New AMD Ryzen Z2 APU for Gaming Handhelds: Tips and Features

Key Takeaways

1. AMD launched the Ryzen Z2 series of APUs for upcoming gaming handhelds, including Ryzen Z2, Z2 Go, and Z2 Extreme.
2. The Ryzen Z2 series features three generations: Rembrandt, Hawk Point, and Strix Point, but currently lacks built-in NPUs.
3. New models, Ryzen Z2 ‘A’ and Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, may be introduced, with the latter expected to include an NPU for improved AI performance.
4. Hawk Point and Strix Point APUs have NPUs, suggesting future AI integration could enhance gaming features like upscaling and frame generation.
5. Information about new models and features should be viewed skeptically until officially confirmed by AMD.

Earlier this year, AMD introduced its Ryzen Z2 series of APUs aimed at powering many upcoming gaming handheld devices. This lineup includes the Ryzen Z2, Z2 Go, and Z2 Extreme, and interestingly, it incorporates three different generations: Rembrandt, Hawk Point, and Strix Point. Notably, none of these APUs come with a built-in NPU, although a recent tweet suggests this might change in the future.

Possible New Variants

According to leaker @AnhPhuH, the Ryzen Z2 series might soon expand with two new models: the Ryzen Z2 ‘A’ and the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme. The latter is evidently a version of the Z2 Extreme featuring an NPU to enhance AI performance, while the former remains somewhat of a enigma. There’s a chance that it could just be a mistake—maybe the source forgot an ‘I’—but that’s still unconfirmed. The Ryzen Z2 Go is already a low-end option, and there’s not much space between the original Ryzen Z2 and the Z2 Extreme for an entirely new variant.

AI Integration for Gaming

As noted by VideoCardz, both Hawk Point and Strix Point APUs are recognized for having NPUs, which makes the idea of integrating AI more believable. It’s likely that technologies like upscaling and frame generation will significantly enhance handheld gaming experiences, and a capable NPU would definitely aid features like FSR. However, as is the case with all leaks and speculation, it’s wise to take this info with a bit of skepticism. It won’t be long until we discover what AMD has planned for fans of handheld gaming.

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