For PC gamers, the eternal debate between Intel and AMD is a defining factor when building or buying a gaming rig. But when it comes to handheld gaming PCs, choices have been limited—until now. MSI is shaking things up with its new Claw A8, a handheld gaming device that will be available with processors from both Intel and AMD, giving gamers more freedom to pick their preferred “team.” At this year’s Computex, Adam Patrick Murray spoke with MSI Product Management Director Cliff Chun to dive into what makes the Claw A8 unique and how it stacks up against the competition.
The Claw A8 keeps the same core design language as the previous Claw 8 AI+ model, albeit with a slightly more angular body. It sports the same 8-inch 120Hz display, the same overall control layout, and the same battery size, making it a familiar handheld form factor for MSI fans. Under the hood, however, things have changed significantly. The new model uses the brand-new AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme mobile processor, requiring a redesigned motherboard and an updated cooling system. Despite the updated internals, MSI believes this update puts the Claw A8 closer to other modern handhelds like the Steam Deck in terms of performance and form factor.
Battery life is a key focus for MSI, with the company targeting roughly two hours of gameplay at a steady 60 frames per second. While that might seem modest compared to many gaming laptops—some of which can last longer—it’s important to remember that handhelds have much smaller batteries and are more strictly optimized for gaming performance on the go. In addition, MSI made some thoughtful tweaks to the speaker placement, moving them up to ensure they won’t be muffled by your hands when holding the device.
MSI plans to keep offering the Claw 8 AI+ and the original 7-inch Claw models alongside the new A8. All three models run Windows and are powered by Intel processors for those who prefer that ecosystem. While MSI has not yet revealed pricing or exact launch dates for the Claw A8, the device is expected to arrive later this year. One notable omission is any word on a SteamOS version of the Claw, which other upcoming handhelds like Lenovo’s Legion Go S will offer. Chun didn’t hint at any SteamOS plans for MSI, suggesting the company remains focused on the Windows ecosystem for now.
With the Claw A8, MSI is staking a claim in the handheld gaming space by offering a rare choice between AMD and Intel hardware. For gamers who want flexibility in their portable gaming PC and the option to choose between the blue or red chip camps, MSI’s new handheld is shaping up to be a compelling option this year.
