Handheld gaming PCs have been gaining traction since the Steam Deck burst onto the scene in 2022. Over the past two years, the most powerful handhelds have been equipped with the Z1 Extreme chipset. However, the MSI Claw A8, unveiled at Computex 2025, is set to change the game as the first handheld to utilize the newly announced AMD Z2 Extreme at CES 2025.
The MSI Claw A8 shares similarities with the recently launched Claw 8 AI, though with some notable spec adjustments. MSI has reduced the maximum RAM from 32GB to 24GB of LPDDR5X, operating at 8,000MHz. Additionally, the display now features VRR (variable refresh rate), ensuring smoother visuals with less screen tearing despite both being 120Hz FullHD panels.
The most significant upgrade comes in the form of the transition from the Intel Core Ultra 7 285V to the AMD Z2 Extreme. This gaming APU boasts 8 Zen 5 CPU cores and 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics cores, offering more Compute Units than the 12 found in the Z1 Extreme and a half-generation advancement in architecture.
Alongside the Claw A8, MSI has also introduced an updated version of the MSI Claw 8 AI+ featuring a new color scheme and a larger 2TB SSD, yet it retains the Intel Core Ultra 7 285V.
While the MSI Claw A8 is slated for release later this year, specifics regarding its launch window and pricing remain undisclosed. Given the $999 price tag of the MSI Claw 8 AI+, the new AMD-powered model is likely to command a premium price.
The AMD Z2 Extreme Race Is On
The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme was subtly announced at CES in January 2025. Despite the passage of nearly five months, no handhelds featuring this new silicon have hit the market, sparking anticipation about which manufacturer will launch first.
The Lenovo Legion Go 2, also revealed at CES 2025, is technically powered by the Z2 Extreme, but Lenovo has yet to provide any timeline for its market entry. Instead, we've seen the Z2 Go-powered Lenovo Legion Go S, which, ironically, is less powerful yet more expensive than its predecessor.
Leaks suggest that the rumored Asus ROG Ally 2 will also employ the Z2 Extreme. Furthermore, there's speculation about a collaboration between Asus and Microsoft, potentially leading to an Xbox-branded version of the Ally 2, which would likely utilize the Z2 Extreme as well.
However, the Steam Deck 2 will not feature the Z2 Extreme. Valve has stated that the new Z-series chips from AMD do not represent a significant enough leap forward to warrant a new handheld. While this may cast doubts on the Z2 Extreme's performance, the emergence of new Steam Deck alternatives with the Z2 Extreme will at least offer incremental improvements over current models, which is a positive development for gamers.
