MSI unveiled a new gaming console at Computex 2025 in Taipei. Now, we are sharing our hands-on experience with the MSI Claw A8, though it’s not the one some thought would be coming soon. It is a new 8-inch variant and the first gaming handheld PC to feature the AMD Z2 Extreme platform, AMD’s latest APU for handheld gaming consoles.
MSI Claw A8 Hands-on: First Impression
MSI is also a rare major PC manufacturer that offers users both AMD and Intel configuration options in the same product line. Unlike most handheld gaming consoles at the time, which AMD’s Z1 Extreme powered, the first-generation MSI Claw (REVIEW) featured an Intel processor. The second generation was also Intel Lunar Lake, and MSI has only now released an AMD-based version.
Minor Design Tweaks
At Computex 2025, I saw MSI Claw A8 in two beautiful color options: white and green.
The MSI Claw A8’s design is not much different from the previous generation, meaning we will still have an 8-inch FHD (1200p) screen, 120Hz refresh rate, VRR support, 100% sRGB, and 500 nits peak brightness. However, the designers have redesigned the speaker strip of the Claw A8, giving it more angular cuts and increased power.
Refined Ergonomics and Controls
This joystick part is still Hall Effect, and it uses a Cooler Boost HyperFlow cooling system with 2 cooling fans and 2 copper pipes to optimize the handheld’s performance.
The XAYB key cluster and the outer edge of the area where we hold our hands are beveled straight instead of curved like the previous generation. The joystick is covered with a gaming motif to create an accent.
For customization, the back will have 2 macro buttons, M1 and M2. Above are triggers L1, R1, and L2, R2, along with a 3.5mm jack, power button, and volume up/down button.
Hardware and Performance
MSI has optimized the interface of the MSI Center M control software to make it more user-friendly for handheld gaming PC users—a key new feature of the Claw A8.
The MSI Claw A8 weighs 765 g, almost the same as the previous generation. Its internal battery is 80Wh, a little lighter than the Intel version.
Compared to the Intel Lunar Lake version, the Claw A8 will offer RAM options up to 24GB DDR5x-8000 and one M.2 SSD slot, but the manufacturer has not disclosed the capacity. The Claw A8’s connection ports include 2 USB-C ports with the USB4 standard.
Regarding the AMD Z2 Extreme chip, this APU model has 8 cores, 16 threads, a maximum boost clock of 5.0GHz, a TDP of 15- 35W, and an accompanying iGPU of Radeon 890M 16 CUs.
MSI has not widely announced detailed information about the Claw A8 because it is still a prototype. This includes details about its release date and pricing. Still, the Z2 Extreme promises to improve performance better than the Z1 Extreme and, at the same time, provide better battery life.
In addition to the Claw A8, MSI also introduced the Polar Tempest Edition of the Claw 8 AI+ (approx. $1,199 on Amazon), the Intel Lunar Lake version that MSI introduced earlier. The Polar Tempest Edition is more special than the standard version because the coating is finished with UV technology. This shell will have a light gloss and beautiful light reflection.
MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM Specifications
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme
- GPU: AMD Radeon 890M
- RAM: Up to 24GB LPDDR5x-8000 (Dual Channel)
- Display: 8-inch, 1920 x 1200, 120Hz refresh rate, VRR, 100% sRGB, 500 nits
- Storage: 1x M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4) & 1x microSD card reader
- Battery: 6 cells, Li-Polymer, 80 Wh
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E
- Ports: 2 x USB4 Type-C, 1x 3.5mm jack
- Features: 2x 2W speakers, 6-axis IMU vibration motor, fingerprint scanner
- Operating system: Windows 11 Home
- Dimensions: 299.5 x 126.2 x 24 mm
- Weight: 765 g (estimate)
