The AMD Z2 Extreme chipset is currently under development, with plans for its release in 2025. This update was shared by the company during a recent media engagement at IFA 2024. The existing AMD Z1 Extreme processor, launched in May 2023, already powers popular handheld PCs such as the Asus ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go. The new Z2 Extreme chipset is anticipated to enhance upcoming devices, including a potential successor to Valve’s Steam Deck.
A report from Digital Trends highlights that during a session at IFA 2024, AMD officials indicated the Z2 Extreme could debut in early 2025. This timeframe comes almost two years after the release of the initial chipset. While specific performance metrics for the upcoming chipset have not been disclosed, it is speculated that it will leverage AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 (or Strix Point) technology.
Details regarding the energy efficiency of the Z2 Extreme compared to its predecessors remain unclear. The original Asus ROG Ally faced criticism for its battery performance, which led to a significant enhancement with the ROG Ally X, featuring a doubled battery size of 80Wh released in July.
AMD confirmed its collaboration with OEM partners to integrate the Z2 Extreme chipset into forthcoming devices. The first-generation chipset has already been utilized in the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. It is expected that Asus will use the new processor in its next-generation handhelds, along with Lenovo’s future offerings.
Valve’s Steam Deck is also anticipated for an upgrade, currently powered by a custom 7nm AMD Aerith APU. Should Valve opt to incorporate the new AMD Z2 Extreme chipset into the successor or an OLED model featuring an updated 6nm chipset, significant performance advancements could be realized.
