Carbon Mobile is a handheld gaming reference design with Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon platform.

Carbon Mobile creates handheld gaming reference design powered by Snapdragon

Carbon Mobile has unveiled a reference design for a gaming handheld powered by Qualcomm‘s Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 platform.

Berlin, Germany-based Carbon Mobile has collaborated with Qualcomm to introduce a new generation of Qualcomm-based reference designs (which can be used by manufacturers to create products) made of carbon fiber.

This collaboration is focused on incorporating high-quality carbon fiber materials, traditionally used in space and automotive industries, into electronic devices. This marks a significant step forward in combining sustainability with high performance in the electronics sector.

The first design from this collaboration is powered by the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 Gaming Platform. The Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 Gaming Platform has WiFi 7 capabilities – and faster 5G for high-quality streaming of console and PC games via cloud gaming services.

Compared to the previous Gamescom release of Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 Handheld Reference Design in August 2023, this new device is lighter, and opens the possibility of the integration of recycled and bio-based materials to reduce e-waste – all while maintaining the same high performance standards.

Central to this advancement is Carbon Mobile’s HyRECM technology, which effectively stabilizes carbon fiber’s electrical and antenna properties to meet the unique requirements of electronic devices. This technology enables the creation of devices that are not only lighter and slimmer but also more durable.

Micah Knapp, senior director of product management at Qualcomm, said in a statement, “It’s incredible to see the development of devices with different materials using the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 Gaming Platform. It aligns with our commitment to innovation, and we are eager to explore new possibilities in device design and environmental responsibility to deliver lighter and more efficient designs.”

Firas Khalifeh, CEO of Carbon Mobile, said in a statement, “We are extremely proud to be working with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. on exploring the possibilities to enhance the growing field of handheld gaming devices. The electronics industry has converged in recent years. Devices are starting to look the same as we reach the limits of what’s possible with existing materials.”

Khalifeh added, “Our goal at Carbon Mobile is to challenge these limitations and introduce meaningful innovations. We believe that significant advancements in materials are key to unlock the next era of product development. In order to make an impact, the next generation of products needs to be a no-compromise improvement of performance, design, and sustainability. We are committed to making this a reality.”

Dean Takahashi

Dean Takahashi is editorial director for GamesBeat at VentureBeat. He has been a tech journalist since 1988, and he has covered games as a beat since 1996. He was lead writer for GamesBeat at VentureBeat from 2008 to April 2025. Prior to that, he wrote for the San Jose Mercury News, the Red Herring, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and the Dallas Times-Herald. He is the author of two books, "Opening the Xbox" and "The Xbox 360 Uncloaked." He organizes the annual GamesBeat Next, GamesBeat Summit and GamesBeat Insider Series: Hollywood and Games conferences and is a frequent speaker at gaming and tech events. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.