AMD has officially launched its new Ryzen Z2 series APUs, signaling a renewed push into the handheld gaming market with a focus on AI capabilities and desktop-class performance.
Headlining the lineup is the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, featuring a dedicated NPU capable of delivering up to 50 TOPS of AI performance, positioning it as a strong candidate for supporting Microsoft Copilot+ features on Windows. This enables handhelds equipped with the chip to double as portable productivity machines when connected to external displays.
The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme packs up to 8 CPU cores and 16 threads, along with 16 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores, offering a significant generational uplift for gaming tasks. For users less interested in AI workloads, AMD is also offering a non-AI version dubbed the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, delivering the same raw power minus the neural processing unit.
Mid-range buyers will find the standard Ryzen Z2 appealing, with fewer GPU cores and an older architecture, while still potentially offering strong value depending on pricing. At the entry level, the Z2 “Go” and “A” variants aim to strike a balance between efficiency and capability, operating at just 6W TDP. These models feature 4 CPU cores, 8 RDNA 2 GPU cores, and LPDDR5-6400 support, catering to users interested in lightweight gaming and emulation with extended battery life.
While no commercial products featuring the Ryzen Z2 chips are on shelves yet, manufacturers have already started to show their hand. Devices like Lenovo’s Legion Go S and Legion Go 2, along with ASUS’s ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, are expected to launch later this year with Ryzen Z2 series silicon inside.
