AMD is preparing to launch the Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor in early 2025, a move anticipated to significantly enhance performance and battery life in handheld gaming devices. This development follows the success of the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, which powered devices like the Asus ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go.
The Z2 Extreme is expected to feature eight CPU cores—a combination of three high-performance Zen 5 cores and five efficient Zen 5c cores—operating at speeds ranging from 2.0 to 5.0 GHz. The integrated GPU will incorporate 16 RDNA 3.5 compute units, offering a 33% increase over its predecessor’s 12 compute units. This enhancement aims to deliver improved graphics performance while maintaining energy efficiency.
A standout feature of the Z2 Extreme is its potential to extend battery life in handheld gaming devices. Jack Huynh, AMD’s Senior Vice President, has indicated that the new chip could increase high-performance gaming sessions from approximately 45 minutes to over three hours. This improvement is attributed to the chip’s design, which balances high performance with reduced power consumption.
The Z2 Extreme is also expected to include the XDNA 2 neural processing unit , capable of delivering up to 50 TOPS for accelerating AI workloads. This addition positions the chip to handle advanced AI-driven tasks, potentially enhancing gaming experiences through features like real-time frame generation and adaptive performance adjustments.
The launch of the Z2 Extreme aims to heighten competitiveness within the handheld gaming sector. Additionally, Intel’s forthcoming Lunar Lake processors will be entering this space with enhancements focused on better energy use and improved graphics processing capabilities. This competitive dynamic between AMD and Intel should spur advancements, resulting in superior and more efficient portable gaming gadgets.