AMD has launched the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, which is equipped with an AI processing unit (NPU), and has released two new chips for handheld gaming consoles, further expanding the lineup of Ryzen Z2 series processors.
AMD announces the addition of two Ryzen Z2 series processors for handheld gaming consoles. The company has launched a brand new top of the line Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, which is essentially a Z2 Extreme equipped with a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU). The initial Ryzen Z2 series was released in January, which included Ryzen Z2 Extreme, Ryzen Z2, and Ryzen Z2 Go.
The second chip is Ryzen Z2 A, which is weaker than Ryzen Z2 Go, with fewer GPU cores and lower configurable TDP (thermal design power consumption). These new products indicate that we may see multiple handheld game consoles launched this year, possibly during the holiday season.
The configuration of Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme is similar to the non AI version, including an 8-core 16 thread CPU, 24MB cache, support for LPDDR5X-8000 memory, configurable TDP of 15-35W, and 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics cores. The new Z2 processor is the first and only processor in the series to include a dedicated NPU, reportedly providing up to 50 TOPS of AI computing power and supporting Microsoft Copilot+functionality.
Ryzen Z2 A has now become the entry-level product of AMD Ryzen Z2 series, despite being based on the older Zen 2 architecture. This chip is equipped with a 4-core 8-thread CPU, 8 RDNA 2 graphics cores, 6MB cache, and supports LPDDR5-6400 memory. This makes its performance even lower than the previously released Ryzen Z2 Go, but interestingly, its configurable TDP is even lower, ranging from 6-20W, which may help extend battery life.
AMD has not disclosed the performance expectations for these new chips, nor has it confirmed any upcoming new devices equipped with the new chips. Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme has added NPU functionality, which may bring AI enhancements such as improved system optimization, faster real-time processing speed, and even to some extent, improved power management. In addition, it may also be beneficial for device manufacturers to integrate software and tools, thereby more efficiently adjusting system performance.
At present, Lenovo Legion Go S and Legion Go 2 Prototype are the only two handheld computers confirmed to be equipped with AMD Z2 series chips. Asus is expected to release at least one new handheld computer this year, which is likely to be the successor to ROG Ally and Ally X.
