The initial review of the MSI Claw A8 has been released – marking the debut of a handheld featuring an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip. This chip will also be integrated into an AI variant within the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X.
The MSI CLAW A8 represents not just another gaming handheld, but also the first model powered by AMD’s latest Ryzen Z2 Extreme (Z2E).
This chip is derived from the AI 9 HX 370, yet has been optimized for handheld use: it has fewer CPU cores and lacks an NPU, while retaining the same iGPU. Initially, this may appear to be a cost-cutting strategy, but in practice, it aims to enhance efficiency and extend battery life.
The Chinese YouTuber ä¼ å¼¹é¢¨ç´«ç–¯ç–¯ has already tested the new handheld and we have analyzed the video.
Why this matters: The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme will also be featured as “Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme” in the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X. This initial evaluation of the MSI Claw A8 provides our first insight into the gaming capabilities and efficiency we can anticipate from the Xbox handheld.
Design and Ergonomics: “Attack Mode” Activated
The CLAW A8 Ryzen Edition is not merely a rebranding; it has undergone a full redesign. Departing from the rounded, ergonomic contours of its predecessor, MSI has chosen a more angular and polygonal aesthetic.
– The back showcases numerous lines, facets, and a reflective dragon shield. The YouTuber describes the design as nearly “aggressive”.
– Is it comfortable to hold? Yes, but there are trade-offs. The grips are thoughtfully designed and provide suitable surfaces for all finger areas, though the video suggests they don’t quite match the ergonomics of a Steam Deck.
– However, the casing is 30 grams lighter than the CLAW 8 AI+. The MSI Claw A8 weighs approximately 760 grams.
Display and Audio: Familiar Quality
The 8-inch LCD display boasts a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, supports 120 hertz, offers 500 nits brightness, and nearly 100 percent sRGB coverage. VRR is included as well. The panel is the same as the CLAW 8 AI+, with a slightly bluish tint, but is solid overall.
The front-facing stereo speakers provide DTS support and Hi-Res certification. In terms of sound quality, the YouTuber describes them as clear and loud without being tinny.
Hardware and Connectivity: Exceptionally Equipped
The specs of the handheld are impressive:
– CPU: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme
– RAM: 24 GB LPDDR5X (8000 MHz)
– SSD: 1 TB PCIe 4.0
– Battery: 80 Wh
– Ports and connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, USB4, 3.5 mm jack, microSD
– eGPU support: fundamentally feasible, but driver issues remain unresolved
Cooling and Noise Levels: Dual fans, heat pipes, and smart fan management ensure that the device remains relatively quiet even under a 35 watts TDP.
Benchmarks: Performance Improvements Are Limited
Initially, the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme was compared at 35 watts TDP against the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, AMD AI 9 HX 370, and Intel Core Ultra 7 258V using 3DMark TimeSpy and five different games.
A comparison among these processors is logical since they are all chips used in handheld consoles:
– AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme (Z2E): MSi Claw A8, Lenovo Legion Go 2, Asus ROG Xbox Ally X (AI Z2 Extreme)
– AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Z1E): Lenovo Legion Go, Asus ROG Ally X
– AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370: Ayaneo 3, Onexplayer G1, GPD Win4 2025
– Intel Core Ultra 7 258V: MSI Claw 8 AI+, Onexplayer X1 Air
Synthetic Benchmark (3DMark TimeSpy at 35W TDP)
In the synthetic benchmarking using 3DMark TimeSpy at 35 watts TDP, the Z2 Extreme achieves approximately 3600 points for the GPU and around 8800 points for the CPU.
This performance is comparable to the HX 370 in terms of the graphics score, though its processor is somewhat stronger. The Z1 Extreme trails significantly in both areas. Notably, the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V provides better GPU performance, but lags in CPU capability – where the Z2E excels.
Gaming Performance
The YouTuber subsequently assessed performance in the following titles: Black Myth Wukong, Ghost of Tsushima, Expedition 33, Meta, and Dead Cells. Here is a summary of