Technology keeps advancing at a rapid pace in the world of portable devices, and Qualcomm has thoroughly prepared for this by announcing the new Snapdragon G series, a fresh lineup of processors poised to revolutionize the handheld gaming console segment.
These new Qualcomm processors are specifically designed to deliver optimal gaming performance. In a time when the Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon and new contenders are emerging for the PC gaming handheld market, such as the Steam Deck, having suitable hardware to enhance the gaming experience is crucial.
Portable video games are back
These new Qualcomm processors have been unveiled at Gamescom 2023, which takes place in Berlin every August. They have generated a significant amount of interest by presenting themselves as portable hardware designed specifically for achieving excellent gaming performance. Indeed, there’s no doubt that they are tailored for the emerging market of portable gaming.
These Snapdragon chips would be available in three categories:
- G1. Highlighted by its 1080p resolution at 60Hz.
- G2. Stands out with Full HD+, 5G, 144Hz, and WiFi 6.
- G3x second generation. It takes the lead with Ray Tracing resolution and WiFi 7.
Steam Deck, a new gaming model
The course of the gaming industry is striking, and even its current outcome appears inscrutable. The Nintendo Switch arrived swiftly to rescue Nintendo from the ashes, as the unpopular Wii U sunk in an era when handheld gaming was being overshadowed by smartphones. Against all odds, the Switch proved that the portable gaming console market was not dead.
Valve examined the portable market with a fresh perspective, inspired by the success of the Switch. In this second year of the Steam Deck’s existence, it’s becoming quite clear that the approach of bringing PC gaming to a handheld console can also be effective. This is why other brands like ASUS with the Rog Ally, or Lenovo with the leaked Legion Go, have also decided to venture into this market.
After a rather challenging decade, many gaming enthusiasts are hopeful for a new golden resurgence in handheld gaming, despite Sony’s questionable decision with its new PlayStation Portal. As demonstrated by the current industry landscape, portable gaming is poised for a resurgence with the vigor of two decades ago, and it only remains for more companies to take the leap of faith.
