MSI's new Nintendo Switch 2 rival is here—3 reasons I'm excited about the AMD-powered Claw A8

MSI's new portable gaming PC, powered by AMD's Ryzen Z2, rivals Nintendo.

: MSI announced their new Claw A8 during Computex 2025, featuring the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, a strong successor to the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, with 8 CPU cores and 16 GPU cores. The Claw A8 is said to be more affordable compared to the Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest Edition and will offer up to 24GB RAM, retaining the 8-inch FHD+ display. It lacks Intel's updated technology like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, using Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.3 instead. Offering two color options, snow-white, and new green, specific release details are anticipated during Computex 2025.

MSI has officially launched its Claw A8 handheld gaming device, revealed at Computex 2025. Unlike its predecessor, the Claw A8 is powered by AMD's new Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, which boasts 8 CPU cores and 16 GPU cores. This marks a major shift from Intel processors and positions the device as a serious competitor to the Asus ROG Ally 2 and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

One of the biggest highlights is its display: an 8-inch Full HD+ touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support. It also supports up to 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM and offers fast storage via a 1TB M.2 SSD. These specs ensure smoother gameplay and faster load times, giving it an edge in the portable gaming space.

Ergonomic improvements make this version more comfortable to use. The Claw A8 features curved handles for better grip during long sessions and introduces a bold new green colorway. These enhancements show MSI's attention to both aesthetics and user comfort, addressing some of the criticisms of earlier models.

Connectivity and software are also strong suits. The device includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, and it runs Windows 11 Home, granting access to a broad library of PC games. MSI is clearly targeting not just casual players but serious handheld PC gamers who want flexibility without sacrificing performance.

Although the exact price and release date are still unknown, MSI is positioning the Claw A8 as a more affordable alternative to its premium Intel-based variant, the Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest. With AMD’s efficient chip and gamer-friendly features, the Claw A8 could reshape the handheld gaming market in 2025.

Sources: TechRadar, Tom's Guide, GamesRadar, The Verge, Notebookcheck

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