With no sign yet of the rumored Xbox handheld, the spotlight at this year’s Computex conference in Taipei, Taiwan, is firmly on handheld PCs — a rapidly growing segment for on-the-go gaming. MSI stands out as one of the few manufacturers actively pushing this new class of devices with its latest offering, the Claw A8.
Featuring a striking lime-green color option and a design reminiscent of previous models, the Claw A8 may offer a glimpse into the future of handheld gaming beyond the Nintendo Switch 2. However, key details like pricing remain undisclosed.
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Design and Display: Familiar Yet Refined
The Claw A8 arrives in two distinct colors: classic white and a vibrant lime green that catches the eye immediately. At first glance, its design might remind users of MSI’s earlier handhelds or competitors like the Asus ROG Ally, especially with its 8-inch 120Hz IPS display featuring a variable refresh rate.
Unlike last year’s Claw 8 AI+, the new model sports more angular, squared-off edges. Despite this design choice, MSI emphasizes ergonomic improvements, particularly the underside grips, which are crafted to enhance comfort and ensure easy access to front-facing thumbsticks and buttons. Another notable upgrade is the inclusion of Hall effect joysticks, which promise enhanced durability by mitigating common issues such as stick drift.
Performance: Powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme
One of the Claw A8’s most significant updates is its CPU. The device is among the first handhelds confirmed to feature AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme—a successor to the highly regarded Ryzen Z1, which has been a staple in handheld gaming devices over the past two years.
Built on AMD’s cutting-edge Zen 5 microarchitecture, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme aligns with the latest Strix Point laptop CPUs, promising improved graphics performance. Although early tests on other devices like the Lenovo Legion Go 2 have been promising, independent benchmarks on the Claw A8 are yet to be seen, leaving some uncertainty about its real-world advantages over current handhelds.
Comparing to Its Predecessor: Claw 8 AI+
MSI’s naming convention can cause some confusion. The Claw A8 follows the high-end Claw 8 AI+ model, which boasted an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor paired with Intel Arc 140V graphics—essentially a full laptop CPU designed for demanding workloads. While that model offered powerful performance, it came with a bulkier build and a steep price tag around $1,000.
In contrast, the Claw A8 opts for a leaner design and AMD’s specialized gaming chip. It maxes out at 24GB of RAM running at 8,000MHz, slightly slower than the 8 AI+’s 8,533MHz memory. The trade-off seems to be in favor of a lighter, more portable device without sacrificing too much in raw power.
Why AMD? The Shift Toward Dedicated Gaming CPUs
MSI’s pivot from Intel to AMD in this generation feels more strategic than accidental. AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme is a purpose-built gaming CPU, optimized for handheld form factors, whereas Intel’s chips tend to cater to broader laptop workloads. Interestingly, Intel has acknowledged this market gap and announced plans to develop handheld-specific processors, indicating that competition in this niche will intensify soon.
The Handheld Market Landscape Post-CES 2025
Following January’s CES, handheld gaming hasn’t seen a flurry of new announcements, but Lenovo has made waves with the Legion Go S and the upcoming Legion Go 2. The Legion Go 2 features the same Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip as the Claw A8 but hasn’t yet made a strong impression, especially given its premium price.
The Legion Go S, launching on May 25 for $600, offers a more budget-friendly experience with SteamOS, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage. Its $550 price tag puts it in direct competition with the Steam Deck OLED, which boasts a more console-like gaming experience.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Factor
The biggest wildcard in the handheld gaming arena remains Nintendo’s Switch 2, set to launch on June 5 at around $450. For many gamers, the Switch sequel’s affordable price and ecosystem may overshadow pricier PC handhelds. This looming release likely explains why companies like Asus and Lenovo are holding back on launching more powerful handhelds right now.
As the Switch 2 hits the market, we expect more clarity on pricing and features from other handheld manufacturers in the months ahead. The result could be a crowded market where gamers might find themselves juggling multiple devices — perhaps needing more hands to keep up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MSI Claw A8?
The MSI Claw A8 is a handheld gaming PC designed for portable gaming. It features an 8-inch 120Hz IPS display and is powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU, targeting gamers who want high performance on the go.
What makes the Claw A8 different from MSI’s previous handhelds?
Unlike the Claw 8 AI+, which used an Intel laptop CPU, the Claw A8 employs a dedicated AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip optimized for handheld gaming. It also includes Hall effect joysticks for improved durability and a redesigned grip for better ergonomics.
What colors is the Claw A8 available in?
The Claw A8 comes in two colors: classic white and a vibrant lime green.
How does the Claw A8’s display perform?
The device features an 8-inch IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate technology, offering smooth visuals for gaming.
How much RAM does the Claw A8 have?
It supports up to 24GB of RAM, running at 8,000MHz.
What is the expected price of the Claw A8?
As of now, MSI has not announced the pricing for the Claw A8.
Conclusion
MSI’s Claw A8 represents a significant step forward in the evolving handheld gaming PC market. By embracing AMD’s dedicated Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor and refining its design with improved ergonomics and durable controls, MSI is positioning the Claw A8 as a compelling alternative to both its own previous models and the broader competition.
While pricing and release details remain under wraps, the Claw A8 highlights the growing diversity and innovation in handheld gaming devices, especially at a time when Nintendo’s Switch 2 looms on the horizon. For gamers seeking powerful, portable PC gaming experiences, MSI’s latest handheld may well be worth watching as the handheld market continues to heat up.