
Qualcomm’s Gaming Lineup Gets a Complete Refresh at GDC 2025
At the recent Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025, Qualcomm unveiled its new lineup of gaming-focused processors, offering significant improvements in both local and cloud gaming. The company has clearly been listening to the feedback from the gaming community and has responded with a comprehensive refresh that addresses some of the criticisms leveled at the previous generation.
The Snapdragon G3 Gen 2 is the flagship of the new lineup, boasting more than 2x CPU performance and over 3x GPU performance compared to its predecessor. This significant boost in processing power allows for seamless cloud gaming experiences, enabling gamers to play high-demand titles without compromising on quality or responsiveness. Additionally, the G3 Gen 2 supports QHD gaming up to 144 hertz, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize visual fidelity.
However, it’s worth noting that this device features a less powerful Adreno A22 GPU compared to the A32 GPU in the G3 Gen 1. Nevertheless, the enhanced CPU and GPU performance should still provide a substantial improvement in overall gaming experience.
The Retroid Pocket PR Classic, a handheld gaming device, will utilize this chipset, offering gamers an unparalleled mobile gaming experience.
In contrast, the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 is aimed at providing exceptional battery life for cloud gaming solutions. While it’s clear that Qualcomm has prioritized power efficiency, the Wi-Fi solution in the G1 Gen 2 feels like a step backward with the inclusion of only Wi-Fi 5 instead of Wi-Fi 6. This limitation might become less noticeable due to streaming service limitations, but still feels like an oversight.
Meanwhile, the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 is geared towards achieving the best battery life for cloud gaming solutions and offers a more cost-optimized platform. While it’s understandable that performance takes a hit in this iteration, the inclusion of only Wi-Fi 5 does feel like an odd choice.
Qualcomm has also announced partnerships with Epic Games, enabling Fortnite to run smoothly on Arm-based PCs, and support for Easy Anti-Cheat technology. This collaboration represents a significant milestone for Qualcomm as it addresses concerns about game compatibility and performance on Snapdragon-powered devices.
In conclusion, Qualcomm’s new lineup offers substantial improvements in both local and cloud gaming, addressing some of the criticisms leveled at previous generations. With its enhanced hardware and strategic partnerships, Qualcomm appears to be doubling down on its commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences across various platforms.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/moorinsights/2025/04/07/qualcomms-gaming-lineup-gets-a-complete-refresh-at-gdc-2025/