Established chipset manufacturer Qualcomm has just announced the up-and-coming addition to their Snapdragon lineup, the G3x Generation 1 gaming processor. This 2021 release aims to fill a gap in their current plethora of offerings, a Snapdragon gaming processor to be used for handheld consoles.
The hardware details on the Snapdragon G3x processor are still limited. As of now, the only information available is that the onboard Adreno GPU is an upgrade over last year’s flagship Snapdragon 888. The latest versions of Wi-Fi and 5G can also be expected for a superior networking experience. This rendition is said to combine the best qualities from the Snapdragon mobile chipsets we’ve all come to familiarize ourselves with, as well as the XR2 processor found in the Oculus Quest 2 VR Headset.
In order to streamline hardware and software optimization, Qualcomm is working with developers on different applications. The company then plans to invite OEMs to create handheld consoles equipped with the G3x, further increasing support. Possible use-cases have already been mentioned in past events, including but not limited to micro consoles you can just plug into the television or even portable AR/VR powerhouses. The initial development kit for the G3x will be created by Razer, a gaming goliath known for its peripherals and devices. Qualcomm has mentioned though, in full transparency, that the development kit is not meant as a consumer device and will only operate with the objective of showcasing the platform’s capabilities.
Despite these statements, Qualcomm and Razer made sure to pack the Snapdragon G3x development kit with capable hardware. Greeting you upfront is a sizable 6.65 OLED HDR-enabled display with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The 5-megapixel 1080P webcam can also be seen, indicative of the streaming-while-playing feature integrated into the device.
To keep temperatures from reaching solar levels, an active cooling system is installed – dispelling the hot air emerging from the behemoth of a processor. This seeks to lengthen the life of the 6,000 mAh battery found onboard.
On the software side of things, Android is currently being used as the fundamental operating system for its stability and proven use. Qualcomm has also partnered with experienced controller programmers to allow native support for ported games from the Android ecosystem. All this is in pursuit of a seamless experience.
If you’re doubting whether you can store numerous triple-A titles on a handheld device, fear not – Qualcomm is working on a cloud gaming service, which is the primary cause for the improved Wi-Fi and 5G hardware mentioned previously. In countries with more unreliable network speeds though, game downloads are always an option.
It was only a matter of time before another competitor arrived to combat the blockbuster Nintendo Switch. The latter has seen almost 93 million units sold worldwide and is projected to achieve the 100-million mark in no time. With more intense competition comes rapid innovation, so we’re quite excited to see how this Snapdragon gaming processor release affects the handheld gaming space’s evolution for 2021 moving forward – even beyond the limitations of mobile gaming.
Still confused? Here’s Qualcomm answering a few FAQs for you.
