MSI's new Claw gaming handheld is its first with an AMD CPU

1 month ago 3

MSI is busy launching numerous products at Computex 2025, and one of the highlights is the all-new Claw A8. This has a rather unique name compared to its existing Claw gaming handheld line-up, and that's because this thing doesn't have an Intel processor inside. Opening up the handheld, which is not recommended, would reveal an AMD Z2 Extreme. As well as this stunning new portable console, we've got a few motherboards, laptops, and more to get through.

Meet the AMD-powered MSI Claw A8

MSI's first gaming handheld with AMD

Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU, the new MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM is an absolute unit. The handheld has an 8-inch 120Hz FHD (1920x1080) IPS display with touch and variable refresh rate (VRR) support. It's also fairly bright, managing to hit a maximum of around 500 nits, putting even some PC displays to shame. Up to 24 GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM can be configured with the device, though you'll want to ensure you have ample available for all your games, as it cannot be upgraded. The storage can be replaced, however, so you can throw any PCIe 4.0 SSD into the Claw A8.

Interestingly, the maximum memory supported by this Claw model is lower than Intel-powered devices within MSI's product stack. They can go up to 32 GB, though the extra 8 GB will largely go to waste with most games. It's good to see the same battery pack make its way onto MSI's first AMD-powered Claw with a massive 80Whr power plant available for providing ample juice. The AMD Chip does manage to pull less power than Intel's equivalent, so you can expect to see ever-so-slightly better up-time between charges.

CPU

Display

RAM

Storage

Controller

Network

I/O

Speakers

Battery

Security

OS

Dimensions

Weight

AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme

8-inch 192x1080 (16:10) IPS w/ touch

120Hz, 500 nits, VRR

Up to 24 GB LPDDR5X-8000

Up to 1 TB PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280 SSD

Hall-Effect triggers & thumbsticks

2 front and rear programmable buttons

Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

1x MicroSD 4.0

2x USB-C 4.0

3.5 mm audio jack

2x 2W, DTS sound effect, Hi-Res

80 Whr

60W USB-PD

Fingerprint sensor

Windows 11

399.5 x 126.2 x 24 mm

763.5 g

Everything else is in line with MSI's other Claw gaming handhelds, and we're stoked to see how this thing runs. The only downside? It runs Windows 11, so we can all expect the same wonkiness with running the desktop OS on such a small display. Regardless of what kind of magic MSI attempts to use with the Claw A8, it won't last too long on a single charge, but you should be good to go for around four to five hours of gaming. As well as the AMD Claw A8, MSI also unveiled the Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest Edition with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chip.

msi claw 8 ai+ on table

Related

MSI announced everything at Computex

Laptops and a Mercedes collab

It was quite the line-up for MSI at Computex. The Prestige 13 AI+ Ukiyo-e Edition nods to 400-year-old Japanese lacquer craftsmanship, meanwhile, the Stealth A16 AI+ Mercedes-AMG Motorsport and Prestige 16 AI+ Mercedes-AMG Motorsport editions are a collab with the automotive giant. Although sentiment has clearly wavered on AI, MSI continues to push AI PCs with Microsoft's Windows 11 OS. I must say, however, the Ukiyo-e Edition is stunning with the waves and golden MSI branding.

The MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Ukiyo-e Edition can be configured with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V processor, 32 GB of LPDDR5x-8533 RAM, has a 13.3-inch 2.8K display, and a single NVMe M.2 SSD slot for packing the laptop full of data. It's quite the powerhouse for getting work done and playing a few games on the side with the Intel Arc 140V integrated GPU. The Stealth A16 AI+ Mercedes-AMG Motorsport and Prestige 16 AI+ Mercedes-AMG Motorsport are also kitted out with the latest tech.

Don't let these SKUs fool you into thinking they're a simple brand deal. Inside the Prestige is up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V CPU, up to 32 GB of LPDDR5x-8533 RAM, a gorgeous 4K display, and two M.2 SSD slots for maximum storage. The Stealth A16 AI+ Mercedes-AMG Motorsport is an AMD affair with a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU. Rocking a QHD 16-inch display, you shouldn't have any trouble racing around an AMG vehicle in Forza.

MEG Vision X AI at Computex, showing the screen on the front and the insignia

Other new hardware from MSI includes new systems (mainly NUCs), monitors, such as the incredible 27-inch MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 and its 500 Hz refresh rate, and the mighty MAG 272QPW QD-OLED X28. MSI teamed up with IRONMOUSE to launch a themed PC case, monitor, motherboard, and other internal parts for fans to create quite the visual spectacle. Even MSI's MEG Vision X AI returned for more exposure. We'll have more from MSI as Computex progresses and the company showcases new products with some hands-on time, so keep it tuned to XDA's feeds!

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