AMD’s Ryzen Z2 A has officially been confirmed as the successor to the AMD Aerith, the custom processor found in the Steam Deck. The confirmation comes directly from the product page, where the Ryzen Z2 A is linked to the previously rumored ‘Aerith Plus.’ This new chip marks an evolution of the original AMD Aerith, which powers the Steam Deck, and its existence was hinted at through leaked NBD shipping manifests about three months ago.
The product code for the Ryzen Z2 A, 100-000001835, directly matches the code found in those shipping logs, confirming the chip’s codename as Aerith Plus.
While it may not be groundbreaking, the Z2 A does represent the next step for AMD’s custom processors for handheld gaming devices. It’s no surprise that this chip is built upon the same Zen 2 architecture as its predecessor, and it retains the RDNA 2 architecture for integrated graphics, offering a smooth gaming experience for entry-level devices.
The Ryzen Z2 A’s specifications are modest compared to the rest of the Ryzen Z2 lineup. With 4 cores and 8 threads, the chip is designed for energy-efficient performance, with a TDP range between 6 and 20W. The boost clock reaches up to 3.8 GHz, and it is expected to be the main processor for devices like the Steam Deck 2. Other, more powerful Ryzen Z2 chips, such as those based on Zen 3+ and Zen 4, will likely power mid-range to high-end gaming handhelds. One of the most notable new chips in the Z2 family is the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, a powerful custom processor with a dedicated NPU for AI tasks, aimed at high-end handheld gaming systems.
As expected, the Ryzen Z2 A is not a huge leap forward in terms of CPU performance. However, it’s well-suited for budget gaming handhelds, where the priority is not raw processing power, but balanced energy consumption and solid graphics. Devices like the Xbox Rog Ally have already deployed this chip, and it’s expected to make its way into more gaming handhelds in the coming months. For AMD, the Ryzen Z2 A represents a crucial step in expanding its footprint in the handheld gaming market, as it powers a wide range of devices from budget options to premium systems.