AMD’s Z2 Extreme Chip: Powering Next-Gen Handheld Gaming in 2

AMD’s Z2 Extreme Chip: Powering Next-Gen Handheld Gaming

Sean Hollister, a senior editor at The Verge, reports on AMD’s upcoming Z2 Extreme chip, slated for release in early 2025. This chip will power the next generation of PC gaming handhelds.

The Z2 Extreme will succeed the Z1 Extreme, currently found in devices like the Asus ROG Ally X, Asus ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. AMD confirms multiple partners are involved, suggesting the chip is already in development.

What We Know

Sources suggest the Z2 Extreme is based on AMD’s Strix Point architecture. AMD aims for significantly improved gaming experiences, potentially allowing for three hours of gameplay on titles like Black Myth: Wukong, a considerable improvement over current handheld limitations.

However, while Strix Point promises performance improvements, its impact on battery life remains unclear. The original Z1 Extreme, based on the Ryzen 7840U, required significant power, resulting in short battery life in handhelds.

Current handhelds often draw 40-50 watts, leading to battery drain in under an hour. AMD may address this by creating a bespoke chip for the Z2 Extreme, a development that would be significant for the handheld gaming market.