AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme, the backbone of premium handheld gaming devices launched in 2023, appears to have reached the end of its driver update cycle. Reports from multiple sources—including Lenovo Korea’s update log and user feedback on platforms like Reddit—suggest that no new driver releases have been issued since mid-2025, despite the chip remaining in active use.
Owners of devices like the ASUS ROG Ally (non-X model) and Lenovo Legion Go S, both based on the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, are now running drivers from August 2025 or earlier. The lack of updates contrasts sharply with AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme, which continues to receive regular driver refreshes. This disparity has left users wondering whether the Z1 Extreme has been quietly deprioritized or if OEMs are delaying testing and certification for newer builds.
The Ryzen Z1 Extreme’s configurable TDP (cTDP) range—from 9W to 30W—allows OEMs to tailor power efficiency for different handheld designs. However, driver compatibility must be verified for each configuration, adding complexity to updates. Attempts to install drivers from newer Z2-based devices, such as Lenovo’s Legion Go S, are explicitly discouraged by manufacturers due to potential system instability.
The Real-World Impact
For handheld gamers, this translates to stagnant performance optimizations, potential bugs, and no access to new features like DirectStorage enhancements or Vulkan updates. The Ryzen Z1 Extreme’s 30W configuration, while offering peak performance, also drains battery life more aggressively than lower-TDP variants. Without updates, users may face compatibility issues with newer games or APIs, especially as developers push for more demanding experiences.
The situation underscores a broader challenge in the handheld market: balancing cutting-edge hardware with long-term software support. While AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme has inherited the update mantle, the Z1 Extreme’s legacy devices remain in a limbo that could frustrate early adopters and delay the adoption of next-gen handhelds.
Key Specs: Ryzen Z1 Extreme (2023)
- Architecture: Zen 4 (2023 refresh)
- Process Node: TSMC 5 nm
- Configurable TDP: 9W–30W (adjustable by OEM)
- GPU: Integrated Radeon 780M (up to 12 compute units)
- Memory: Up to DDR5-6400 (shared with GPU)
- Cache: 16MB L3 (shared)
- Launch Date: Early 2023
- Successor: Ryzen Z2 Extreme (2025)
The Ryzen Z1 Extreme was designed to deliver desktop-like performance in a portable form factor, but its lack of driver support now threatens that promise. Users with high-end handhelds may need to weigh the risks of unofficial driver tweaks against the stability of outdated software—all while hoping AMD or OEMs reconsider their stance.
