RUMOR: Leaker hints at “Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme” chip for gaming handhelds — Could we see it in ROG Ally 2 and the Xbox handheld?

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It appears that if the rumors hold true, the forthcoming AMD Ryzen Z2 line for PC gaming handhelds may comprise a total of five chips. Among these, one is said to boast enhanced AI capabilities. (Credits to VideoCardz and Wccftech for the heads-up.)

The gossip stems from a post made by @AnhPhuH, who specializes in semiconductors, on the platform X (previously Twitter). This post specifically mentions several new Ryzen models, including “Ryzen Z2,” “Ryzen Z2 A,” “Ryzen Z2 Go,” “Ryzen Z2 Extreme,” and “Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme.”

Or:

The rumor originates from a post by @AnhPhuH, who is knowledgeable about semiconductors, on the platform X (previously Twitter). In this post, he specifically mentions five new Ryzen models – “Ryzen Z2,” “Ryzen Z2 A,” “Ryzen Z2 Go,” “Ryzen Z2 Extreme,” and “Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme.”

Or:

The rumor has its roots in a post made by @AnhPhuH, an expert in semiconductors, on the platform X (previously Twitter). In this post, he specifically lists five upcoming Ryzen models – “Ryzen Z2,” “Ryzen Z2 A,” “Ryzen Z2 Go,” “Ryzen Z2 Extreme,” and “Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme.”

All these versions aim to convey the same information in a natural and easy-to-read manner.

Currently, at the point when I’m drafting this, AMD has disclosed only three chips from this series: the Ryzen Z2, Ryzen Z2 Go (used in the Legion Go S), and the anticipated Ryzen Z2 Extreme for the upcoming ROG Ally 2.

Ryzen Z2Ryzen Z2 ARyzen Z2 GoRyzen Z2 ExtremeRyzen AI Z2 ExtremeApril 3, 2025

You should always take leaks and rumors with a massive heap of salt.

Given the fact that Intel’s AI CPUs have been used in gaming handhelds, it’s entirely logical that AMD is developing a competitive Ryzen AI processor for devices that use AMD technology in this sector.

Are AI chips good for gaming handhelds?

If you’re well-versed in high-end portable PC gaming systems, you’d recognize that the MSI Claw A1M original model stood out as one of the few mainstream devices sporting an Intel Core Ultra 100 Series AI (Meteor Lake) processor.

It appears that the original Claw model lacked the necessary power to match the performance of its competitors, such as the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, which don’t rely on AI and are equipped with AMD Ryzen Z1 processors.

However, things have now turned around.

MSI has introduced its latest models of MSI Claw 8 AI+ and MSI Claw 7 AI+ handhelds, powered by the new Intel Core Ultra 200 Series (Lunar Lake) processors. These compact gaming devices deliver superior performance compared to ROG Ally and Legion Go.

In general, it is reasonable to anticipate that a new-generation processor will deliver improved performance compared to its previous version or the previous versions of its competitors in the market. However, AI chips are particularly advantageous when it comes to mobile devices like handhelds, as they can provide significant benefits in this context.

Unlike typical CPUs, advanced AI CPUs come equipped with built-in NPUs (Neural Processing Units). These components distribute some computational tasks, alleviating the burden from both the CPU and GPU. This allows for improved system efficiency.

Generally speaking, an AI processor doesn’t match the power of conventional processors. Yet, devices equipped with AI-enhanced chips often benefit from significantly improved battery life and a compact design due to their efficiency.

These are features that match the whole idea of a gaming handheld.

While handheld devices may not have the same level of processing power as high-end PC gaming desktops or laptops, they provide the advantage of portability.

Could the recently teased next-gen ROG Ally and Xbox handheld have the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme?

On March 31, 2025, ASUS teased a next-gen ROG Ally on X with a short, 34-second trailer.

Xbox replied to the tweet using the Side-eye Monkey Puppet meme, hinting that there could be a connection to the “Project Kennan” portable Xbox console which my coworker had earlier reported on exclusively.

While examining the ASUS trailer, it struck me as if ASUS could be hinting towards a potential AI-driven handheld device, symbolized by the robot depicted in the video.

If the rumor about AMD launching an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme is true, it would add credibility to that notion.

By the close of 2026, it’s been indicated during press conferences that AI-based PCs could potentially occupy the entire market. This logical deduction suggests that a significant number of PC gaming handhelds might also evolve towards AI technology.

Given the circumstances, it’s quite plausible that both the ROG Ally 2 and the ASUS ROG Xbox handheld could incorporate artificial intelligence features.

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2025-04-09 23:39