The MSI Claw A8 is MSI’s latest entry into the handheld gaming PC market, boasting the all-new AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU. Known for delivering powerful portable gaming, this device takes the fight to competitors like the ASUS ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go. ETA Prime’s in-depth review reveals the real-world performance, battery life, and ergonomic design of this next-generation handheld.
In this MSI Claw A8 review, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from hardware specs to gaming benchmarks—while also answering the question: Should you upgrade from the Z1 Extreme to the Z2 Extreme?
Amazon Fire HD 10 (13th Gen, 2023)
10.1″ Full‑HD display, octa‑core CPU, 3 GB RAM
- Details: Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (13th generation, 2023 release) with 10.1″ 1080p screen, octa‑core processor, 3 GB RAM, 32 or 64 GB storage (expandable to 1 TB via micro‑SD), dual 5 MP cameras, up to 13 hours battery life, lightweight aluminosilicate glass design, supports Alexa and Amazon Kids+ content
- Use Cases: Everyday entertainment: streaming, reading, web browsing, light gaming, video calls
- Benefits: inexpensive, long battery life, strong sustainable design (12% recycled materials), lightweight, easy setup
- Cons: Amazon‑only app store (no Google Play), performance limited for power users
- Price Range: $70–$120
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (≈27,500 reviews)
MSI Claw A8 Key Features and Specs
MSI has packed cutting-edge hardware into the Claw A8, positioning it as the first handheld gaming PC with AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU.
MSI Claw A8 Specifications:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme (Zen 5)
- 8 cores / 16 threads (3 Zen 5 cores @ 5 GHz + 5 Zen 5C cores @ 3.3 GHz)
- GPU: 16 RDNA 3.5 compute units (890M iGPU)
- RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X (8000 MHz)
- Storage: 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD (upgradeable up to 2TB+)
- Display: 8-inch 120Hz IPS LCD, 1200p resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio
- Battery: 80Wh (2–9 hours depending on TDP settings)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, dual USB 4 ports, microSD card slot, 3.5mm audio jack
- Weight: 765g
Key Upgrade: The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme’s RDNA 3.5 GPU and Zen 5 architecture promise improved energy efficiency and better graphics performance compared to the previous Z1 Extreme.
Design and Ergonomics
When it comes to design, the MSI Claw A8 stands out with its Mecha-inspired look and color options (white and green). The ergonomic palm grips make it comfortable to hold during extended gaming sessions.
Notable Design Features:
- Hall-based analog sticks and triggers for precise input.
- Front-facing stereo speakers with DTS Hi-Res audio that deliver surprisingly deep bass.
- Two macro keys for customizable shortcuts.
- Fingerprint-enabled power button for added security.
Drawback: The D-pad is slightly stiff and has sharp edges, requiring more pressure than expected. This is a minor gripe but worth noting for fighting game enthusiasts.
Display Quality
The MSI Claw A8 features the same 120Hz 1200p IPS display found in the Legion Go and MSI Claw AI8. While it’s not OLED, it delivers excellent color reproduction and smooth motion, thanks to FreeSync support.
Pros:
- High refresh rate (120Hz).
- Crisp resolution with a 16:10 aspect ratio for more screen real estate.
- Great brightness for both indoor and outdoor gaming.
MSI Center M Software
The Claw A8 uses MSI Center M, a comprehensive software suite for performance tuning and customization.
What You Can Do with Center M:
- Adjust TDP settings (from 6W for indie games up to 35W+ for AAA titles).
- Configure RGB lighting with Mystic Light.
- Enable AI Engine, which dynamically manages power and performance.
- Map controls, adjust dead zones, and fine-tune trigger sensitivity.
- Use built-in real-time performance monitoring and quick-access overlays.
One limitation noted by ETA Prime is that some TDP adjustments don’t scale perfectly (e.g., 17W TDP may spike temporarily above that before stabilizing).
