MSI Claw A8 (Ryzen Z2 Extreme) release date window, specs, and price
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The MSI Claw A8 was first revealed at Computex 2025. During the event, MSI showcased the device and highlighted the improvements it brings over the previous model, which left many fans excited. The most exciting part is that this will be the first handheld to feature the new Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, which is expected to deliver solid gaming performance.
At Computex, MSI didn't reveal a release date or share any pricing details. They kept quiet on all that, but a few things have changed recently. MSI has now officially confirmed when users can expect to get their hands on the device, along with its price. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about the upcoming MSI Claw A8, including the expected release date, pricing, and specs.
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MSI Claw A8 release date window
MSI recently shared some updates on Bilibili, a popular platform in China, confirming that the MSI Claw A8 will launch this summer. While the company didn't give an exact date, we’re expecting it to get released this month. On top of that, pre-orders for the device have gone live in China, which is a strong sign that launch day is getting close.
However, we currently don’t know anything about the global release. MSI might launch the Claw A8 worldwide on the same day as the China release, or it could arrive in other regions a few weeks later. In any case, we’ll most likely get to know more about this soon.
MSI Claw A8 specs
| Specification | Claw A8 BZ2EM |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Extreme Processor |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Memory | LPDDR5x-8000 onboard, up to 24GB, dual channel |
| Display | 8″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 16:10, Touchscreen, 120Hz Refresh Rate, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), VRR, IPS-Level panel |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon™ Graphics |
| Storage Slots | 1 x NVMe M.2 2280 SSD by PCIe Gen 4 x4 |
| Sensor | 6-Axis IMU Vibration Motor / Fingerprint Reader |
| Audio | 2 × 2W Speakers / 1× Audio combo jack / DTS Audio Processing / Hi-Res Audio ready |
| USB Ports | 2 x USB4® Type-C / DisplayPort™ / Power Delivery 3.0 (Thunderbolt™ 4 Compatible) |
| Card Reader | 1 x microSD Card Reader |
| Communication | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v5.4 |
| Battery | 6-Cell, Li-Polymer, 80Whr |
| Dimension | 29 9.5 x 126.2 x 24 mm |
| Weight | 765g (est.) |
As you can see in the table above, the MSI Claw A8 is powered by the Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, unlike the original MSI Claw, which features the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V. The Z2 Extreme comes equipped with 8 cores and 16 threads, along with 16 graphics cores. On top of that, it has a max turbo frequency of up to 5 GHz.
According to MSI, this new processor offers up to 15% more CPU power compared to its predecessor, the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, as well as up to 20% better performance in games. The Z2 series also aims to solve battery life issues on handhelds, so users can expect longer gaming sessions on the Claw A8.
Aside from that, the handheld supports up to 24GB of RAM, so users can expect smooth performance in multitasking without any lag. As for visuals, it boasts an 8-inch 1080p display that supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Thanks to this, you can expect smooth visuals, especially in fast-paced games. The brightness also maxes out at 500 nits, making it usable outdoors. The battery remains the same as in the MSI Claw 8 AI+ – 80Wh.
When it comes to storage, the Claw A8 is equipped with a PCIe Gen 4 x4 M.2 2280 SSD. The best part is that users who want more storage can simply remove the back cover and replace the SSD with a new one. For wireless connectivity, the handheld supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
Overall, the handheld is shaping up to be a solid device. It offers significant upgrades over the previous model, and if it delivers the expected performance, it could compete with some of the top models on the market, such as the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. The Claw A8 will also offer better ergonomics, meaning it will be more comfortable to hold and use compared to the original model.
MSI Claw A8 price
According to the listing on JD, a popular retailer in China, the MSI Claw A8 is priced at a subsidized rate of ¥5949.15, which converts to around $830 USD. This discounted price is only available through Cloud QuickPass payments, which apply a 15% subsidy to the total cost.
Without the subsidy, the actual price is ¥6841, or roughly $954 USD. Since there's no official word on when the device will launch in other regions, we still don't know how much it will cost outside of China. However, based on the converted pricing, it will likely sell for around or over $1,000 in the United States.
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