MSI Claw A8 review: AMD Z2 Extreme chip disappointment at Gamescom

MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme: A Closer Look

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MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme Overview

The MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme is a gaming handheld that has generated a lot of buzz due to its use of the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip. While the device boasts impressive specifications on paper, our hands-on experience at Gamescom 2025 revealed some mixed results.

Despite its sleek design and neon green colorway, the performance of the device fell short of expectations, with the AMD processor failing to deliver a significant performance boost over its predecessor. This raises concerns about the future of handheld gaming devices if this level of performance is considered an upgrade.

With varying availability across different regions, the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme is priced at €999 in Germany, making it one of the more expensive options in the handheld gaming market. However, its unique features, such as the 8-inch FHD+ touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, set it apart from competitors.

Key Specs of the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme

Here are some key specifications of the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme:

Despite its impressive specs, the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme’s performance during our hands-on session left something to be desired. While it managed to deliver good graphics and solid frame rates, the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip failed to provide a noticeable performance improvement over its predecessor.

With 24GB of RAM and an 80Wh battery, the device offers some upgrades over previous models, but the overall performance may not justify its higher price point compared to other gaming handhelds on the market.

Final Thoughts

While the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme has the potential to be a game-changer in the handheld gaming industry, our initial hands-on experience highlighted some areas of concern. The device’s sleek design and unique features make it a standout option, but the performance of the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip may leave some users wanting more.

As we await our full review, where we will conduct comprehensive benchmark and real-world tests, it remains to be seen if the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme can truly deliver on its promises and earn its place among the best gaming handhelds on the market.

For more details, you can check out the full article on TechRadar.