MSI Claw A8 Gaming Performance
Gaming performance is where the Ryzen Z2 Extreme shines. Here are the benchmarks based on ETA Prime’s testing:
Game Benchmarks (at 17W TDP):
- Fortnite: 1200p, medium settings, smooth gameplay with XeSS scaling.
- Cyberpunk 2077: 800p, Steam Deck preset, ~54 FPS average (better with FSR Frame Gen).
- GTA V Enhanced Edition: 1200p, normal settings, fully playable.
- God of War Ragnarok: 1600×1000, low settings, ~72 FPS with FSR Frame Gen.
- Fallout 4: 1200p, medium settings, ~60 FPS stable.
- Mortal Kombat 1: 1600×1000, low, requires 22W TDP to maintain 60 FPS.
Indie games at 6W TDP (e.g., Dave the Diver) can run for over 9 hours on battery.
Battery Life and Thermals
One of the highlights of the MSI Claw A8 is its 80Wh battery, which offers longer runtime than many competing handhelds.
Battery Performance:
- Indie Games (6W TDP): ~9.5 hours.
- AAA Games (17W TDP): ~3 hours 15 minutes.
- AAA Games (25W TDP): ~2 hours 15 minutes.
Thermals:
- At 6–12W, average temps hover around 55°C.
- At 17–25W, temps rise to 68°C.
- At 35W+, temps can hit 83°C, but no thermal throttling was observed under typical use.
Should You Upgrade from the Z1 Extreme?
The MSI Claw A8 offers only a 15–20% performance increase over the Z1 Extreme. While this is an improvement, it may not justify upgrading for existing Z1 Extreme owners—especially since future firmware updates may optimize performance further.
However, if you’re buying your first handheld gaming PC, the Z2 Extreme-powered MSI Claw A8 is the better choice over its predecessor thanks to RDNA 3.5 GPU support, larger battery, and improved efficiency.
Pros and Cons of the MSI Claw A8
Pros:
- AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme with RDNA 3.5 GPU.
- Excellent battery life (up to 9 hours for indie games).
- 120Hz display with FreeSync support.
- Ergonomic design with hall-based controls.
- Strong stereo speakers with DTS audio.
Cons:
- D-pad feels slightly stiff and sharp.
- Gains over Z1 Extreme are modest.
- Heavier than some competitors (765g).
MSI Claw A8 vs. ROG Ally X
The ASUS ROG Ally X remains a strong competitor with its VRR display and lighter build. If you already own the ROG Ally X, the performance gain from switching to the Claw A8 may not be significant enough to justify an upgrade. However, the Claw A8’s larger 80Wh battery gives it a clear edge in battery longevity.
Final Verdict: Is the MSI Claw A8 Worth It?
The MSI Claw A8 is a powerful handheld gaming PC with great battery life, a beautiful 120Hz display, and solid gaming performance. While it may not be a game-changing upgrade over the Z1 Extreme, it’s a fantastic option for first-time buyers looking for a future-proof handheld.
FAQ – MSI Claw A8
1. Is the MSI Claw A8 better than the Steam Deck?
Yes, in raw performance, the Claw A8 outperforms the Steam Deck thanks to its Zen 5 CPU and RDNA 3.5 GPU, supporting higher FPS at 1200p. However, the Steam Deck (especially OLED models) has superior display quality.
2. Can you install Windows and Linux on the MSI Claw A8?
Yes, the device ships with Windows 11, and ETA Prime tested Linux, which works well except for limited GPU driver support for SteamOS.
3. How does the MSI Claw A8 compare to the ROG Ally X?
The Claw A8 has better battery life (80Wh), while the ROG Ally X offers VRR and a slightly lighter chassis. Performance is similar.
4. Is the MSI Claw A8 worth upgrading from Z1 Extreme?
Not yet. The 15–20% FPS increase doesn’t justify upgrading unless you need the longer battery life.
5. When will the MSI Claw A8 launch in the US?
As of now, MSI has not officially announced a US release date, but pre-orders are live in some regions. Check MSI’s official website for updates.