AMD Sets Launch Date for Next-Generation Portable Gaming PC Chip: Z2 Extreme

Back in April 2023, AMD announced the Z1 and Z1 Extreme CPUs. These small-batch processors were specifically designed for use in mobile PC systems, and have proven themselves in some of the top Windows 11 gaming consoles on the market, like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go.

Recently, within the framework of the IFA 2024 event taking place in Berlin, Germany, AMD officially confirmed for the first time that it is researching the next generation version of the Z-series handheld gaming CPU line called Z2 Extreme.

AMD's Jack Huynh, director of computing and graphics, said the Z2 Extreme is expected to launch in early 2025, less than two years after the introduction of the Z1 and Z1 Extreme chips. However, not much is known about the hardware specifications or performance of this new processor so far. The 'Red Team' mentioned that they are working with a number of different partners to develop the CPU. That means we could be getting new and more advanced portable gaming PCs from Asus and Lenovo next year.

One big question about the new chip is whether the Z2 Extreme will help extend the battery life of handheld gaming PCs. This is probably the biggest hurdle for these types of devices. AMD's representative also reportedly mentioned that he wants to play big games like Black Myth: Wukong for 3 hours on a handheld instead of the current 45 minutes. Therefore, it is likely that the AMD Z2 Extreme will be a product with a strong focus on energy efficiency, thereby providing better battery life for users.

In related news, Acer is the latest name to enter the portable gaming PC market with the launch of the Nitro Blaze 7. The US will use an AMD CPU, but not the Z1 or Z1 Extreme, but the standard AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor that is usually found in laptops. Acer has not yet announced a release date or price for the Nitro Blaze 7.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 11 September 2024