AMD Expands Ryzen Z2 Lineup for Handheld Gaming Consoles
AMD has introduced two new additions to its Ryzen Z2 series for handheld gaming devices: the budget-friendly Ryzen Z2 A and the high-end Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme. These new chips are designed to power the latest handheld gaming consoles, offering improved performance and new features.
New Additions to Ryzen Z2 Series
The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme is an enhanced version of the existing Ryzen Z2 Extreme, featuring a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of handling AI workloads at up to 50 AI TOPs. This chip is based on the Zen 5 architecture, offering 8 CPU cores and 16 threads, along with 16 RDNA 3.5-based GPU cores. The performance is expected to be similar to the Radeon 890M, given its identical GPU core count.
On the other end of the spectrum, AMD has introduced the Ryzen Z2 A, a budget-oriented chip based on the older Zen 2 architecture. It features 4 CPU cores and 8 threads, with 8 RDNA 2-based GPU cores. This configuration is similar to the custom Ryzen APU found in the Steam Deck, making it suitable for entry-level handheld gaming devices. The Ryzen Z2 A is designed to be ultra-power-efficient, operating within a 6-20W TDP range, which should significantly improve battery life in portable devices.
Key Specifications and Performance
The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and other Ryzen Z2 variants operate within a 15-30W TDP range, supporting memory speeds of up to 8000 MT/s. This represents a 500 MHz increase over the Ryzen Z2 and a 1600 MHz boost compared to the Ryzen Z2 Go. The enhanced memory support and AI capabilities position these chips as competitive options in the handheld gaming market.
The introduction of these new APUs is expected to lead to upgraded variants of existing AMD Ryzen Z1-based handheld gaming devices later this year. With the expanded Ryzen Z2 lineup, AMD continues to cater to both budget-conscious consumers and those seeking high-performance gaming on the go.
Comparison of AMD Ryzen “Z” Series Gaming Handheld APUs
The table above provides a comprehensive comparison of the various AMD Ryzen “Z” series APUs designed for handheld gaming devices, highlighting the specifications and capabilities of the new Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and Ryzen Z2 A chips alongside their predecessors.
