AMD Strix Halo Brings Power to Gaming Handhelds
Gamers looking for desktop-level performance on handheld devices finally have a reason to celebrate. AMD’s Strix Halo, also known as Ryzen AI Max, has already made waves with its massive 128GB RAM capacity and unprecedented graphics performance. While originally aimed at AI workloads, its power has inspired the creation of some of the most advanced gaming handhelds and tablets ever seen. Devices like the Framework Desktop and Asus’s gaming tablet showcase what Strix Halo can achieve—but the price has kept many potential buyers at bay.
Introducing Ryzen AI Max Plus: Gaming for More Budgets
AMD is responding with two new Ryzen AI Max Plus chips designed for gamers seeking high performance without the $2,000 price tag. Both chips retain 40 graphics compute units and deliver an impressive 60 teraflops, while reducing CPU cores to better fit gaming devices. The Ryzen AI Max Plus 392 sports 12 cores, and the Max Plus 388 has eight, striking a balance between raw power and affordability. These adjustments aim to make high-end gaming hardware more accessible to a wider audience.
What This Means for Handheld Gaming Devices
Rahul Tikoo, AMD’s client chip head, explained that these new chips were developed based on specific gaming demands. “The 392 and 388 were introduced because we had customer requests for gaming SKUs,” he said. While exact pricing is still uncertain due to rising RAM costs, Tikoo hinted that AI Max systems could reach the $1,000 to $1,500 range. That’s a significant drop from previous Strix Halo systems, offering gamers a potential path to ultra-powerful handhelds at lower prices.
Competition Heats Up at CES 2026
CES 2026 is already buzzing with Strix Halo-powered devices from rivals like Ayaneo and OneXPlayer. AMD’s announcement signals that the handheld gaming market is evolving fast, with more options for gamers who demand desktop-level performance on portable devices. From prototypes like the GPD Win 5 to upcoming commercial releases, the competition could drive innovation and potentially lower prices even further.
How AMD Balances AI and Gaming Needs
The new AI Max Plus chips highlight AMD’s strategy of blending AI capabilities with gaming performance. By keeping full-fat graphics while trimming CPU cores, AMD targets gamers who want stunning visuals without overpaying. This dual-purpose design could redefine expectations for handheld gaming devices, showing that AI tech doesn’t have to be confined to expensive workstations.
The Future of Handheld Gaming Looks Brighter
With more Strix Halo devices expected soon, AMD is positioning itself as a leader in portable gaming innovation. As prices adjust and new designs hit the market, gamers can anticipate devices that combine desktop-level performance with handheld convenience. The AI Max Plus chips might finally bring seriously powerful gaming to a broader audience, offering a glimpse of what handheld gaming could look like in the next generation.
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