine 5’s Lumen system, enabling dynamic global illumination and reflections for realistic lighting effects.
Devices confirmed to feature the G3 Gen 3 include:
A. Ayaneo Pocket S2: A sleek handheld with a 6.3-inch display.
B. Ayaneo Gaming Pad: An 8.3-inch device with controller-like grips and a 120Hz display.
C. OneXPlayer OneXSugar 1: An innovative dual-screen Android gaming device.
Snapdragon G2 Gen 2: Mid-Range Gaming Excellence
The Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 is designed for mainstream handheld gaming devices, offering a balance between performance and efficiency. It features an octa-core Kryo CPU with one Prime core, four Performance cores, and three Efficiency cores, resulting in a 2.3x increase in CPU performance compared to the previous generation.
The Adreno A22 GPU provides up to a 3.8x improvement in graphics performance, supporting QHD+ displays at 144Hz. Connectivity is powered by FastConnect 7800, enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3.
The G2 Gen 2 also supports Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Game Super Resolution and Adreno Frame Motion Engine 2.0 technologies, enhancing visual fidelity and frame rates.
An upcoming device featuring this chipset is the next-generation Retroid Pocket, anticipated to be the Retroid Pocket 6, succeeding the popular Retroid Pocket 5.
Snapdragon G1 Gen 2: Optimized for Cloud Gaming
Targeting entry-level and cloud-focused gaming devices, the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 offers substantial upgrades over its predecessor. It houses an octa-core Kryo CPU with two Performance cores and six Efficiency cores, delivering an 80% improvement in CPU performance.
The Adreno A12 GPU enhances graphics performance by 25%, supporting FHD+ displays at 120Hz. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring stable wireless connections.
The first device confirmed to utilize the G1 Gen 2 is the Retroid Pocket Classic, a Game Boy-inspired handheld featuring a 3.92-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1240 x 1080 pixels.
Comparative Overview of Snapdragon G Series
| Platform | CPU Configuration | GPU | Connectivity | Display Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 | 1 Prime, 5 Performance, 2 Efficiency cores | Adreno A32 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | QHD+ at 144Hz |
| Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 | 1 Prime, 4 Performance, 3 Efficiency cores | Adreno A22 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | QHD+ at 144Hz |
| Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 | 2 Performance, 6 Efficiency cores | Adreno A12 | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1 | FHD+ at 120Hz |
Qualcomm’s Strategic Vision
With the introduction of these chipsets, Qualcomm aims to solidify its position in the handheld gaming market, offering solutions that cater to various segments—from high-end gaming enthusiasts to casual cloud gamers. By providing scalable performance and advanced features across the G Series, Qualcomm is set to power the next generation of gaming experiences.
