MSI Claw A8: The First Next-Gen Handheld Gaming PC

Since the launch of the Steam Deck in 2022, handheld gaming PCs have steadily gained traction among enthusiasts. For nearly two years, devices like the MSI Claw 8 AI have dominated the high-end market, relying on the Z1 Extreme chipset. However, the MSI Claw A8, unveiled at Computex 2025, marks a significant shift as it introduces the newly announced Z2 Extreme APU from AMD.

Similar to its predecessor, the Claw A8 shares some design elements with the Claw 8 AI but features several key upgrades. Notably, MSI reduced the maximum RAM capacity from 32GB to 24GB of LPDDR5X memory, running at 8,000MHz. Additionally, the Claw A8’s display now supports VRR (variable refresh rate), reducing instances of screen tearing compared to its predecessor, despite maintaining a 120Hz Full HD panel.

The most substantial upgrade lies in the processor swap—from the Intel Core Ultra 7 285V to the AMD Z2 Extreme. This gaming APU boasts eight Zen 5 CPU cores and sixteen RDNA 3.5 GPU cores, offering more Compute Units than the twelve in the Z1 Extreme and advancing the GPU architecture by half a generation.

MSI also teased an enhanced version of the Claw 8 AI+, featuring a fresh color option and a larger 2TB SSD, still powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 285V. While the Claw A8 is expected to release later this year, MSI remains tight-lipped about pricing and exact launch dates. Given the $999 price tag of the Claw 8 AI+, this new model won’t come cheap.

The race to deliver the first Z2 Extreme-powered device is heating up. Although Lenovo’s Legion Go 2 was announced alongside the chip at CES 2025, there’s no word on when it will hit the market. In contrast, the rumored Asus ROG Ally 2 is speculated to utilize the Z2 Extreme, though it hasn’t been officially confirmed. Furthermore, industry whispers suggest a potential collaboration between Asus and Microsoft for an Xbox-branded variant of the Ally 2, also expected to feature the Z2 Extreme.

Interestingly, Valve has dismissed the Z2 Extreme for the upcoming Steam Deck 2, deeming the generational leap insufficient to warrant a new device. Despite this, competitors entering the market with Z2 Extreme-powered models will offer consumers more advanced options than what’s currently available, providing a welcome upgrade for gamers.