SHOCKING REVELATION: AMD’s Z2 Extreme Aims to Revolutionize Handheld Gaming, But Will It Be Enough to Overtake Steam Deck?
In a bombshell announcement, AMD’s computing and graphics boss Jack Huynh spilled the beans on the company’s next-generation handheld chip, codenamed Z2 Extreme, which is set to be unveiled in early 2025. And the rumors are already sparking controversy.
According to insiders, the Z2 Extreme is not just a tweaked version of the previous generation, but a brand new, bespoke chip designed specifically for handheld gaming. And it’s rumored to be based on AMD’s Strix Point architecture, which could give it a significant performance boost.
But here’s the real kicker: AMD is allegedly targeting a whopping 300% improvement in battery life, allowing gamers to play titles like Black Myth: Wukong for up to three hours straight. That’s a massive leap forward from the current crop of handheld devices, which struggle to deliver more than 45 minutes of gaming action.
The question on everyone’s mind is: will the Z2 Extreme be enough to dethrone the Steam Deck, which has been the gold standard for handheld gaming? With its semi-custom chip and 15-watt TDP, the Steam Deck has managed to deliver impressive battery life and performance, making it a tough act to follow.
But AMD is banking on its new chip’s performance and power efficiency to give it an edge. And with the company already working with multiple partners, it’s likely that the Z2 Extreme will be available in a range of handheld devices.
So, will AMD’s Z2 Extreme be the game-changer the handheld gaming market needs? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the battle for handheld gaming supremacy is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
