AMD Backtracks, Confirms Continued Game Optimization and Feature Support for RDNA 1 and RDNA 2 GPUs
After facing strong backlash from its user base, AMD has officially reversed its earlier decision to end game optimization and feature updates for RDNA 1 and RDNA 2 GPUs, including the Radeon RX 5000 and RX 6000 series. The company’s initial announcement, made through the release notes of the Adrenalin 25.10.2 driver, suggested that these GPUs would only receive critical security patches and bug fixes going forward. However, AMD has now clarified that this is not the case.
In a statement to Tom’s Hardware, AMD explained that both RDNA 1 (RX 5000 series) and RDNA 2 (RX 6000 series) graphics cards will continue to receive new features, game optimizations, and driver updates as needed based on “market requirements.”
“New features, bug fixes and game optimizations will continue to be delivered as required by market needs in the maintenance mode branch.”
— AMD to Tom’s Hardware
This clarification completely contradicts AMD’s previous statement, which had excluded both GPU generations from future game optimization support. The quick reversal, made within just a day of widespread community criticism, indicates that AMD took the backlash seriously.
Many users felt frustrated that GPUs such as the RX 6700 XT and RX 6900 XT, which are still powerful performers even by 2025 standards, were seemingly being retired too soon. Considering that some RDNA 2 models were released as recently as 2023, the initial decision sparked outrage across Reddit, X, and major hardware forums. AMD’s updated position has been received positively, especially among gamers who invested in these GPUs within the past few years.
This is not the only recent clarification AMD has had to issue. The company also addressed reports surrounding USB-C Power Delivery functionality on the RX 7900 XTX, after the same Adrenalin 25.10.2 driver release notes appeared to claim the feature had been disabled. AMD quickly refuted that information in a statement to TechPowerUp:
“The release notes for AMD Software Adrenalin Edition 25.10.2 posted today included misinformation that has since been corrected. There is no change to USB-C functionality on the RX 7900 series GPUs in the 25.10.2 driver. There was an incorrect line in the originally posted release notes that has been removed, and the release notes have been updated. We apologize for any inconvenience.”
The series of miscommunications surrounding AMD’s driver release has left many users questioning the internal review process behind these updates. It’s unusual for multiple inaccuracies to appear in official documentation, and while the company’s rapid response is commendable, the confusion has raised concerns about the clarity of AMD’s long-term GPU support policies.
Still, AMD’s confirmation that RDNA 1 and RDNA 2 GPUs will continue to receive ongoing support should come as a relief to thousands of owners who rely on their cards for both gaming and creative workloads. With this reversal, AMD reinforces its commitment to maintaining compatibility and performance for its recent generations of Radeon hardware.
Do you think AMD’s quick reversal restored consumer trust, or has this situation left doubts about the company’s communication and long-term GPU support?
