MSI’s Claw A8 is the first gaming handheld with AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme

The MSI Claw series of Steam Deck-style handheld gaming PCs is the only one from a major manufacturer that goes with Intel chips instead of the much more popular (at least in this segment) AMD APUs. Well, it looks like MSI decided to go with the flow. There’s a new version of the Claw 8, and it’s using an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme.

That’s the same chip that’s allegedly inside that new Asus ROG Ally 2, a more powerful version than the first generation, and not to be confused with the disappointing Ryzen Z2 Go. This new AMD flavor is christened the Claw A8 BZ2EM, which is only slightly less terrible than the top-end Claw 8 AI+ with Intel chips. The new model is notably more angular, with a two-tone paint job that doesn’t stretch onto the main panel and what looks like larger speaker grilles built into the grips.

This new AMD-powered Claw comes with an 8-inch, 1200P LCD screen with 120Hz refresh, “up to 24GB” of DDR5x-8000 RAM, one M.2 slot for storage (no capacity given currently), and double USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports. You also get a MicroSD card reader for expansion, a beefy 80-watt hour battery, and a weight of 765 grams 1.6 pounds), which is still slightly lighter than the Intel version.

Speaking of which, there’s a refreshed model of the Claw 8 AI+ as well. It’s using the same hardware as the existing model, topping out at an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage. This “Polar Tempest Edition” gets a “glittering UV coating,” according to the press release. Strangely, the press release states that both devices will be available in “a range of color options,” but it does not provide specific prices or release dates. The Claw A AI+ has been very difficult to find in the US since launch but is currently listed at $1000 on Best Buy and B&H Photo, with neither actually shipping the hardware.

Other announcements from MSI at Computex showcase new OLED monitors, with the MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50 being the most intriguing. If that alphabet soup doesn’t perk up your ears, try this: 500Hz eSports OLED monitor for $850. It has all the other usual gaming bells and whistles, like QHD (2560×1440) resolution at 27 inches, .03ms response time, variable refresh rate support for consoles, and some fancy stuff like support for resizing and custom aspect ratios. It’s using a Samsung panel, probably the same one as this monitor, for quite a bit less.

MSI

But that price at that refresh rate is really something. As my editor, Brad Chacos, said, you’d expect to pay somewhere in that ballpark for a conventional LCD panel at 500Hz. Upgrading to an OLED, while also offering fantastic speeds for gaming, is really something. Connection options aren’t fully spelled out in the PR material, but it has a USB-C port, hopefully with enough wattage output for a gaming laptop.

The MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 (oh my god MSI, you are just begging for returns here) has that same 500Hz 27-inch panel, but builds in some more advanced features. The headliner is the new AI Care Sensor and its accompanying panel protection features. It only needs a mandatory OLED care refresh cycle once every 24 hours instead of 16, thanks to a local “AI” chip presence detection and automatic dimming.

Surprisingly, all these extra features only raise the price a little, up to $899 USD. The cheaper MAG monitor is scheduled to go on sale starting July 5th, and the more advanced MPG on July 17th. Precise location availability was not shared.

Editor’s note: This article first published on May 19, but was updated to include our hands-on video.