Qualcomm announced today that it is stepping into the gaming space with its own handheld gaming device, teaming with well-known gaming peripheral company Razer to make a device powered by Qualcomm's new flagship mobile chip.
The Razer Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 Developer Kit is an Android OS-based handheld gaming device that runs all Android games and streams games on the cloud or from your console/PC. Important to note, however, is that the Razer Snapdragon G3x is not a consumer product available for purchase but rather a dev kit that developers can request starting today. However, a consumer version may be released at a later date.
Qualcomm notes that the creation of the device with the goal of inspiring developers and manufacturers to expand their current footing in mobile gaming. This comes as no surprise as the mobile gaming market has grown in popularity in recent years. This includes an expansion of mobile gaming-focused peripherals such as the Backbone One.
As the name implies, the device includes Qualcomm's G3x chip, which is designed for gaming. Here are additional features included in the Razer Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 Developer Kit:
- A Qualcomm Adreno GPU with the ability to run games at 144 frames per second
- A 6.65-inch, 120Hz OLED display with Full HD+ resolution
- A built-in 5MP, 1080p60 webcam with two mics
- Four-way speakers
- Haptic feedback
- Active cooling
- Support for Wi-Fi 6 and 6E and support for 5G mmWave and sub-6
- A USB-C port, allowing you to connect the handheld to an external display or use XR accessories
The announcement of such a device comes at an interesting time for the overall handheld gaming market. Outside of the hybrid gaming console the Nintendo Switch, companies such as Analogue and Panic have announced its own handheld gaming devices, which are slated to release within the next year. While Valve is looking to bring PC gaming to on the go with the Steam Deck, which will release early next year.
For more on Qualcomm and Razer's new gaming handheld device, check out our hands-on preview.
Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster
