HardwareHandheldsThe AMD chip that could power next gen handhelds just leaked, but rumored specs keep shiftingWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
HardwareHandheldsThe AMD chip that could power next gen handhelds just leaked, but rumored specs keep shiftingWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
AMDis seemingly cooking up a new collection of APUs for thebest gaming handhelds. That should come as zero surprise considering the growing popularity of portable PCs like the Steam Deck, but I’m not convinced the chipmaker has made up its mind on specs yet. The reason? Leaks revealing core counts for the Ryzen Z2 Extreme have already been amended just hours after their initial arrival.
Yesterday, AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme specs leaked courtesy of Bilibili userGolden Pig, claiming that the RDNA 3.5 chip would arm future handheld contenders with 12 Compute Units (via Videocardz). The leaker also revealed that there was originally a 16 CU version in the worked dubbed the Ryzen Z2E X, but it was supposedly cancelled.
I say supposedly, as less than 24 hours later, the leaker chimed back in to say that the vanilla Z2E will wield 16 CUs. The insider rounds off the latest update with “AMD are confusing me,” which is something I can completely relate to when it comes to early CPU and GPU specs. It’s not uncommon for both AMD andNvidiato change its mind right up until the last minute, and it feels like that’s what’s going on here.
(Image credit: Bilibili / Videocardz)
What is the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme?
If you’re unfamiliar with the world of mobile chipsets, you might be wondering what the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme is or why the handheld nerd within you should care. Effectively, it’s poised to be a successor to the chip within handhelds like theAsus ROG AllyandLenovo Legion Go, offering up improved performance via a new RDNA 3.5 architecture. Simply put, it’ll boost fps further than the current Ryzen Z1 Extreme thanks to a higher core count and enhanced specs.
Swipe to scroll horizontallyAMD Ryzen Z1E vs Ryzen Z2E (rumored)APUAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeAMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme (rumored)Compute Units (CU)8 RDNA 316 RDNA 3.5Cores8 Zen 43 Zen5 +5 Zen5cL3 cache16 MB16 MB
Swipe to scroll horizontally
AMD Ryzen Z1E vs Ryzen Z2E (rumored)APUAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeAMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme (rumored)Compute Units (CU)8 RDNA 316 RDNA 3.5Cores8 Zen 43 Zen5 +5 Zen5cL3 cache16 MB16 MB
In addition to the “Extreme” version, AMD is apparently set to release two additional chips, namely the Z2 and Z2G. Both should serve as lower spec options that aren’t too dissimilar to the current gen Z1E, equipped with 8 Compute Units. In turn, manufacturers will theoretically be able to produce cheaper handheld models that can keep up with the top portable PCs available right now.
It’s worth noting that whileValvemay end up using a chip similar to either of the above for a hypothetical Steam Deck 2, you’ll more likely find it in successive Windows handhelds. Options like theSteam Deck OLEDdo use Ryzen chips, but they’ve been armed with custom versions up until now. What I’m getting at is you shouldn’t get excited about a new Deck coming as a result of this latest leak, and it’s more likely a sign that Lenovo’s Legion Go refresh is inbound.
Talk of specs aside, it’s a pretty exciting time to be a handheld fan. While the current Ryzen Z1 chip pushed the boundaries of portable performance last year, newcomers like theZotac Zonehave only slightly nudged the bar with chips like the 7 8840U. If a new version of the APU arrives with double the Compute Units, we could be looking at a wave of devices that can comfortably run the latest PC games at over 60fps without much compromise. Plus, it’s lower-spec siblings may guzzle less power, ultimately solving the big battery dilemma tied to handheld gaming in 2024.
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Today’s best handheld gaming PC dealsASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesAsus Asus ROG Ally X$6.87ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$549ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$705.75ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$739.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best handheld gaming PC dealsASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesAsus Asus ROG Ally X$6.87ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$549ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$705.75ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$739.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best handheld gaming PC dealsASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesAsus Asus ROG Ally X$6.87ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$549ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$705.75ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$739.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best handheld gaming PC deals
ASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesAsus Asus ROG Ally X$6.87ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$549ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$705.75ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$739.99ViewSee all prices
ASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all prices
ASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all prices
ASUS ROG Ally
ASUS ROG Ally
$550$490View
$550$490
$490
See all prices
Asus Asus ROG Ally X$6.87ViewSee all prices
Asus Asus ROG Ally X$6.87ViewSee all prices
Asus Asus ROG Ally X
Asus Asus ROG Ally X
$6.87View
$6.87
$6.87
See all prices
Lenovo Legion Go$549ViewSee all prices
Lenovo Legion Go$549ViewSee all prices
Lenovo Legion Go
Lenovo Legion Go
$549View
$549
$549
See all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$705.75ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$705.75ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 512GB
Valve Steam Deck OLED 512GB
$705.75View
$705.75
$705.75
See all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$739.99ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$739.99ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB
$739.99View
$739.99
$739.99
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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More about handheldsThis handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to meLatest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►
More about handheldsThis handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to meLatest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►
More about handheldsThis handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
More about handhelds
This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classics
This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classics
Will the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
Will the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►
Latest
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
See more latest►
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1
Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”