AMD has officially announced new additions to its Ryzen Z2 series processors, including the flagship Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and the entry-level Ryzen Z2 A. These new chips cater to high-performance and low-power needs, respectively, offering diverse hardware options for handheld gaming devices. The release of these two chips signifies AMD’s continued commitment to the handheld gaming segment.
Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme: Flagship Performance with Integrated AI
The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme is the top-tier model in the series, featuring a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for the first time, supporting up to 50 TOPS of AI computing power and compatibility with Microsoft’s Copilot+ features. Its core configuration remains consistent with the non-AI version of the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, boasting an 8-core, 16-thread CPU based on the Zen 5 architecture. This includes 3 high-performance Zen 5 cores and 5 high-efficiency Zen 5c cores, with a base clock of 2.0 GHz and a maximum boost frequency of up to 5.0 GHz. For graphics, the chip integrates 16 RDNA 3.5 architecture GPU cores paired with 24MB of cache and supports LPDDR5X-8000 high-speed memory. Its configurable TDP ranges from 15-35W. The addition of the NPU provides devices with local AI processing capabilities, such as accelerating real-time computing or enhancing power management efficiency.
Ryzen Z2 A: Entry-Level Efficiency
In contrast, the Ryzen Z2 A is positioned as an entry-level option, based on the older Zen 2 architecture. It features a 4-core, 8-thread CPU and 8 RDNA 2 graphics cores, with 6MB of cache, supporting LPDDR5-6400 memory. Its TDP range is 6-20W, lower than other models in the series, offering longer battery life suitable for lighter gaming scenarios with lower performance demands. Compared to the Ryzen Z2 Go, the Ryzen Z2 A has fewer GPU cores and less cache, resulting in lower overall performance, making it suitable for scenarios where high performance isn’t critical (e.g., small-screen handhelds).
AMD has not yet disclosed specific performance data for the new chips or a complete list of devices that will feature them, but it has confirmed that the Lenovo Legion Go S and Legion Go 2 Prototype will utilize Ryzen Z2 series processors. Additionally, ASUS is expected to launch new handheld gaming devices later this year, likely successors to the ROG Ally or Ally X, with a high probability of featuring the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme. The release of these devices is likely to be concentrated in the second half of 2025.
Technical Deep Dive: NPU and Architecture Comparisons
From a technical perspective, the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme’s NPU is based on AMD’s XDNA 2 architecture. Compared to the previous XDNA, the number of compute units has increased to 32, the number of MACs per die has doubled, and on-chip memory has increased by 1.6 times, supporting Block Floating Point 16-bit operations. This operation method combines the performance of 8-bit operations with the precision of 16-bit operations, making it suitable for efficient processing of AI workloads. The NPU’s inclusion enables devices to run some AI tasks locally, such as image enhancement, voice recognition, or in-game optimization, reducing reliance on cloud computing. However, the practical application of NPUs in handheld gaming is still in its exploratory phase, currently primarily supporting system-level optimizations and Copilot+-related features. In-game AI applications (such as intelligent NPCs or dynamic graphics adjustment) still require further exploration by developers.
The low-power design of the Ryzen Z2 A bears similarities to the chip used in the Valve Steam Deck. The Steam Deck’s Van Gogh APU is also based on the Zen 2 architecture, featuring a 4-core, 8-thread CPU and 8 RDNA 2 GPU cores, with a TDP range of 4-15W. The Ryzen Z2 A has a slightly higher TDP ceiling, but its overall architecture and performance positioning are similar, making it suitable for budget-friendly handheld devices or scenarios prioritizing battery life. This also indicates AMD’s intention to cover the entire handheld gaming market, from high-end to entry-level, with a diverse chip portfolio.
Market Competition and Future Outlook
From the perspective of the competitive landscape in the handheld gaming device market, AMD’s Ryzen Z2 series directly competes with Intel’s Core Ultra 200V (Lunar Lake) and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G series. Intel’s Lunar Lake chips have performed well in the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+, with their NPU also supporting over 50 TOPS of AI computing and demonstrating advantages in graphics performance and power balance. Qualcomm, on the other hand, focuses on low power consumption and 5G connectivity with its Snapdragon G series, attempting to gain a foothold in portability and network experience. AMD’s strengths lie in its RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture and support for LPDDR5X memory, which can deliver stronger GPU performance in high-performance gaming scenarios. Meanwhile, the introduction of the NPU positions AMD for future AI-driven applications.
However, it’s worth noting that battery life remains a pain point for handheld gaming devices. The high-performance configuration of the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme may lead to high power consumption when running demanding games, potentially resulting in battery life of less than one hour. In contrast, the Ryzen Z2 A’s low TDP design is more suitable for light gaming or battery-priority scenarios. In the future, AMD may further improve the chips’ performance in low-power scenarios by optimizing power management or introducing more customized APUs.
AMD’s Ryzen Z2 series also demonstrates its flexibility in chip architecture. In addition to the Zen 5 and Zen 2 architecture combinations, other models in the series (such as Ryzen Z2 and Z2 Go) are based on the Zen 4 and Zen 3+ architectures, respectively, covering different performance tiers. This strategy provides device manufacturers with more options, allowing them to design a diverse range of products from high-end flagships to economical devices based on market demand. For example, high-end devices can leverage the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme’s powerful GPU and NPU for 4K output or AI enhancements, while entry-level devices can achieve lower costs and longer battery life through the Ryzen Z2 A.
Looking ahead, the handheld gaming market has immense growth potential. With the popularization of cloud gaming, streaming technology, and AI features, the functional boundaries of handheld devices are expanding. AMD’s Ryzen Z2 series, especially the NPU design of the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, provides the hardware foundation for these emerging applications. For instance, AI-driven image enhancement technology could significantly improve the visual effects of handheld devices in the future. Additionally, the integration of Microsoft Copilot+ may bring productivity features to handheld devices, making them capable of light office work or creative tasks in addition to gaming.