Handheld gaming PCs have seen a significant rise in popularity since the launch of the Steam Deck in 2022. However, until recently, the most advanced handhelds have utilized the same Z1 Extreme chipset. The MSI Claw A8, unveiled at Computex 2025, marks a notable shift as it is the first handheld to incorporate the AMD Z2 Extreme, announced at CES 2025.
Compared to its predecessor, the MSI Claw 8 AI, the MSI Claw A8 introduces several key changes. The maximum RAM has been reduced from 32GB to 24GB of LPDDR5X, operating at 8,000MHz. Additionally, the display now supports VRR (variable refresh rate), enhancing the gaming experience by reducing screen tearing on its 120Hz FullHD panel.
The most significant upgrade is the transition from the Intel Core Ultra 7 285V to the AMD Z2 Extreme. This new APU features 8 Zen 5 CPU cores and 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics cores, offering more Compute Units and a slight architectural advancement over the Z1 Extreme's 12 graphics cores.
Alongside the Claw A8, MSI also revealed an updated MSI Claw 8 AI+ model, which sports a new color and a larger 2TB SSD. However, this version continues to use the Intel Core Ultra 7 285V.
While the MSI Claw A8 is slated for release later this year, specific details regarding the launch window and pricing remain undisclosed. Considering the MSI Claw 8 AI+ retails at $999, the new AMD-powered Claw A8 is expected to command a premium price.
The AMD Z2 Extreme Race Is On
The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme was quietly introduced at CES in January 2025. Despite the passage of nearly five months, no handheld featuring this new chip has yet hit the market. The race is on to see which manufacturer will be the first to release a device with the Z2 Extreme.
The Lenovo Legion Go 2, announced at CES 2025, is technically equipped with the Z2 Extreme, but Lenovo has not provided any hints about its market availability. Instead, they launched the less powerful and pricier Lenovo Legion Go S with the Z2 Go.
Rumors suggest that the Asus ROG Ally 2 will also adopt the Z2 Extreme, although it has not been officially announced. There is also speculation about a potential collaboration between Asus and Microsoft for an Xbox-branded version of the Ally 2, which would likely utilize the Z2 Extreme as well.
One notable exception is the Steam Deck 2, which Valve has confirmed will not use the Z2 Extreme. Valve believes that the Z-series chips do not represent a significant enough advancement to warrant a new handheld. While this might raise questions about the Z2 Extreme's capabilities, new alternatives to the Steam Deck will still offer improvements over current market offerings, which is a positive development for gamers.
