Qualcomm launches new Snapdragon G-series chips for new gaming handhelds
Qualcomm wants to power the next generation of gaming handhelds
Qualcomm Technologies has revealed a new series of gaming-oriented chips at GDC (Game Developers Conference) 2025. These new chips make up the Snapdragon G-Series, which specifically targets future gaming handhelds.
Qualcomm’s new G-series lineup is made up of three Snapdragon chips: the G1 Gen 2, the G2 Gen 2, and the G3 Gen 3. These three chips are very different, with each chip being made up of different CPU configurations and GPU generations. Only their Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 features support for hardware accelerated ray tracing.
The Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 is the star of the show
With support for Unreal Engine 5’s “Lumen” technology, Qualcomm’s top G-series chip is the only chip within the lineup that supports top-quality visuals. Compared to its last-generation counterpart, Qualcomm has promised a 30% boost in CPU performance and “28% faster advanced graphics capabilities.” It also boasts “greater power optimisation and energy efficiencies.”
The Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 boasts a “2.3x CPU performance increase and 3.8x faster GPU capabilities” compared to the G2 Gen 1. That’s a huge increase in performance, though the lack of features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing limits its capabilities.
Lastly, we have the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2, which is primarily aimed at cloud gaming. As such, this chip is aimed at more affordable devices that aim to use cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud or GeForce Now.
| Qualcomm Snapdragon G | CPU Cores | GPU | Wireless | Recommended Use Case |
| Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 | 2x Performance 6x Efficiency |
Qualcomm Adreno A12 | WIFI 5 Bluetooth 5.1 |
FHD+ Resolution at 120Hz Streaming Cloud Handhelds with long battery life |
| SnapDragon G2 Gen 2 | 1x Prime 4x Performance 3 Efficiency |
Qualcomm Adreno A22 | WIFI 7 Bluetooth 5.4 Optional 5G |
QHD+ Resolution at 144Hz Local Gaming Device with Low Latency Online Support |
| SnapDragon G3 Gen 3 | 1x Prime 5x Performance 2 Efficiency |
Qualcomm Adreno A32 (With Hardware RT) |
WIFI 7 Bluetooth 5.4 Optional 5G |
QHD+ Resolution at 144Hz Premium Gaming Handhelds |
Will the Snapdragon G-Series prove to be popular?
Qualcomm has claimed multiple design wins with their new G-Series chip designs. Note that Retriod is confirmed to be using the G1 Gen 2 in its Retroid Pocket PR Classic. Additionally, the Ayaneo Pocket S2 aims to use one of these new SOCs.
While Snapdragon has many design wins, none of these products are mainstream devices and lack the software support of PC gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. Regardless, these niche devices have their own markets and their own perks, which is good news for Qualcomm and non-Windows gamers.
You can join the discussion on Qualcomm’s 2025 Snapdragon G-Series Gaming lineup on the OC3D Forums.
