Qualcomm won’t be announcing Windows gaming handhelds at GDC after all
Summary
Qualcomm has shifted its plans and will not announce updates to its Snapdragon G Series gaming chips at the 2026 Game Developers Conference, despite earlier hints of a challenge to Nvidia and Intel in the handheld gaming market.
Key Insights
What is the Snapdragon G Series and why is it significant for gaming?
The Snapdragon G Series is Qualcomm's line of processors specifically designed for handheld gaming devices. The series includes three tiers: the flagship Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, the mid-range Snapdragon G2 Gen 2, and the entry-level Snapdragon G1 Gen 2. These chips are significant because they represent Qualcomm's effort to compete with Intel and AMD in the portable gaming market by offering integrated graphics, wireless connectivity, and support for modern gaming technologies like Unreal Engine 5's Lumen lighting. The G3 Gen 3 supports up to QHD+ 144Hz displays and delivers 30% faster CPU performance and 28% faster graphics than its predecessor.
What devices are expected to use the new Snapdragon G Series chips?
Multiple gaming handheld manufacturers have announced devices powered by the new Snapdragon G Series chips. These include the Ayaneo Pocket S2 and Ayaneo Gaming Pad (which features an 8.3-inch LCD with 2K resolution at 120Hz), the OneXSugar (a dual-screen device combining Nintendo Switch and DS-like designs with a 6.01-inch main screen and 3.92-inch secondary screen), and the Retroid Pocket PR Classic. These devices were previewed at the Game Developers Conference, with some expected to go up for preorder in February 2026, though specific pricing and firm shipping dates have not been announced.