AMD is preparing to launch the Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip in early 2025, a development expected to impact the next generation of PC gaming handhelds. This new chip will replace the existing Z1 Extreme, which powers current models such as the Asus ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go.

During IFA 2024, AMD’s Jack Huynh indicated that the Z2 Extreme could significantly enhance battery life, potentially allowing gaming sessions to extend from the current 45 minutes to approximately three hours under high-performance conditions.

The Z2 Extreme will be built on AMD’s Strix Point architecture, which includes Zen 5 cores and RDNA 3.5 integrated GPUs. While AMD has not yet provided specific performance metrics, the company is collaborating with multiple partners. This suggests that new devices featuring the Z2 Extreme could be introduced soon after its announcement. Additionally, the Z2 Extreme may integrate advanced AI-driven features such as AMD Fluid Motion Frames, which are designed to improve battery efficiency and overall performance.

Current handheld gaming PCs like the ROG Ally and Legion Go struggle with battery life due to their high power consumption. These devices often experience rapid battery drain during intensive gaming sessions. Past efforts to address this issue have involved increasing battery size, as demonstrated by the ROG Ally X, which added a larger battery to improve longevity. The Z2 Extreme might provide a more effective solution by being engineered specifically for handheld gaming devices, potentially balancing performance with energy efficiency.

There is speculation that Valve may consider incorporating the Z2 Extreme into the next Steam Deck model. The existing Steam Deck uses hardware that lags behind the capabilities of devices such as the ROG Ally, which features the Z1 Extreme. A new chip like the Z2 Extreme could significantly enhance the performance of the Steam Deck. Although AMD has not confirmed any partnership with Valve, the Z2 Extreme’s advancements in performance and battery life could set a new benchmark for handheld gaming devices. The early part of 2025 is anticipated to be a key period for this technology.