The Game Developers Conference (GDC) is nothing new, but it has become more handheld gaming focused the last couple of years. This is great news for those of us in this space and this year they brought surprises.
We have been playing guess the SOC on the new Retroid Pocket Classic for more than a week now to find out the Snapdragon inside of it didn’t previously exist. Showcasing the Pocket Classic at GDC with a new Snapdragon G1 Gen2 made me realize how much time I wasted trying to track down the processor. At the end of the day I think this is an entry level processor designed for streaming handhelds that should likely have enough power for emulation handhelds as well. At least is shouldn’t be over powered like the Ayaneo Pocket Micro with its Helio G99. Pre-orders on the Retroid Pocket Classic and Flip start today.
Also at GDC is Ayaneo showcasing their recently announced Pocket S2. Also receiving a new processor from Snapdragon the Pocket S2 will be launching with the G3 Gen3. With a 30% faster CPU to Snapdragons previous processor it supports QHD up to 144Hz to put the picture up on the 2S 6.3” Ultra Clear 2K display.
Also getting the G3 Gen 3 is the OneXSugar 1 origami gaming handheld. They don’t advertise it as origami, you are just going to have to trust me on this one. The Sugar 1 bends and folds to be used as different types on consoles and with its dual screens looks to be good for DS games as well. Pre-Orders for it will open up in May.
The biggest bump in generational performance seems to be the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2. With its faster CPU and GPU it is offering 8 cores; 1-Prime, 4-Performance and 3-Efficiency cores. It is also sporting the Adreno A22 GPU. I might have missed it but I don’t believe any handhelds were announced for the G2 Gen2 SOC.
Lots of exciting new Qualcomm processors on the way to power our beloved Retro Handhelds that no matter the size have Pocket in their name.
Are you picking up any of these new handhelds equiped with a Next-Gen G Series Snapdragon processor?
I’ll keep watching for more announcements as GDC runs all week.
GameOn
CellPhish
