AMD has officially launched its Ryzen Z1 Extreme and Z1 APUs for handheld gaming consoles powered by the Zen 4 core architecture.
AMD Powers Handheld Gaming Consoles With Zen 4-Based Ryzen Z1 Extreme & Z1 APUs, More TFLOPs Than A PS4 Pro In The Palm of Your Hands
Press Release: Today, AMD introduced the new Ryzen Z1 Series processors, the ultimate high-performance processor for handheld PC gaming consoles.
The Ryzen Z1 Series features two high-performance processors, the Ryzen Z1 & Ryzen Z1 Extreme, both offering industry-leading gaming experiences, uncompromising battery life, and featuring AMD RDNA 3 architecture-based graphics. AMD is partnering with Asus to launch the first Ryzen Z1 Series device with the Asus ROG Ally, a premium handheld PC console, featuring up to a Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor.
“At AMD, we’re continually advancing the next generation of gaming experiences, from consoles to desktops to on-the-go handheld devices,” said Jason Banta, corporate vice president and general manager, Client OEM at AMD. “Ryzen Z1 processors deliver gamers an elite gaming experience and extreme portability in exciting gaming form factors.”
All-New AMD Ryzen Z1 and Ryzen Z1 Extreme Processors
Featuring up to 8 cores and 16 threads, the Ryzen Z1 Series processors offer breathtaking visuals and, with the efficiency of “Zen 4” architecture, deliver incredible battery life for a truly portable, high-performance gaming experience. With AMD RDNA 3 architecture-based graphics built right in, gamers will have the power to play graphically intensive modern games smoothly.
Users can optimize their gameplay with AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition by utilizing features including AMD Radeon Super Resolution, Radeon Chill, Radeon Image Sharpening, AMD Link, and more. These features can boost performance with increased frame rates and responsiveness while helping extend battery life.
AMD Ryzen Z1 APUs For Handheld Gaming Consoles (Compute TFLOPs)
Every AMD Ryzen Z1 Series processor supports USB4 for fast and easy connectivity for the latest external storage and display devices, as well as the latest LPDDR5 and LPDDR5X memory standards, delivering fast performance and low latency for more responsive gaming.
| Model | Cores/Threads | Graphics | Cache |
| AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | 8/16 | 12 AMD RDNA 3 compute units |
24 MB |
| AMD Ryzen Z1 | 6/12 | 4 AMD RDNA 3 compute units |
22 MB |
Editors Note: There's definitely a huge difference in specs and performance when comparing the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme with the standard Z1 APU. The former features much higher compute throughput thanks to a higher number of GPU compute units and also offers more CPU cores and threads which should definitely give it a much bigger edge. It is likely that handheld console makers utilize the standard Z1 APU for power-tuned designs which aren't aimed to push the limits of the graphics but instead offer a minimal and viable gaming experience in retro games.
The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme offers compute TFLOPs on par with the PS4 Pro which is a huge deal for a handheld gaming console while the Ryzen Z1 offers more compute TFLOPs than the original PS4 (a 50%+ increase). The Ryzen Z1 targets 1080p low-quality gaming at 60 FPS using RSR (upscale from 720P) while the Ryzen Z1 Extreme targets over 60 FPS with higher visual fidelity using RSR. I should also point out that since these are different architectures, the TFLOPs comparison is just for reference and not meant to point out the actual performance difference between the consoles.
It is also mentioned that the performance numbers are based on early prototypes running ES chips so final performance may vary. The APUs were running in their standard 30W mode & there's also Radeon Chill technology available which can deliver lower temps, lower power consumption & high battery times if needed.
Designed for New Form Factors of Computing
With compatibility with Windows 11 and other operating systems, Ryzen Z1 Series processor-based devices can deliver the full breadth of Windows 11 applications and games. Gamers will have access to hundreds of PC games through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (sold separately) and seamless access to their game libraries.
Built on x86 architecture and ready for Windows 11, users of Ryzen Z1 Series devices will also have native access to popular social and productivity software. Ryzen Z1 devices are also equipped with smart power management technology which will allow them to game and run these applications well with great battery life.
Ryzen Z1 Series Devices Available Soon
AMD Ryzen Z1 processors will be available first in the Asus ROG Ally. More information about the Asus ROG Ally availability and pricing will be announced by Asus on May 11.
“Having a great gaming experience doesn’t mean you have to be tied to a chair or a charger,” said Shawn Yen, product management director of the Gaming Business Unit, Asus. “With the new Ryzen Z1 Series processors, we’re working with AMD to deliver the power, visuals, and efficiency needed to enable a superior portable gaming experience — whether you’re traveling, commuting for work, or simply want to game untethered.”
