At Computex 2025, MSI unveiled its newest handheld gaming device, the MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM, marking a significant shift by integrating AMD technology for the first time in this product line. Unlike its predecessors, which relied on Intel chips, the MSI Claw A8 is powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor and supports up to 24GB of DDR5 memory. This positions it as a competitive option in the increasingly crowded handheld gaming market.
Although the Claw A8 features slightly less memory than the previous Intel-based Claw 8 AI Plus, which offered up to 32GB, it maintains many premium specifications. These include an 8-inch full HD display, a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay, and a 1TB M.2 SSD for fast storage. The new model also introduces a fresh visual appeal with two available color options: classic white and a bold lime green.
Improving on a Rocky Start with New Innovations
MSI’s original Claw handheld, launched in March 2024, faced some early criticism due to performance limitations and design concerns. However, the company gained back user confidence with the release of the Claw 8 AI Plus later that year, which featured improved specs and user experience. The move to adopt AMD’s high-performance chip in the Claw A8 represents another attempt by MSI to diversify its offerings and meet the growing demands of mobile PC gamers.
The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip used in the MSI Claw A8 is designed specifically for handheld devices, offering robust performance in a compact form. Comparatively, Lenovo’s Legion Go S, another handheld device that also features an AMD chip, opted for the Z2 Go version, considered less powerful than MSI’s choice. According to industry reviews, including insights from tech journalist Sean Hollister, the Z2 Go “can’t compete” with the higher-tier Z1 Extreme, giving MSI Claw A8 an edge in this segment.
New “Polar Tempest” Intel Variant Also Introduced
Alongside the AMD-powered MSI Claw A8, MSI also introduced a special edition of its Intel-based model: the Claw 8 AI Plus “Polar Tempest.” This variant boasts up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor and a 2TB NVMe SSD. It also features a distinctive white coating with what MSI describes as a “glittering” effect, adding a stylish flair to the high-performance machine.
While MSI did not announce pricing or release dates for either the MSI Claw A8 or the Polar Tempest edition, they are expected to be priced similarly to the existing Intel-powered Claw 8 AI Plus, which retails at $999.99 through retailers such as Best Buy. With these new launches, MSI is signaling its intent to remain a key player in the handheld gaming PC market, catering to both AMD and Intel loyalists while pushing forward with innovation and design enhancements.
Explore more news in our CIO Women Magazine.
