AMD is reportedly preparing a next-generation AERITH Plus SoC, designed to push the performance boundaries of handheld gaming. This upgraded chip is expected to feature higher clock speeds, improved power efficiency, and LPDDR5X memory, potentially setting the stage for Steam Deck 2. While Valve has not yet confirmed the specifications of its next handheld console, leaked shipping manifests suggest a major technological leap that could redefine portable gaming.
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What Is the AMD AERITH Plus SoC?
The AERITH Plus is a System-on-Chip (SoC) that builds upon the foundation of the original AERITH SoC, which powered the first-generation Steam Deck. The new version appears to be optimized for enhanced performance, featuring an increased boost clock, improved GPU efficiency, and faster memory bandwidth. These enhancements could translate into smoother gameplay, faster load times, and better overall efficiency for gaming on the go.
AERITH Plus vs. AERITH: Key Upgrades
The leaked specifications hint at significant improvements over the original AERITH SoC:
| Feature | AERITH SoC (Steam Deck) | AERITH Plus SoC (Expected for Steam Deck 2) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Architecture | Zen 2 | Zen 5 (Expected) |
| Cores/Threads | 4 Cores / 8 Threads | Up to 8 Cores / 16 Threads (Expected) |
| Base/Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz / 3.5 GHz | Up to 3.8 GHz Boost |
| GPU Architecture | RDNA 2 | RDNA 3.5 (Expected) |
| GPU Clock Speed | 1.0 – 1.6 GHz | Up to 1.8 GHz |
| Memory Type | LPDDR5 6400 MT/s | LPDDR5X 8533 MT/s |
| TDP Range | 4W – 15W | Up to 20W |
The improvements suggest that the AERITH Plus will be a more powerful and efficient chip, bringing a significant performance boost to the Steam Deck’s successor.
Enhanced CPU & GPU Performance: What to Expect?
One of the biggest upgrades in AERITH Plus is its shift to a Zen 5-based CPU architecture. Compared to Zen 2, the Zen 5 architecture brings higher Instructions Per Clock (IPC), better multi-threading capabilities, and improved power efficiency. This means that Steam Deck 2 could feature a faster processor that handles demanding games with greater ease.
On the GPU front, AERITH Plus is expected to feature RDNA 3.5, a significant step up from RDNA 2. This will provide:
- Better power efficiency
- Higher GPU clock speeds (up to 1.8 GHz, 200 MHz more than AERITH)
- Potentially more Compute Units (CUs) for improved graphics rendering
- Superior ray tracing capabilities for more realistic lighting and shadows
If AMD has optimized AERITH Plus with RDNA 3.5 and up to 12 Compute Units, it could rival entry-level gaming laptops in terms of graphical power, all within a handheld form factor.
Power Efficiency & TDP: What It Means for Battery Life
The leaked TDP (Thermal Design Power) limit of 20W suggests that AERITH Plus will be capable of delivering higher peak performance while maintaining power efficiency. The Steam Deck’s original AERITH SoC operated within a 4W-15W range, making it one of the most power-efficient PC handhelds. With a higher 20W TDP ceiling, AERITH Plus might enable Steam Deck 2 to sustain higher performance levels for longer gaming sessions.
However, power efficiency improvements in Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5 might also mean that at lower workloads, the new chip uses less power than its predecessor, leading to better battery life for casual gaming and media consumption.
Memory Upgrade: LPDDR5X 8533 MT/s for Faster Performance
One of the most notable upgrades in AERITH Plus is its adoption of LPDDR5X 8533 MT/s memory. This is a major jump from the LPDDR5 6400 MT/s memory used in the current Steam Deck. Here’s why this matters:
- Faster data access: Reduced latency and increased bandwidth mean games will load quicker.
- Improved multitasking: Running multiple apps and background processes will be smoother.
- Better GPU performance: Faster memory speeds enhance graphical performance, allowing for higher frame rates and better textures in games.
This upgrade alone could make Steam Deck 2 feel significantly snappier, reducing loading times and improving overall system responsiveness.
What This Means for Steam Deck 2
While we are still awaiting official confirmation from Valve, the AERITH Plus SoC leaks suggest a massive performance uplift. Here’s what we can anticipate:
1. A More Powerful Handheld Gaming Experience
With an upgraded CPU and GPU, Steam Deck 2 could handle AAA games at higher resolutions and frame rates, bringing it closer to console-level performance. We might see native 1080p gaming at stable frame rates, making handheld gaming smoother than ever.
2. Enhanced Battery Life & Power Efficiency
Despite the higher TDP limit, advancements in Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5 should make Steam Deck 2 more power-efficient, meaning longer gaming sessions without frequent charging.
3. Faster Load Times & Better Multitasking
With LPDDR5X memory, users can expect faster game loading times, improved app performance, and seamless multitasking.
4. Possible Launch Timeline
Leaks suggest that Valve is actively working on a successor to Steam Deck, and given that AMD is already shipping AERITH Plus for testing, a 2026 launch for Steam Deck 2 seems plausible.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Future for Handheld Gaming
With the AERITH Plus SoC, AMD is setting the stage for a next-gen handheld gaming revolution. If these leaks hold true, the Steam Deck 2 could be a game-changer, offering:
- Stronger CPU & GPU performance
- Higher clock speeds for smoother gameplay
- More efficient power usage for longer battery life
- Faster LPDDR5X memory for improved system performance
While we wait for official announcements, one thing is clear: handheld gaming is evolving rapidly, and the next Steam Deck might just be the most powerful handheld console yet. Stay tuned for more updates as we uncover more details on AMD’s AERITH Plus and Steam Deck 2!
