- AMD launches two new processors for consoles portable: Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and Ryzen Z2A.
- The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme debuts an NPU with up to 50 TOPS for applications of IA.
- Both models power the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, as well as other devices such as the Lenovo Legion Go.
- The difference in power between the two processors determines the type of gaming experience they offer.
The arrival of the new handheld consoles marks a turning point in the gaming world, and one of the biggest innovations comes from AMD with the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and Ryzen Z2A . After months of rumors and leaks, these chips are now official and will be featured in prominent models such as the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X , the result of a collaboration between Microsoft and the Taiwanese brand.
AMD reinforces its position as a leader in processors for portable devices, offering options for both those seeking maximum power and users who prioritize battery life and price . The difference between the two models is significant , and it's worth analyzing it in detail if you're considering purchasing a portable device soon.
Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme: A commitment to AI and maximum performance
The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme is the flagship of the range, and its main innovation is the integration of an XDNA2 NPU (Neural Processing Unit) that allows it to achieve up to 50 TOPS in artificial intelligence tasks . This leap, unprecedented in processors designed for gaming laptops, opens the door to features such as advanced power management, improved game performance, and, according to AMD, even the possibility of giving game characters greater adaptive intelligence.
Beyond AI, the processor features an 8-core, 16-thread CPU based on the Zen 5 architecture, paired with a GPU boasting 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics cores . LPDDR5X-8000 memory support ensures the necessary bandwidth to unleash the hardware 's potential , while the configurable TDP, ranging from 15 to 35 watts , allows for balancing power and battery life as needed. This configuration is designed to deliver a smooth gaming experience at 1080p.
In addition, users will be able to take advantage of technologies such as AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) , Radeon Super Resolution (RSR), and other solutions developed by AMD to leverage the graphics power in both native and cloud gaming.
At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Ryzen Z2A . Although it shares the name with the more advanced model, under the hood we find hardware from previous generations . It's built on the Zen 2 architecture, with 4 cores and 8 threads , and an RDNA 2-based GPU with 8 graphics processing units . The use of LPDDR5-6400 memory and a TDP between 6 and 20 watts target this SoC at devices that prioritize battery life and a more affordable price , although in return, graphics performance will be limited, with an optimal resolution of 720p.
Interestingly, this chip is quite close in specifications to previous processors like the Van Gogh from the Steam Deck, reusing part of its architecture to offer a budget-friendly option to handheld console manufacturers who don't require the latest AI technology or top-of-the-range performance.
Supported consoles and usage scenarios
Both processors will debut in the new ROG Xbox Ally X and Ally , though they are also expected to arrive in other devices such as the Lenovo Legion Go and offerings from brands like MSI. The operating system will be a gaming-optimized version of Windows 11 , allowing users to take advantage of both Xbox titles and games from other platforms through integrated libraries and cloud gaming.
The X version of the console will feature the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip , designed for those seeking the ultimate portable experience and advanced AI capabilities. Meanwhile, the Ryzen Z2A will power the standard version, aimed at those who prioritize price or battery life over raw power.
AMD is thus aiming to cover two very different user segments, relying on its own graphics technologies and intelligent power management to adapt the hardware to each need. The first devices with these new chips will be available next season, and it will be important to evaluate their price and real-world performance compared to previous models such as the Steam Deck or the Nintendo Switch 2.
Its integration of artificial intelligence into the hardware, along with a range of options from very powerful devices to more affordable proposals, reflects a strategy that positions these AMD Ryzen AI Z2 processors as protagonists in the evolution of portable consoles that will arrive throughout the year.
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