At the Game Developers Conference, Qualcomm unveiled three exciting additions to its Snapdragon G Series lineup, notably engineered for Android gaming handhelds. These are the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2, Snapdragon G2 Gen 2, and Snapdragon G3 Gen 3.
Qualcomm didn’t stop there; they also offered a sneak peek at future handhelds from partners like AYANEO, ONEXSUGAR, and Retroid Pocket, all set to feature these brand-new chips.
Before we dive into the handhelds sporting these advanced chips, let’s check out the specifications for each of these Snapdragon G Series newcomers.
One particular device stands out with its unique, customizable architecture—think contorting controllers and a detachable screen, reminiscent of a Transformers toy. It’s truly unlike anything I’ve seen before.
Specifications of the New Snapdragon G Series
Starting with the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, you get a Qualcomm Kryo CPU boasting 8 cores—one prime, five performance, and two for efficiency—with a 30% boost in performance. The Qualcomm Adreno A32 GPU offers a 28% uptick in graphics capability. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and an optional Qualcomm X61 5G Modem-RF System, supporting download speeds up to 2.5 Gbps and uploads to 900 Mbps. It’s equipped for Full HD+ displays at 120Hz. On the gaming front, it features Hardware Accelerated Ray Tracing, Unreal Engine 5 Lumen Global Illumination, and Reflections support, along with Snapdragon Game Super Resolution and the Adreno Frame Motion Engine 2.0.
The Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 includes the same Kryo CPU with a slightly different core distribution, highlighting a 2.3x performance improvement. Its Adreno A22 GPU boosts performance by 3.8 times. Connectivity mirrors the G3 Gen 3, offering Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1, with the same optional 5G modem. Display support and gaming enhancements align with its higher-tier sibling.
Finally, the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 delivers an 80% boost with its CPU configuration and an Adreno A12 GPU offering a 25% performance rise, maintaining the connectivity standards seen across the G Series.
What the New Snapdragon G Series Brings
Reflecting on my previous coverage of the original Snapdragon G Series, it’s clear these chips have leaped forward. Qualcomm highlights how the flagship Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 supports Unreal Engine 5’s Lumen Global Illumination and Reflections, elevating its graphical prowess.
With significant improvements, like the 30% speed boost in CPU performance and a notable 28% increase in advanced graphics, Qualcomm assures us of a richer gaming experience with enhanced power and efficiency.
Snapdragon G Series: A Game Changer for Cloud Gaming
While my enthusiasm often lands on Xbox gaming handhelds and Windows PC gaming devices, Android handhelds hold their ground as an excellent medium, especially when gaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce NOW. This means you can lean on powerful remote servers, sparing the need for the beefy specs typical of gaming laptops or PC handhelds—a more affordable route to quality gaming.
With the latest Snapdragon G Series phase, manufacturers are revealing handhelds leveraging these cutting-edge chips. Here are some standout devices that caught my eye for distinct reasons.
Unique Handhelds Powered by Snapdragon G Series
ONEXSUGAR Dual-Screen Handheld
Among the new wave of Snapdragon-powered devices is this intriguing dual-screen handheld, reminiscent of a ’90s Transformer. Its built-in pivoting controllers and detachable screens suggest versatile usage, though the durability of its moving parts might be a concern. It runs on the formidable Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, promising an enjoyable gaming stint. Preorders open May 2025.
AYANEO Pocket S2
Known for releasing frequent updates, AYANEO’s latest flagship handheld, the Pocket S2, features the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3. This variant boasts a larger 6.3-inch 2K display and improved battery life. Prepping for a March 2025 launch, pricing details remain under wraps.
Retroid Pocket Classic
Finally, the Retroid Pocket Classic, powered by Snapdragon G1 Gen 2, captures the nostalgia of the ’90s with its GameBoy-style design and vibrant hues like Atomic Purple and Kiwi. Starting from $119, it offers options for greater RAM and storage. Available for preorder in March 2025, it sports a 1080×1240 AMOLED display.
A New Era for Gaming with Snapdragon
It’s clear to me that gaming’s future is all about mobility. Whether it’s console, PC, or Android, it’s the portability that gamers are gravitating toward. Android gaming is especially accessible thanks to cloud gaming services, offering high-quality experiences without the high cost of traditional gaming systems.
As these Snapdragon chips power ever more capable devices, we’re witnessing the lines between Android handhelds, consoles, and PCs blur. For technology enthusiasts and gamers alike, this is an exciting evolution, regardless of one’s platform of choice.
