MSI’s deadly new claw A8 launches first with Ryzen Z2 Extreme and monstrous 80 Wh battery pack
MSI has thrown down the gauntlet in the gaming handheld arena by unveiling its latest weapon: the Claw A8 BZ2EM. Breaking expectations, MSI surprised many by revealing an 8-inch AMD Ryzen-powered device rather than the anticipated 7-inch model. This bold move at Computex 2025 in Taipei sees MSI sprint ahead of rivals, launching one of the first handhelds powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, weeks before Asus’ ROG Ally 2 hits the shelves.
The Claw A8 BZ2EM arrives about six months after MSI’s initial foray with Intel Lunar Lake-powered handhelds. Those earlier devices grabbed attention, but MSI now shifts gears into the AMD camp, taking aim directly at the competition with raw power and enhanced design. Alongside the Polar Tempest Edition of the original Claw 8 AI+, MSI showcased this new beast, poised to rewrite the rules of portable gaming performance.
Rumours swirled since January about MSI’s AMD plans, with many speculating an updated 7-inch model was imminent. Instead, MSI delivered an 8-inch powerhouse that blends high-end specifications with a sleek, aggressive design. The Claw A8’s styling bears a striking resemblance to Asus’ ROG Ally, but MSI’s machine carries the first Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip seen in the handheld market, powering it with a formidable combination of CPU and GPU prowess.
At the heart of the Claw A8 BZ2EM lies the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, paired with an AMD Radeon 890M GPU. This setup promises serious gaming muscle, rivalled only by the likes of Lenovo’s Legion Go 2 prototype first shown in January. To complement this firepower, MSI has packed the device with up to 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM, blazing at 8000 MHz in dual-channel mode. Gamers can expect buttery smooth performance, even with demanding titles.
The Claw A8 sports an 8-inch 1920 x 1200 display running at 120Hz, complete with variable refresh rate (VRR), 100% sRGB colour accuracy, and brightness reaching 500 nits. This screen promises vivid visuals and fluid gameplay, essential for immersive handheld experiences. Storage is flexible with a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot alongside a microSD card reader, allowing ample room for games and media.
Battery life stands out with a hefty 80 Wh, six-cell Li-Polymer battery. This large capacity suggests longer gaming sessions untethered from a power source — a vital edge for players on the move. Connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring fast, stable wireless connections. Physical ports include two USB4 Type-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and dual 2W speakers, delivering audio clarity.
Additional features show MSI’s attention to detail: a 6-axis IMU vibration motor enhances tactile feedback, and a fingerprint scanner adds security. The device runs Windows 11 Home, offering broad compatibility with PC games and software. At an estimated 765 grams and measuring 299.5 x 126.2 x 24 mm, the Claw A8 balances portability and a robust form factor.
While MSI has yet to reveal pricing or exact availability dates, the Claw A8 BZ2EM’s specs and early unveiling clearly mark it as a contender to watch in 2025’s fiercely competitive handheld market. By beating Asus to market with a Ryzen Z2 Extreme device, MSI signals its ambition to dominate the sector.
As Asus prepares to launch the ROG Ally 2, gamers now face a stark choice: wait for Asus’ entry or seize the MSI Claw A8’s AMD-powered performance first. MSI’s bold launch could redefine expectations for gaming handhelds, pushing power, battery life, and design in new directions.
