AMD has introduced two new additions to its Ryzen Z2 series of processors aimed at handheld gaming devices. The newly announced chips are the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and the Ryzen Z2 A. These additions follow AMD’s ongoing push into the handheld gaming space, where power efficiency, integrated graphics, and thermal management are critical.
The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme continues to build on AMD’s existing high-end offering in this segment. While it carries a name nearly identical to its predecessor, the primary difference is the inclusion of a 50 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) NPU. This neural processing unit is similar to what AMD has integrated into some of its newer mobile processors, offering support for features that depend on machine learning tasks, such as background blur, voice isolation, or eye tracking in compatible software. Other than that, the architecture and overall specifications remain closely aligned with the previous Z2 Extreme chip.
The Ryzen Z2 A features a quad-core, eight-thread CPU built on AMD’s Zen 2 architecture. It includes eight RDNA 2 compute units for graphics, setting it apart from other Z2 models that use Zen 4 cores and offer more powerful GPU configurations. This positions the Z2 A as a more entry-level option within the lineup.
In terms of memory compatibility, the Z2 A supports LPDDR5-6400, a common standard for modern mobile and embedded platforms. One of its key advantages is its thermal design power (TDP) range, which sits between 6 and 20 watts. This suggests potential for longer battery life in devices that choose to prioritize efficiency over raw power, especially when paired with moderate-capacity batteries.
ASUS has already announced that both new processors will be used in upcoming ROG Ally models, further expanding its handheld gaming lineup. These new systems are expected to cater to different market segments, with the Z2 A-based model likely targeting more budget-conscious users or those who prioritize portability and battery life. Lenovo is also rumored to be adopting these chips in future handheld products, though official details have not yet been confirmed.
With the handheld gaming market continuing to grow, AMD’s expanded Ryzen Z2 lineup gives OEMs more flexibility to design devices across various performance and price points. The introduction of a lower-end chip like the Z2 A could be particularly significant in broadening the appeal of handheld PCs beyond enthusiast users.
