ASUS was the first manufacturer to launch a console based on Windows 11 (The Steam Deck uses a Linux distribution called Steam OS as an operating system, although Windows 11 can also be installed) in two different versions. On the one hand, the version with the Z1 processor with 6 cores and 12 threads and on the other hand with the processor Z1 Extremeprocessor that has 8 cores and 16 threads.
ASUS recently renewed its portable console using the Z1 Extreme processor as the only model, following the same path as Lenovo with the Legion GO, a console available only with this processor. A few weeks ago we talked about the second generation of this processor, a second generation that, unlike what was initially planned, is available in 3 different SKUs.
Ryzen Z2 will have 3 different SKUs
The first news related to this second generation of the Ryzen Z2 range of processors for portable consoles pointed to an Extreme 16 GPU coresa model that, according to the latest news, has been canceled. Instead, AMD will launch 3 different SKUs.
The new generation of Ryzen Z2 processors for portable consoles will consist of the following models:
- Ryzen Z2E. This will be the most powerful processor in the Ryzen Z2 processor range. As we mentioned above, instead of implementing 16 GPU cores as planned, it will have 12 based on RDNA 3.5 with Zen 5 and Zen 5C cores.
- Ryzen Z2. This processor will have 12 cores based on RDNA 3 architecture, with a configuration very similar to the Z1 Extreme that is currently on the market with 12 GPU cores and 8 Zen 4 RDNA 3 CPU cores.
- Ryzen Z2G. The entry range of this second generation will be the Ryzen 2G, a processor based on Zen 3+ architecture with 12 RDNA 2 GPU cores. This processor looks like it is focused on reducing the price of portable consoles on the market, making them more affordable to reach a greater number of users.
The range of TDP of these new processors will be the same as with the first generation, moving between 9 and 30 W.
The first generation of AMD processors for portable consoles has been the one with the greatest adoption by manufacturers, with ASUS and Lenovo being the most representative, but not the only ones. If these new processors are confirmed, especially the last one, it is likely that other manufacturers will also bet on this format to play anywhere.
Release date
AMD officially presented the Ryzen Z1 and Ryzen Z1 Extreme processors in the third quarter of 2023. As is usual, AMD has not revealed the roadmap to present this new generation.
However, different sources related to their development suggest that they will reach the market in the first quarter of 2025 or, at the latest, in the second. Most likely, it will do so with a new generation of portable consoles from ASUS or Lenovo.
