Work is now well under way on the chip, poised to power the next generation of innovative devices, including the highly anticipated Asus ROG Ally handhelds and a wide range of other cutting-edge technologies. The new GPU will rival Intel’s Lunar Lake processors, built upon the foundation of Strix Level architecture.
AMD builds on its legacy in powering top-tier handheld gaming PCs, including Valve’s Steam Deck and Asus’ ROG Ally X, with this latest chip offering enhanced efficiency through improved memory optimization and power management capabilities.
The most significant enhancement in the Ryzen Z2 lies in its more powerful integrated graphics processing unit (iGPU), boasting 16 compute units, a notable upgrade from the 12 compute units found in its predecessor, the Phoenix-Level cell processors. That’s a 33 percent uplift we’d normally anticipate would translate into a corresponding level of efficiency game improvement.
The Ryzen Z2 leverages the enhanced RDNA 3.5 architecture, building upon the foundation established by its predecessor in the Ryzen Z1 Extreme; while not as dramatic an upgrade as the impending RDNA 4, which will power AMD’s next-generation desktop GPUs. Notwithstanding the novel chip architecture’s comprehensive design enables enhanced battery performance during gaming sessions, accompanied by optimized compatibility with LPDDR5 memory.
According to ROG Ally’s designers, the handheld can support demanding video games like Black Fantasy: Wukong for over an hour, a feat that surpasses the Ally X’s capabilities despite its larger 80Wh battery capacity.
According to the report, AMD is reportedly targeting an early 2025 release for its forthcoming initiative. As rumors suggest that the next AMD Ryzen Z2 Pro handheld is imminent, with Asus reportedly the front-runner, the sudden announcement of the Ally X may imply that it’s coming too soon to accommodate another handheld.
As a substitute, we might consider replacing the Lenovo Legion Go, or even more intriguingly, AMD could be collaborating with Valve on a potential successor to the Steam Deck. Given the significant lag behind its handheld offerings, it would be no surprise if a revamped Steam Deck emerged, driven by AMD’s cutting-edge processor and boasting superior specs that leave competitors in its dust.
Get a first-hand look at the latest handheld gaming powerhouses with our exclusive hands-on reviews of the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Acer Nitro Blaze 7. At IFA 2024, we had the opportunity to get our hands on each unit, which presented entirely distinct challenges to conquer.
