AMD Unveils Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Chip with Integrated NPU

AMD has officially introduced two new additions to its Ryzen Z2 processor series, specifically designed for handheld gaming consoles. Leading the announcement is the new Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, a high-performance processor equipped with a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU), marking a significant step forward in AI integration for mobile gaming platforms. This advanced chip joins AMD's expanding Z2 family, which debuted in January with the original Ryzen Z2 Extreme, Ryzen Z2, and Ryzen Z2 Go models.

The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme maintains the core configuration of its predecessor, featuring an 8-core, 16-thread CPU, 24MB cache, and support for high-speed LPDDR5X-8000 memory. It offers a configurable thermal design power (TDP) between 15W and 35W and incorporates 16 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores. What sets this new processor apart is its integrated NPU, capable of delivering up to 50 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) of AI performance. This advancement enables support for AI-driven features such as Microsoft Copilot+, paving the way for more intelligent system optimization, faster real-time processing, and enhanced power management.

Alongside the flagship model, AMD also revealed the Ryzen Z2 A, a more energy-efficient chip based on the older Zen 2 architecture. It includes a 4-core, 8-thread CPU, 8 RDNA 2 GPU cores, 6MB cache, and LPDDR5-6400 memory support. Although its overall performance is positioned below the previously released Ryzen Z2 Go, its TDP range of 6W to 20W may appeal to users seeking longer battery life in compact gaming devices.

While AMD has yet to disclose specific performance benchmarks or confirm upcoming devices built around these new processors, the AI capabilities introduced in the Z2 Extreme signal broader possibilities for handheld computing. These enhancements may offer developers more flexibility in optimizing system behavior and integrating advanced AI features at the hardware level.

Currently, Lenovo's Legion Go S and Legion Go 2 Prototype are the only confirmed devices to utilize Ryzen Z2 processors. ASUS is also expected to unveil at least one new handheld gaming model later this year, likely as successors to the ROG Ally and Ally X series.