AMD is apparently cutting off Ryzen Z1 Extreme handhelds from driver updates, and I can't help but blame the Xbox Ally

(Image credit: Future)

Reports that AMD is ending driver updates to Ryzen Z1 Extreme handhelds are surfacing online, and the Legion Go is first on the chopping block. While concerns were initially sparked after Lenovo Korea revealed it's no longer supporting the 2023 handheld, users of other devices like the OG ROG Ally claim it's in the same situation.

Highlighted by r/hardware, the concerns surrounding some of the best gaming handheld contenders stem from a response by Lenovo Korea to a player. In a screenshot shared to the Korean forum DCInside, a representative seemingly confirms there are "no plans to update the drivers for the current Legion Go model," after being asked about the lack of patches compared to the Legion Go S.

Screenshot of Asus ROG Ally (2023) driver page with last graphics driver update date highlighted with red rectangle. — (Image credit: Asus)

Current gen options

Hand holding Lenovo Legion Go S handheld on woodgrain desk with Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay on screen. — (Image credit: Phil Hayton)

ROG Xbox Ally | $499 at Best Buy
Legion Go S | $696.63 at Amazon

I should stress that AMD hasn't officially announced that it's ending Ryzen Z1 Extreme support, and I'd perhaps take the Lenovo Korea response with the usual grain of salt. The Legion Go makers and Asus also haven't publicly confirmed any plans to stop rolling out driver updates to their first-generation portable PCs. However, the situation has reignited my fears that device makers want you to forget about the chipset, and that's largely because it makes newcomers like the Xbox Ally look bad.

The handheld scene has been in a sticky price situation since the ROG Xbox Ally X and its cheaper non-X sibling arrived. Yes, the flagship does wield a new-gen Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip that packs the sort of punch you'd expect, but it'll set you back at least $1,000 (especially if price hikes kick in globally). The real issue, though, lies with the non-Extreme version of the APU, as despite replacing the Z1E at the $500 mark, it hits similar frame rates to the Steam Deck OLED and Valve's older custom AMD chipset.

Photo of the new Xbox handheld, the ROG Xbox Ally X — (Image credit: Xbox)

It's safe to say that, on paper, releasing new mid-range handhelds that can't boost fps as high as their predecessors isn't a good look. That could be why the OG ROG Ally is now widely discontinued, as nice controller-style grips arguably aren't enough to justify buying a white Xbox Ally over the Z1E version. It doesn't help that both feature the same 1080p 120Hz screen, 512GB storage, and 16GB RAM, but the part that looks silly is the APU performance gap.

I'm hoping that the whole Ryzen Z1 Extreme updates situation is just a big, messy misunderstanding. AMD is usually pretty good at maintaining support for legacy hardware, and cutting off devices like the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally just feels like a big middle finger, considering they're only a generation old.

I completely get Asus' and Lenovo's desire for players to pick up the latest handhelds rather than discontinued models. But, with RAMageddon sparking significant price rises and Steam Deck stock issues now dominating the narrative, we might have to rely on picking up renewed and second-hand devices in 2026. Pulling updates that could resolve serious issues in new games or with Microsoft's chaotic Windows 11 updates could mean the difference between getting to play on the go or not, and I can't help but feel like the industry is in self-destruct mode.

I guess if modern handhelds and systems are out of reach, we could all pick up the new Gametank 8-bit console and play NES-style games until this all blows over.

More gaming handhelds at Best Buy
Steam Deck accessories at Amazon

Already got Valve's portable? Swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck docks to enhance your hybrid setup. If you'd rather stick with the classics, check out the best retro handhelds for emulation devices and more.

Phil is the Hardware Editor at GamesRadar+ who specializes in retro console setups, choosing the latest gaming handhelds, and navigating the choppy seas of using modern-day PC hardware. In the past, they have covered everything from retro gaming history to the latest gaming news, in-depth features, and tech advice for publications like TechRadar, The Daily Star, the BBC, PCGamesN, and Den of Geek. In their spare time, they pour hours into fixing old consoles, modding Game Boys, exploring ways to get the most out of the Steam Deck, and blasting old CRT TV visuals into their eye sockets.

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