Handheld Gaming Console Lineup:
| Name | ASUS ROG Ally X | MSI CLAW AM1 | Steam Deck OLED | Lenovo Legion Go | ASUS ROG ALLY | Ayaneo Air 1S | AYANEO 2S | AOKZOE A1 Pro | AOKZOE A2 | GPD Win Max 2 | GPD Win 4 (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Name | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | Intel Core Ultra Series 1 | AMD Sephiroth | AMD Ryzen Z1 Series | AMD Ryzen Z1 Series | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U AMD Ryzen 5 7640U |
| CPU / GPU Architecture | 4nm Zen 4 / RDNA 3 | Meteor Lake / Arc Xe-LPG | 6nm Zen 2 / RDNA 2 | 4nm Zen 4 / RDNA 3 | 4nm Zen 4 / RDNA 3 | 4nm Zen 4 / RDNA 3 | 4nm Zen 4 / RDNA 3 | 4nm Zen 4 / RDNA 3 | 4nm Zen 4 / RDNA 3 | 4nm Zen 4 / RDNA 3 | 4nm Zen 4 / RDNA 3 |
| CPU Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 @ 5.1 GHz | 16 / 22 @ 4.8 GHz 14 / 20 @ 4.5 GHz | 4 / 8 @ 3.5 GHz | 8 / 16 @ 5.1 GHz | 8 / 16 @ 5.1 GHz | 8 / 16 @ 5.1 GHz | 8 / 16 @ 5.1 GHz | 8 / 16 @ 5.1 GHz | 8 / 16 @ 5.1 GHz | 8 / 16 @ 5.1 GHz | 8 / 16 @ 5.1 GHz 6 / 12 @ 4.9 GHz |
| GPU Cores | 12 CU @ 2.8 GHz | 8 Xe @ 2.25 GHz 7 Xe @ 2.20 GHz | 8 CU @ 1.6 GHz | 12 CU @ 2.8 GHz | 12 CU @ 2.8 GHz | 12 CU @ 2.7 GHz | 12 CU @ 2.8 GHz | 12 CU @ 2.7 GHz | 12 CU @ 2.7 GHz | 12 CU @ 2.7 GHz | 12 CU @ 2.7 GHz 8 CU @ 2.6 GHz |
| Memory | 24 GB LPDDR5X-7500 | 16 GB LPDDR5-6400 | 16 GB LPDDR5-6400 | 16 GB LPDDR5-7500 | 16 GB LPDDR5-6400 | 32-64 GB LPDDR5x | 16 GB LPDDR5x-7500 | 32-64 GB LPDDR5x | 32-64 GB LPDDR5x | 16 GB LPDDR5x-7500 | 16-64 GB LPDDR5x-7500 |
| Storage | 1 TB (M.2) Micro-SD UHS-H | 512 GB / 1 TB (M.2) | 512 GB / 1 TB (M.2) | 512 GB- 2 TB (M.2) | 512 GB (M.2) + Micro-SD UHS-H | 512 GB - 2 TB (M.2) | 512 GB - 2 TB (M.2) | 512 GB- 2 TB (M.2) | 512 GB - 4 TB (M.2) | 512 GB - 2 TB (M.2) | 512 GB - 4 TB |
| Display Resolution | 1920x1080 @ 120Hz | 1920x1080 @ 120Hz | 1280x800 @90Hz | 2560x1600 @ 144Hz | 1920x1080 @ 120Hz | 1920x1080 @ 60Hz | 1920x1200 | 1920x1200 @ 60Hz | 1920x1200 | 1920x1200 | 1920x1200 @60Hz |
| Screen Type | 7-Inch | 7-Inch IPS | 7.4" OLED | 8.8-Inch Full IPS | 7-Inch | 5.5-Inch Amoled | 7-Inch Full IPS | 8-Inch Full IPS | 7-Inch Laminated IPS | 10.1-Inch Full IPS | 6-Inch Full IPS |
| WiFi Option | WIFI 6E + BT 5.2 | TBD | WIFI 6E + BT 5.3 | WIFI 6E + BT 5.2 | WIFI 6E + BT 5.2 | WIFI 6E + BT 5.2 | WIFI 6.0 + BT 5.0 | WIFI 6E + BT 5.2 | WIFI 6E + BT 5.2 | WIFI 6.0 + BT 5.0 | WIFI 6.0 + BT 5.0 |
| Battery Size | 80Wh | 53Wh | 50.0Wh | 49.2Wh | 40Wh | 38Wh | 50.25Wh | 65Wh | 48Wh | 67Wh | 45.62Wh |
| Weight | 678g | 675g | 640g | 845g | 608g | 405g | TBD | 729g | 649g | 1005g | 598g |
| Form Factor | 280.2x114x36.9mm | 294x117x21mm | 298x117x49mm | 299x131x41mm | 28.0 x 11.3 x 3.9mm | 224x89.5x21.6mm | TBD | 28.5 x 12.5 x 2.1mm | 265x105x22 | 227 × 160 × 23 mm | 220 × 92 × 28 mm |
| Operating System | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Steam OS/Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Release Date | July 2024 | 1H 2024 | November 2023 | November 2023 | May 2023 | 2023 | May 2023 | May 2023 | December 2023 | May 2023 | August, 2023 |
| Price | $799 US | $699 (125H + 16 GB + 512 GB) $799 (155H + 16 GB + 1 TB) | $549 (16 GB + 512 GB) $649 (16 GB + 1 TB) | $649 (16 GB + 512 GB) $749 (16 GB + 1 TB) $799 (16 GB + 2 TB) | $699 (Z1 Extreme) $599 (Z1 Standard) | $799 (16 GB + 512 GB) | TBD | $799 US (32 GB +512 GB) | $699 US (32 GB + 512 GB) | 730 EUR (7640U+16+1) 959 EUR (7840U+32+2) | TBD |
