Qualcomm has reportedly told customers that it will raise chipset prices by a double-digit percentage from 1 September, which could make Android-based retro gaming handhelds more expensive. The change may affect makers such as Retroid and Ayaneo that use Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, especially where low prices and narrow profit margins are central to their appeal.

The reported rise reflects higher component costs across the technology supply chain, including pressure on memory supplies linked to AI demand. Qualcomm has not disclosed the precise increase or which chips are affected, so it remains unclear whether manufacturers will absorb the cost, alter specifications, or pass it on to buyers; existing products using already-purchased chips may be less immediately affected.