MSI's new Claw A8 handheld features AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme and 24GB RAM

HARDWARE NEWS manhkbrady - May 21, 2025, 8:30 AM

MSI has introduced its newest version of the Claw PC gaming handheld, this time featuring AMD hardware. At Computex 2025, the company showcased the Claw A8 BZ2EM, which is equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor and has the option of up to 24GB of DDR5 RAM.

While this is slightly less than the 32GB offered by the Intel-powered Claw 8 AI Plus that came out late last year, it continues to feature an 8-inch full HD screen, a 120Hz refresh rate, and comes with a 1TB M.2 SSD. The AMD-driven Claw A8 will also be available in two color options: white and lime green.

MSI initially struggled with the launch of its first Claw handheld in March 2024 but seemed to bounce back with the introduction of the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus. Additionally, Lenovo has also utilized one of AMD's new handheld-oriented processors for its Legion Go S, although it incorporates the less powerful Z2 Go variant, making it hard to rival the predecessor's Z1 Extreme.

MSI Claw A8 handheld gaming devices in various colors. Displays the device's design and a dragon logo on the screen.

Connectivity features include two USB4 ports providing 40 Gbps of bandwidth, Wi-Fi 6E for wireless internet access, and Bluetooth 5.3 for connecting peripherals. The device is 30g lighter than the MSI Claw 8 AI+, which now has a new version called the Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest Edition, boasting a white finish, an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chipset, and a 2TB NVMe SSD. This model also features what MSI describes as a “glittering” white coating. There has been no announcement from MSI regarding the release date or pricing for either model, but it is likely to be comparable to the standard Intel-powered MSI Claw 8 Plus.

The MSI Claw 8+ AI is redefining standards with its larger display and AI-boosted performance — however, for those in search of a handheld that is already established, robust, and ready for gaming immediately, the MSI Claw A1M excels where it matters. It maintains the same sleek design, impressive performance, and offers a more budget-friendly option. As always, for the latest news on hardware launches and industry developments, be sure to follow our dedicated hardware coverage.