Qualcomm launches Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, G2 Gen 2, and G1 Gen 2 chips for gaming handhelds

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G series processors debuted in 2021 with the launch of the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 processor aimed at handheld game consoles. Since then the chip maker has expanded the Snapdragon G family with chips designed for budget, mid-range, and premium handhelds.

Now the company is introducing new G series chips that the company says will bring big performance boosts at each level.

The Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 is the most powerful of the bunch… and it also gets the most modest performance improvements. While it adds support for features like WiFi 7, support for Unreal Engine 5’s Lumen dynamic lighting and reflection system, and energy efficiency improvements, this chip “only” brings a 30 percent boost in CPU performance and 28 percent faster graphics when compared with the previous-gen Snapdragon G3x Gen 2.

Other features include support for Bluetooth 5.3, optional support for a Qualcomm X61 5G modem, and an octa-core processor with one Prime CPU core, five Performance cores, and two Efficiency cores.

Meanwhile the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 delivers up to a 2.3X boost in CPU performance and 3.8X faster graphics than its first1-gen counterpart. Qualcomm says it also picks up WiFi 7 support, making it a good fit for “cloud gaming at 144 FPS,” as well as playing some games locally.

This chip also supports Bluetooth 5.3 and has one Prime CPU core, but it has four Performance cores, three Efficiency cores, and a less powerful GPU.

The Snapdragon G1 Gen 2, meanwhile, is still an entry-level processor. It’s “intended for cloud gaming on dedicated handheld Android gaming devices,” where much of the processing power is handled by a remote server rather than the device itself, and Qualcomm it can handle 1080p game streaming at 120 FPS. But Qualcomm says its CPU is 80 still percent faster than its predecessor, while graphics performance is up 25 percent.

Qualcomm’s least powerful current-gen gaming chip tops out at WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connectivity, but like its siblings features optional support for a Qualcomm X61 5G modem. It lacks any Prime CPU cores, but has two Performance cores and six Efficiency cores.

Qualcomm says some of the first devices with the new chips are slated to begin shipping this quarter, including models from AYANEO, One Netbook (ONEXSUGAR), and Retroid Pocket.

press release