MSI’s latest release at Computex 2025 shakes up its gaming handheld lineup by ditching Intel for AMD in the new Claw A8. This bold move brings fresh specs and features that promise to excite gamers looking for power and portability. Let’s take a closer look at what sets this device apart.
The MSI Claw A8 steps away from Intel processors for the first time in the series, packing the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme at its heart. That’s a significant shift, considering the company’s previous handhelds leaned heavily on Intel CPUs. But it’s not just about swapping chips—this new handheld is built to impress.
Sporting an 8-inch full HD IPS display with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, the Claw A8 offers a crisp and vibrant visual experience. The screen supports touch and variable refresh rate (VRR), giving gamers a responsive and tear-free gameplay experience. Oh, and did I mention it gets seriously bright? Hitting around 500 nits, this display can outshine some full-sized PC monitors. It’s a big deal for handhelds, where sunlight visibility usually sucks.
MSI crammed up to 24 GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM into the device, but unlike some Intel variants that top out at 32 GB, this one stops a bit short. Now, some might say “why does that even matter?” since most games won’t really use all that memory anyway. Still, gamers who like to multitask or run demanding titles might notice the difference. The storage? Good news there—you can swap out the PCIe 4.0 SSD to suit your needs, giving a bit of future-proofing despite the RAM cap.
Battery life is another interesting topic here. The Claw A8 uses the same hefty 80Whr battery pack as its Intel siblings. But thanks to AMD’s efficiency, it sips power more gently, meaning a bit more playtime between charges. That’s welcome news for anyone who hates being tethered to an outlet during long gaming sessions.
AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme: A Powerhouse for Portable Gaming
The Ryzen Z2 Extreme powering this handheld is no slouch. AMD has a reputation for squeezing big performance into relatively small chips, and this CPU is no exception. It strikes a nice balance between power and battery efficiency, making it ideal for a device like the Claw A8.
Gamers often wonder how AMD compares to Intel in mobile gaming rigs. While Intel’s chips often boast higher peak performance, AMD’s Ryzen processors bring a lot of muscle while drawing less power. That translates to cooler operation and better endurance for a handheld. It’s basically the kind of trade-off that can mean the difference between finishing that last level or your console running out of juice.
Interestingly, MSI has tuned the Claw A8 to take advantage of that power efficiency. So, while the device might not push as much RAM as the Intel versions, it promises a smoother, longer-lasting experience. For handheld gaming, that’s a key factor, since you’re rarely plugged in all day.
Screen and Display Features That Impress
Display quality often gets overlooked in handhelds, but MSI put real effort into this one. The 8-inch IPS panel hits a full 1080p resolution and supports a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz. In simple terms: the game looks fluid and sharp.
The brightness topping out near 500 nits means it can handle daylight gaming better than most handhelds. Plus, the touch support adds another layer of control for certain games and menus. All that combined means the Claw A8 is built to be enjoyed anywhere — in the sun, indoors, or on the go.
If you’re picky about visuals, the VRR support reduces screen tearing, making fast-paced action smoother. Imagine racing or shooting games without that annoying screen flicker. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference.
Memory and Storage: What You Need to Know
While the Claw A8 maxes out at 24 GB of RAM, it does let users swap out storage drives, which is a nice touch. You can pop in a PCIe 4.0 SSD of your choice, offering plenty of space and fast loading times.
Here’s a quick comparison of MSI Claw models and their memory/storage options:
| Model | Max RAM | Storage Upgradeable | Battery Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claw A8 (AMD) | 24 GB LPDDR5X | Yes (PCIe 4.0 SSD) | 80Whr |
| Claw (Intel-based) | 32 GB LPDDR5X | Yes | 80Whr |
Even if the RAM is slightly lower than Intel models, the flexibility in storage means gamers won’t feel stuck. Plus, 24 GB is more than enough for most modern titles on handheld devices.
What This Means for MSI and the Gaming Community
This move to AMD marks a new chapter for MSI’s handhelds. Fans of the brand might be curious if this is a sign of more AMD-powered devices down the road. AMD has been gaining ground in the laptop and desktop space, so it’s only natural to see this trend spilling into handhelds.
The gaming community is buzzing about the Claw A8’s specs and AMD chip. Some are wondering if this shift will push Intel-powered handhelds to innovate more. Others simply want to see how well the new Claw performs in real-world gaming.
It’s a gamble, sure. But MSI’s choice to go with AMD is a clear message that the handheld gaming market is heating up — and players have more options than ever. For anyone tired of the usual Intel lineup, this could be the fresh change they needed.
The Claw A8 might not be perfect, but it definitely packs a punch for gamers craving portable power with a bright, responsive screen. AMD’s efficiency and MSI’s design make for an intriguing combo — one worth keeping an eye on as the handheld wars continue.
