Recently, AMD officially announced the addition of new processors to its Ryzen Z2 series, including the flagship Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme and the entry-level Ryzen Z2 A, catering to high-performance and low-power needs, respectively. This launch provides a diverse array of hardware options for handheld gaming devices and signifies AMD's ongoing influence in the handheld gaming market.

At the forefront of this series is the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, which debuts with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), supporting up to 50 TOPS of AI computing power and is compatible with Microsoft Copilot+ features. It shares its core configuration with the non-AI model Ryzen Z2 Extreme, boasting an 8-core, 16-thread CPU based on the Zen 5 architecture. This configuration includes three high-performance Zen 5 cores and five efficiency-focused Zen 5c cores, operating at a base frequency of 2.0 GHz and maxing out at 5.0 GHz. For graphics processing, the chip is fitted with 16 GPUs integrating RDNA 3.5 architecture cores, coupled with 24MB cache, LPDDR5X-8000 high-speed memory support, and a configurable TDP range from 15 to 35 W. The NPU enhances the device's ability to perform native AI processing, improving real-time computation or power management efficiency.

In contrast, the Ryzen Z2 A is positioned for the entry-level market, built on the older Zen 2 architecture, featuring a 4-core, 8-thread CPU with 8 RDNA 2 graphic cores, 6MB of cache, and LPDDR5-6400 memory support. With a TDP range of 6-20 W, it offers longer battery life for lighter gaming that requires less processing power. Compared to the Ryzen Z2 Go, it has fewer GPU cores and cache capacity, with performance being more modest—ideal for low-demand scenarios like smaller handheld screens.

Although specific performance figures for these new chips are not yet disclosed, AMD has confirmed that models such as the Lenovo Legion Go S and the Legion Go 2 Prototype will utilize the Ryzen Z2 series processors. Additionally, Asus plans to release new handheld gaming devices within the year, potentially successors to the ROG Ally or Ally X, likely powered by the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, with launches possibly concentrated in the second half of 2025.

Technically, the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme's NPU is rooted in AMD's XDNA 2 architecture. Compared to its predecessor, XDNA, it increases compute units to 32, doubles the MACs on a single chip, enlarges on-chip memory by 1.6 times, and supports Block Floating Point 16-bit computing. This computing method merges the performance of 8-bit with the precision of 16-bit, optimal for efficiently processing AI workloads. The integration of the NPU supports local execution of AI tasks like image enhancement and speech recognition, reducing dependence on cloud computing.

However, the application of NPU in handheld gaming remains explorative, primarily supporting system-level optimization and Copilot+ related functions, while in-game AI applications need further exploration by developers.

The Ryzen Z2 A’s low-power design mirrors Valve's Steam Deck, utilizing a Van Gogh APU based on the Zen 2 architecture, featuring a 4-core, 8-thread CPU, and 8 RDNA 2 GPU cores, with a 4-15 W TDP range. Although the Ryzen Z2 A has a slightly higher TDP limit, its architecture remains suitable for budget-conscious users. It fits well in scenarios prioritizing battery longevity over performance, reflecting AMD’s aim to address various market segments within the handheld gaming sphere.

In the competitive landscape of handheld gaming devices, AMD's Ryzen Z2 series faces competition from Intel's Core Ultra 200V (Lunar Lake) and Qualcomm's Snapdragon G series. Intel's Lunar Lake excels in AI and graphics performance, while Qualcomm banks on low power consumption and 5G connectivity. AMD's strength, however, lies in its RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture and LPDDR5X memory support, delivering superior GPU performance in intensive gaming, with the NPU paving the path for future AI-driven applications.

A notable concern remains the battery life of handheld gaming devices. The high performance of the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme may lead to higher power usage, potentially limiting battery life to under an hour for demanding games. In contrast, the Ryzen Z2 A’s low TDP design is ideal for light gaming focus or prolonged usage.

AMD's Ryzen Z2 lineup showcases its architectural flexibility. Besides the Zen 5 and Zen 2 compositions, other series models, like the Ryzen Z2 and Z2 Go, feature Zen 4 and Zen 3+ architectures, addressing varied performance needs. This strategy offers manufacturers the versatility to create diverse products ranging from premium models to more affordable alternatives.

Looking ahead, the handheld gaming market exhibits immense growth potential. With the increasing prevalence of cloud gaming, streaming, and AI technologies, AMD's Ryzen Z2 series, particularly with the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme's NPU, provides a robust platform for these advancements. AI-powered enhancements may significantly elevate visual experiences, while Microsoft Copilot+ integration could introduce productivity features, transforming these devices into powerful tools beyond gaming.