The handheld gaming PC market continues to heat up as MSI expands its lineup with a new AMD-powered device. Announced at Computex 2025, the MSI Claw A8 represents the company's first Ryzen-based handheld, offering gamers an alternative to the Intel-powered options that have dominated MSI's portable gaming portfolio until now.
A New AMD Direction for MSI
MSI has officially announced the Claw A8 BZ2EM, marking a significant shift from the Intel Core Ultra processors used in previous Claw models. The new handheld features AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, positioning it as a direct competitor to not only other Windows-based handhelds but potentially the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This strategic move allows MSI to diversify its handheld lineup, catering to consumers who may prefer AMD's graphics capabilities over Intel's solutions.
Powerful Specifications
The Claw A8 comes equipped with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, featuring an impressive 8-core (3 Zen 5 and 5 Zen 5c cores) and 16-thread configuration. The processor is paired with AMD's RDNA 3.5-based graphics engine, specifically the Radeon 890M with 16 Compute Units. This represents an upgrade from the 12 GPU cores found in the previous Ryzen Z1 Extreme used in competing handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go.
Memory and Storage Configuration
MSI has outfitted the Claw A8 with 24GB of soldered LPDDR5x-8000 memory, which is less than the 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 found in the Intel-powered Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ models. The default configuration includes a 1TB M.2 2280 SSD, which appears to be user-upgradable, giving gamers flexibility to expand storage as needed.
MSI Claw A8 Key Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU (8 cores, 16 threads - 3x Zen 5 + 5x Zen 5c)
- Graphics: RDNA 3.5-based Radeon 890M with 16 Compute Units
- Memory: 24GB LPDDR5x-8000 (soldered)
- Storage: 1TB M.2 2280 SSD (upgradable)
- Display: 8-inch 1080p IPS, 120Hz refresh rate with VRR, 100% sRGB coverage
- Battery: 6-cell, 80Wh capacity
- Ports: 2x USB4 Type-C, 1x 3.5mm combo jack, microSD slot
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Security: Fingerprint sensor integrated in power button
- Colors: Snow White, Green
Display and Design
The handheld features an 8-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) functionality. The screen covers 100% of the sRGB color space, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors for gaming. Design-wise, MSI has implemented a new ergonomic approach with handles that curve inward, similar to the Asus ROG Ally, potentially offering improved comfort during extended gaming sessions. The Claw A8 will be available in the traditional snow-white color scheme as well as a new green option.
Battery and Connectivity
Powering the device is a substantial 6-cell 80Wh battery, which should provide several hours of gameplay on a single charge. For connectivity, the Claw A8 includes two USB4 Type-C ports, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, a microSD card slot, and a power button with an integrated fingerprint sensor. Wireless connectivity is handled by Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, which is a step down from the Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 capabilities found in Intel's Lunar Lake-powered alternatives.
Performance Expectations
The performance battle between AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme and Intel's Arc graphics will be interesting to watch. Early testing suggests that Intel's Arc 140V might outperform the Radeon 890M in gaming scenarios, and Lunar Lake processors may offer better efficiency for longer gaming sessions. However, without official benchmarks for the Claw A8, it's difficult to make definitive comparisons at this time.
Pricing and Availability
MSI has not yet revealed pricing or availability details for the Claw A8. However, industry observers speculate that it might be positioned as a slightly more affordable alternative to the Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest Edition, which launched at USD$899 for the 1TB configuration (though it currently retails for USD$999 or more). The potential price difference could be attributed to the different processor architecture and slightly lower RAM specifications.
Comparison to Intel-Powered MSI Claw Models:
| Feature | MSI Claw A8 | MSI Claw 8 AI+ |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V |
| Graphics | Radeon 890M (16 CUs) | Intel Arc 140V |
| Memory | 24GB LPDDR5x-8000 | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Manufacturing | Not specified | TSMC N3B (Foveros 3D) |
| Expected Price | Potentially lower | USD$899-999 |
Market Positioning
As the handheld gaming PC market continues to expand, MSI's decision to offer both Intel and AMD options gives consumers more choice based on their preferences and budget. The Claw A8 appears positioned to compete directly with devices like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, while also potentially offering an alternative to the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 for those seeking a more powerful and versatile gaming experience.
More details about the MSI Claw A8, including definitive pricing and release dates, are expected to be revealed during the remainder of Computex 2025.