Qualcomm's Lightest Handheld Gaming Device

In collaboration with Qualcomm, Carbon Mobile introduced a groundbreaking handheld gaming reference design powered by the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 platform. This device integrates Carbon Mobile's proprietary HyRECM® technology, enabling the use of carbon fiber in electronic devices by allowing radio signals to pass through the material. The result is a lightweight, durable, and high-performance gaming device that sets new standards in design and sustainability.

Traditional materials in handheld gaming devices often lead to compromises between performance, weight, and sustainability. By leveraging HyRECM® technology, Carbon Mobile overcame the limitations of carbon fiber's signal-blocking properties, creating a monocoque carbon fiber structure that is both lightweight and antenna-friendly. This innovation allows for a 38% reduction in weight and e-waste compared to conventional designs, without sacrificing performance. The device supports Wi-Fi 7 and 5G connectivity, ensuring high-quality streaming of console and PC games via cloud gaming services.

The core challenge in designing handheld gaming devices lies in balancing performance, portability, and thermals without adding bulk. Traditional plastic or metal enclosures either trap heat or add unnecessary weight. Carbon Mobile’s proprietary HyRECM® technology disrupted this paradigm. It enabled the use of carbon fiber—a material traditionally avoided in electronics due to signal interference—by engineering it to be radio-transparent. This allowed for a lightweight carbon monocoque body that retains signal fidelity, supports 5G and Wi-Fi 7, and offers exceptional durability. The result: a high-performance gaming reference device that’s ultra-thin, thermally efficient, and built with sustainability at its core.

‍

The partnership between Carbon Mobile and Qualcomm resulted in a reference design that not only showcases the potential of advanced materials in consumer electronics but also paves the way for more sustainable and efficient gaming devices. The successful integration of HyRECM® technology with the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 platform demonstrates the feasibility of using carbon fiber in high-performance electronics, inspiring OEMs to explore similar innovations in their products.

The Qualcomm x Carbon Mobile handheld proved that advanced composites are not only viable but superior for next-gen consumer electronics. With up to 38% weight reduction compared to standard builds and drastically lower e-waste, the design sets a new benchmark for OEMs. It demonstrated how carbon fiber, when enabled by HyRECM®, can deliver sleek form factors without sacrificing connectivity or structural integrity. More than a prototype, this project marked a shift—showing the industry that sustainable, high-performance hardware is not a trade-off, but the future.