MSI has announced new models in its Claw series of Windows-based handheld gaming consoles. This time, the company is leaving no stone unturned and launching models with both Intel and AMD chips.
The unimaginatively named Claw A8 AI+ A2VM and its white version, the Claw A8 AI+ Polar Tempest Edition A2VM (henceforth referred to as just A8 AI+ for the sake of everyone’s sanity), are the models with the Intel chip. The A8 AI+ actually uses the same Intel Core Ultra 7 258V that was used on the 2024 Claw 7 AI+ model, with the same 32GB LPDDR5x 8533MHz on-package memory with a 1TB PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD.
The new model gets a larger 8-inch 1920×1200 resolution, 120Hz IPS-level display with VRR support. The display has 100% sRGB coverage and 500 nits of brightness. The device uses hall effect analog sticks and triggers, which tend to last longer without drifting. There’s also dual Thunderbolt 4 ports along with a microSD slot. Finally, the battery is now bumped up to 80Wh and promises 4+ hours of gameplay.
The Polar Tempest Edition includes 2TB of storage and a glittering UV coating for its white paint. Meanwhile, the standard A8 will have an optional Super Pack variant that will bundle additional accessories, such as a travel case, tempered glass screen protector, lanyard, docking station, and a 100W PD charger instead of 65W.
Then there’s the Claw A8 BZ2EM, which should be more interesting to most people. This features the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor with Radeon Graphics. It has 24GB of LPDDR5x 8000MHz dual-channel memory and the same 1TB SSD as on the standard Intel model. The rest of the specs are also identical to the standard Intel model.
Pricing and availability information was yet to be announced at the time of writing.
