MLID: AMD Gainsborough APU to Power Steam Deck 2
Moore's Law is Dead claims AMD's Gainsborough APU, built on TSMC N3P with Zen 6 and RDNA 5, will power the next-gen Steam Deck 2.
Moore's Law is Dead has released a video claiming that a rumoured AMD APU codenamed Gainsborough is likely to power the next-generation Steam Deck 2. The video, published by the hardware YouTube channel, outlines the alleged specifications and timeline for the chip.
According to MLID, the Gainsborough APU will be built on TSMC's N3P node and will use AMD's Zen 6 and RDNA 5 architectures. The channel also says the chip should be ready late next year or early 2028.
These claims are unconfirmed and come from a single YouTube source, not from AMD or Valve. Neither company has announced a Steam Deck 2 or any APU named Gainsborough.
Context
The original Steam Deck went on sale about four and a half years ago, using an APU codenamed Aerith, while the Steam Deck OLED uses a revised Sephiroth APU. In October 2025, Valve's Pierre-Loup Griffais said the Deck 2 should be a major leap, not just 20-50% more performance at the same battery life.
Separately, the AMD Canis APU is rumoured for an upcoming Sony PS6 handheld, with four Zen 6c cores, two Zen 6 low power cores, 16 RDNA 5 GPU CUs, and a 192-bit memory bus. Apple has also just released its new A20 Pro and M6 chips on TSMC's N2 silicon.
Quick answers
What is the AMD Gainsborough APU?
It is a rumoured AMD APU codenamed Gainsborough, which Moore's Law is Dead claims will power the Steam Deck 2. It is said to use Zen 6 and RDNA 5 architectures on TSMC's N3P node.
When will the Steam Deck 2 be released?
There is no official release date. MLID says the Gainsborough chip should be ready late next year or early 2028, but Valve has not announced a Steam Deck 2.
Is the Steam Deck 2 confirmed by Valve?
No. Valve has not announced a Steam Deck 2. The rumour comes from a Moore's Law is Dead video and is unconfirmed.