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

The world of handheld gaming PCs has been buzzing since the Steam Deck made its mark in 2022. While the top-tier handhelds have been using the Z1 Extreme chipset for the past couple of years, the MSI Claw A8, unveiled at Computex 2025, is set to break the mold by being the first to incorporate the newly announced AMD Z2 Extreme from CES 2025.

The MSI Claw A8 shares many similarities with the recently launched Claw 8 AI, but there are notable updates. MSI has dialed down the RAM from 32GB to 24GB of LPDDR5X, running at a brisk 8,000MHz. Additionally, the display now boasts support for VRR (variable refresh rate), which means that while both the Claw A8 and Claw 8 AI feature 120Hz FullHD panels, the A8 will offer smoother gameplay with reduced screen tearing.

The most significant upgrade comes in the form of the processor, shifting from the Intel Core Ultra 7 285V to the AMD Z2 Extreme. This gaming APU packs 8 Zen 5 CPU cores and 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics cores. With more Compute Units than the Z1 Extreme's 12, and an advanced architecture, the Z2 Extreme promises a considerable performance boost.

Alongside the Claw A8, MSI also revealed an updated MSI Claw 8 AI+ with a fresh color scheme and a larger 2TB SSD, yet it remains powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 285V.

While the MSI Claw A8 is slated for release later this year, specific launch dates and pricing details remain under wraps. Given the $999 price tag of the MSI Claw 8 AI+, the new AMD-powered Claw A8 might not come cheap.

The AMD Z2 Extreme Race Is On

Introduced quietly at CES 2025, the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme has yet to make its way into any handheld gaming PCs on store shelves, five months post-announcement. The race is on to see which manufacturer will be the first to market with this new silicon.

The Lenovo Legion Go 2, also showcased at CES 2025, is supposed to be powered by the Z2 Extreme, but Lenovo has been tight-lipped about its release timeline. Instead, we've seen the launch of the Z2 Go-powered Lenovo Legion Go S, which, ironically, offers less performance at a higher price point compared to the original Legion Go.

Rumors swirl around the Asus ROG Ally 2 potentially using the Z2 Extreme, though no official announcement has been made. There's also buzz about a collaboration between Asus and Microsoft to create an Xbox-branded version of the Ally 2, likely to feature the Z2 Extreme as well.

However, the Steam Deck 2 will not be joining the Z2 Extreme club. Valve has stated that the Z-series chips' generational leap isn't significant enough to warrant a new model. This stance may cast some doubt on the Z2 Extreme's prowess, but the new handhelds powered by this chip will still offer improved performance over the current market offerings, which is a positive step forward.