MSI’s Claw A8 is the latest entrant in the growing market of Windows-based handheld gaming devices. On paper, it looks like just another black box with joysticks—but its vibrant color options and beefy internals make it stand out from the crowd. MSI has offered the Claw A8 in eye-popping pink and electric blue hues, shaking up the stylistic monotony we’ve come to expect from portable gaming rigs.
Beyond the cosmetic upgrade, MSI has packed this handheld with an 8-inch 1080p IPS display that runs at 120Hz with VRR support, a feature more commonly seen on desktop monitors. That means smoother frame rates and tear-free gameplay, even when you crank up demanding titles. Weighing in at around 765 grams and measuring 299.5 x 126.2 x 24 mm, it’s substantial but still comfortable enough for extended play sessions.
Under the Hood: Ryzen Z2 Extreme Surprises
One of the most talked-about changes is MSI’s switch from Intel’s Core Ultra 7 258V to AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme. While the specs look similar—both chips are built on a 4nm process and target high-end portable gaming—the Ryzen Z2 Extreme flexes a bit more muscle in real-world tests. I had the chance to test games at MSI’s Computex booth, and the differences were impossible to ignore.
Take Lies of P, for example. On my ROG Ally with medium-to-high settings, I usually hover around 60 FPS. The Claw A8, on the same settings, locked in a buttery 100 FPS without breaking a sweat. Even more impressive was Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, which peaked at 90 FPS and averaged a solid 60 FPS in urban carnage sequences. Whether it’s thanks to AMD’s FSR 3.1 optimizations or superior thermal handling, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme inside the Claw A8 clearly raises the bar for handheld performance.
Colorful Design, With a Side of Disappointment
MSI deserves kudos for ditching the dreary black-and-gray palette and giving gamers some personality. The new color options are bold and instantly recognizable. Button feedback has improved too—each press is clickier and more tactile compared to the previous generation. The redesigned rear grips are chunkier and square-shaped, offering a firmer hold during marathon gaming sessions.
That said, MSI’s refresh feels more evolutionary than revolutionary. The chassis hasn’t fundamentally changed, and the bezels around the screen remain wider than I’d like. At 765 grams, it’s still on the heavier side for an 8-inch device, which becomes noticeable during extended handheld use. A thinner profile and narrower borders would have made the Claw A8 feel truly modern. As it stands, the design tweaks are welcome but not earth-shattering.
Still Some Rough Edges
Running Windows 11 on an 8-inch touchscreen is a double-edged sword. You get access to virtually every PC game and application, but the OS wasn’t built for your thumb. MSI could win over even more fans by offering SteamOS as an alternative, following Lenovo’s lead with their Legion Go S. A streamlined UI with focused gaming features would greatly improve the handheld experience.
Then there’s the price. MSI hasn’t confirmed the cost of the Ryzen Z2 Extreme edition, but if the Intel model sits at $949, you can bet the AMD version will push past the $1,000 mark, likely landing around €1,100–€1,200 in Europe. That puts it in the same league as more established handhelds and might give budget-minded gamers pause. If you’re expecting a Nintendo-like price tag, prepare for sticker shock.
Final Thoughts
The MSI Claw A8 strikes a compelling balance between raw power and vibrant style. Its Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU delivers high frame rates on demanding AAA titles in a package that looks and feels fresh. If you’re chasing top-tier handheld performance, this device should be on your shortlist.
However, it’s not without compromises. The roughly reused chassis, hefty weight, and Windows 11 interface on a small touchscreen might deter some users. Plus, the expected price bump could put it out of reach for casual gamers. Still, for enthusiasts who want desktop-level performance in their hands, the Claw A8 is a tempting contender that could give Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 some serious competition.
