Qualcomm Unveils New Snapdragon G Series Chips for Gaming Handhelds

Qualcomm, a leading chip manufacturer, is expanding its impact beyond Android smartphones into the handheld gaming market. Recognizing the potential of gaming devices like Valve’s Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, Qualcomm aims to revive the once-forgotten handheld gaming industry. The company has announced three tailored System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions for gaming devices, marking a significant step forward for the gaming ecosystem.

The Snapdragon G Series Lineup

The new lineup, known as the Snapdragon G Series, encompasses the G1, G2, and G3x Gen 2 SoCs. These chips are designed to provide enhanced gaming experiences on handheld devices.

Snapdragon G1: Lag-Free Gaming

The Snapdragon G1 is engineered to support seamless game streaming, both locally and from the cloud. Specifically optimized for extended gaming sessions over Wi-Fi, this chip boasts over 10 hours of gameplay. It’s expected that devices equipped with the G1 chip will cost under $200, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Snapdragon G2: 5G and Wi-Fi 6/6E Gaming

The Snapdragon G2 focuses on mobile and cloud gaming, boasting the added benefits of 5G and Wi-Fi 6/6E connectivity. This SoC features an octa-core Kryo CPU and an Adreno A21 GPU, tailored for gaming on the move.

Snapdragon G3x Gen 2: Power and Performance

The highlight of Qualcomm’s new lineup is the G3x Gen 2, a formidable competitor to powerful gaming chips like AMD’s Aerith SoC that powers the Steam Deck. This iteration of the G3x Gen 2 series elevates CPU performance by 30% compared to its predecessor, all while maintaining a power draw within the 15-18W range. To enhance graphical capabilities, Qualcomm has integrated an Adreno A32 GPU that offers double the performance of its predecessor, enabling features like ray tracing. Furthermore, the G3x Gen 2 supports Wi-Fi 7 and PCIe Gen 4 SSDs, aligning its capabilities with high-end gaming PCs.

The Console Gaming Ambition

While these new chips promise significant advancements, they currently fall short of the performance offered by leading game consoles. Qualcomm’s Gaming Director, Mithun Chandrasekhar, acknowledged that while they could boost clock speeds to surpass the competition, it would come at the cost of battery life. Nevertheless, the G3x Gen 2 chip has attracted interest from console manufacturers like AyaNeo, Huaqin, Inventec, and Thundercomm. Qualcomm’s vision extends beyond Android and Windows gaming, as they aspire to reach gamers with dedicated handhelds across various price points.

Challenges on the Horizon

Despite Qualcomm’s ambitions, challenges persist. A reference design console equipped with the new chipset showcased Android-based gaming with a 6.8-inch 144Hz OLED display. However, it fell short of impressive gaming performance due to the current optimization of Android games for smartphone SoCs rather than specialized gaming chips. Moreover, certain heavyweight titles lack compatibility with external controllers, posing a hurdle for seamless gaming experiences.

In conclusion, Qualcomm’s strategic foray into the handheld gaming sector introduces a promising lineup of Snapdragon G Series chips. While challenges remain in optimizing game performance, the company’s determination to collaborate with console manufacturers and offer diverse handheld solutions reflects their commitment to reshaping the gaming landscape.