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

Since the launch of the Steam Deck in 2022, handheld gaming PCs have been steadily gaining traction. However, the top-tier devices have been using the same Z1 Extreme chipset for the past two years. The landscape is set to change with the announcement of the MSI Claw A8 at Computex 2025, marking it as the first handheld to utilize the new Z2 Extreme chipset unveiled at CES 2025.

The MSI Claw A8, while similar to the recently released Claw 8 AI, features a few key modifications. One notable change is the reduction of the maximum RAM from 32GB to 24GB of LPDDR5X, which is clocked at 8,000MHz. Additionally, the display now supports VRR (variable refresh rate), enhancing the gaming experience by reducing screen tearing on its 120Hz FullHD panel.

The most significant upgrade in the MSI Claw A8 is the shift from the Intel Core Ultra 7 285V to the AMD Z2 Extreme. This gaming APU boasts 8 Zen 5 CPU cores and 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics cores, offering more Compute Units than the 12 found in the Z1 Extreme, alongside an architectural advancement of half a generation.

Alongside the Claw A8, MSI has also introduced an updated version of the MSI Claw 8 AI+, featuring a new colorway and a larger 2TB SSD, yet it retains the Intel Core Ultra 7 285V.

While the MSI Claw A8 is slated for release later this year, specific launch details and pricing remain undisclosed. Given the $999 price tag of the MSI Claw 8 AI+, it's reasonable to expect the new AMD-powered version to come with a premium price.

The AMD Z2 Extreme Race Is On

The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme was subtly announced at CES in January 2025. Despite the passage of nearly five months, no handheld with this new silicon has yet hit the market, leaving the race open for which manufacturer will be first to launch.

Although the Lenovo Legion Go 2, also debuted at CES 2025, is powered by the Z2 Extreme, Lenovo has remained tight-lipped about its release timeline. Instead, they released the less powerful and more expensive Z2 Go-powered Lenovo Legion Go S.

Rumors suggest that the Asus ROG Ally 2 will also adopt the Z2 Extreme, although it has not been officially announced. There's further speculation about a potential collaboration between Asus and Microsoft for an Xbox-branded version of the Ally 2, which would likely feature the Z2 Extreme as well.

One notable exception is the Steam Deck 2, which Valve has confirmed will not use the Z2 Extreme. Valve's decision is based on the belief that the new Z-series chips do not offer a significant enough leap forward to justify a new model. While this might cast a slight shadow over the Z2 Extreme's capabilities, the upcoming alternatives to the Steam Deck are poised to offer improved performance over current market offerings, which is a positive development for gamers.