The Rise of Handheld Gaming PCs

Handheld gaming PCs have been taking the gaming world by storm ever since the Steam Deck made its debut in 2022, but advancements have been slow, with the Z1 Extreme chipset dominating the landscape. Now, all eyes are on the MSI Claw A8, an innovative device that promises to break new ground as the first handheld to feature the groundbreaking Z2 Extreme chipset unveiled at CES 2025.

What’s New with the MSI Claw A8?

Unveiled at Computex 2025, the MSI Claw A8 offers several exciting enhancements over its predecessor, the Claw 8 AI. While the RAM has been reduced from 32GB to 24GB of lightning-fast LPDDR5X running at 8,000MHz, the upgrade in display technology is likely to catch gamers' attention. The Claw A8 boasts a 120Hz Full HD panel equipped with variable refresh rate (VRR) capabilities, ensuring a smoother gaming experience with minimal screen tearing.

Power Packed: The Shift to AMD Z2 Extreme

Perhaps the most striking change is the transition from the Intel Core Ultra 7 285V to the mighty AMD Z2 Extreme. This powerhouse gaming APU features 8 Zen 5 CPU cores and 16 RDNA 3.5 graphics cores, significantly enhancing performance with more compute units compared to the Z1 Extreme. This half-generation architectural boost promises a gaming experience like no other!

What Else is on the Horizon?

MSI hasn't stopped there! They've also announced an updated Claw 8 AI+, showcasing a fresh color scheme along with a larger 2TB SSD, while still running on the Intel Core Ultra 7 285V. Expect premium features, though the price tag may reflect that luxury.

When Can You Get Your Hands on the Claw A8?

While the MSI Claw A8 is expected to launch later this year, MSI has yet to disclose an exact release date or pricing. Considering the MSI Claw 8 AI+ retails for $999, it’s fair to assume that the Claw A8 won't be a budget-friendly option.

The AMD Z2 Extreme Race Is Heating Up!

The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme made a subtle entrance at CES 2025, but nearly five months later, it’s still unclear which manufacturer will first deliver a handheld featuring this advanced chip. Though Lenovo's Legion Go 2 also debuted with the Z2 Extreme, no timeframe for its market release has been provided, leaving fans eager.

Looking Ahead: Competitors and Speculations

Rumors about the Asus ROG Ally 2, potentially housing the Z2 Extreme, are swirling, although no official announcements have been made. Furthermore, there’s buzz that Asus and Microsoft may collaborate on an Xbox-branded version of the Ally 2, likely powered by the same chipset. Exciting times are ahead in the handheld market!

Valve's Steam Deck 2: Not on the Z2 Extreme Train

Interestingly, Valve has confirmed that the upcoming Steam Deck 2 will not utilize the Z2 Extreme chip, citing that current advancements aren't significant enough for a new handheld. However, this means that while the Steam Deck may not be evolving just yet, the alternatives hitting the shelves promise to enhance the handheld gaming scene overall.