MSI made headlines at Computex 2025 with the release of its RTX 50 series powered gaming laptops, RTX 50 series, collaboration series, new concept laptops, and the booth highlight, the new MSI Claw Gaming Handhelds. MSI’s Claw A8 is the latest iteration of their popular handheld console, aiming to set a new standard for portable gaming, promising significant advancements in performance, display, and overall user experience. Here’s what’s new with the MSI Claw A8 and why we think it sets the standard for gaming handhelds this 2025.
AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Processor
At the heart of the Claw A is the all-new AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme with the AMD Radeon 890M graphics. Not only is the MSI Claw A8, MSI’s first AMD-powered handheld, but it’s also the first handheld to sport the Z2 Extreme. Technically, the Lenovo Legion Go is the first handheld that was announced to sport the Z2 Extreme, but the models available in the market are only equipped with the AMD Z2 Go. Whereas, MSI has quite a few working models displayed at Computex 2025 with various game titles available for attendees to experience first-hand.
Better Form Factor and Ergonomics
The MSI Claw A8’s design is a love-child between the outgoing MSI Claw 7 and MSI Claw 8 AI+ gaming handhelds. The size is close to the bulky Claw 8 AI+, but it makes it feel closer to the Claw 7 with its chamfered edges, which surprisingly is a more comfortable gaming handheld to hold and is certainly the best among the three when it comes to overall ergonomics. This redesign makes the MSI Claw A8 give off a more natural feel, which could make you game for hours without suffering fatigue from its weight or ergonomics.
New Colors
MSI is venturing outside the typical black and white gamer look for more aggressive color options to attract casual gamers and a broader audience. MSI showcased three new colors of the Claw A8, all of which are eye-catchers thanks to MSI’s choice of bold pops of colors.
Improved Build Quality
The MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM comes with subtle improvements in its hardware. The A8 is using not only Hall Effect sensors on its analog sticks but also triggers for a more responsive feedback and increased durability over analog potentiometers. The ABXY buttons and DPAD have better tactile feedback, providing a more accurate gameplay experience, especially when button-mashing or executing complex combos.
8-inch FHD+ 120Hz with VRR
The MSI Claw A8 sports a 16:10 1920x1200p 120Hz IPS display, an almost identical display to the previous Claws. I say “almost” because with the Z2 Extreme, the Claw A8 now supports VRR or FreeSync for a much smoother gaming experience. The Claw A8’s display also has 500 nits of brightness, so that users can take out the MSI Claw A8+ outdoors and not have to worry about sunlight washing out the screen.
USB 4.0 – Gateway to External GPUs
The MSI Claw A8 with its Ryzen Z2 Extreme Processor supports USB 4.0, enabling higher bandwidth for external GPUs. By using this open standard, you can use any third-party external graphics dock to turn your MSI Claw A8 from a gaming handheld to a gaming desktop should you require the extra graphics performance. USB 4 also allows for multiple display connectivity to amp up your productivity.
AMD and Intel Options – MSI’s Commitment in the Gaming Handheld Market
The debut of the MSI Claw A8 makes MSI the only major brand to sport both AMD and Intel options for its gaming handhelds. Giving the users the choice between the MSI Claw A8 powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, and the Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+ with the Intel Core Ultra 2 series processors showcases MSI’s dedication in the handhand market. This gives users the option to choose depending on their preference, whether they need raw performance, efficient battery life, or even form factor. Users have the Claw A8, Claw 7 AI+, and Claw 8 AI+ to select as their gaming handheld buddy.
Grant is a Financial Management graduate from UST. His passion for gadgets and tech crossed him over in the industry where he could apply his knowledge as an enthusiast and in-depth analytic skills as a Finance Major. His passion allows him to earn at the same time help Gadget Pilipinas' readers in making smart, value-based decisions and purchases with his reviews and guides.
