I just tested the MSI Claw A8 with AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme — it's so good it made me forget about the Nintendo Switch 2

Tom's Guide

20-05-2025

'When are you going to make an AMD version of the MSI Claw?' You have no idea how many times I've asked this question to MSI — how relentless I've been in wanting them to branch out from Intel and take a taste of Team Red.
In fact, it got to the point that when I finally got my hands on the MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM at Computex 2025, a certain company asked a simple question: 'happy?' And oh boy am I, but not just because of the decision made to jump to Ryzen Z2 Extreme.
Because that could've just been it and I would be satisfied, but MSI went all-out here with a fresh new aesthetic popping all kinds of color finishes, overhauled ergonomics that make this feel incredible in the hand, and buttons that feel clicker and more satisfyingly tactile.
Pair that with that same giant 80Wh battery, up to a massive 24GB of RAM and a gorgeous 1080p 120Hz display, and you're looking at what could very well be one of the best gaming handhelds you can buy — yes, possibly even better than Nintendo Switch 2 (in my opinion).
But I do have two questions that are being left worryingly unanswered. First, with the move to AMD, that means we can get SteamOS, right? …right!? And second, while there isn't any pricing information, the fact the Intel version can be found for $949 makes me rather concerned that the BZ2EM could very well break into a four-figure price tag.
Let me take you through what I do know, though. And what I do know is that this thing is a beast.
Processor
AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme
GPU
AMD Radeon 890M
RAM
Up to 24GB
Display
8", 1080p, 120Hz, VRR
Storage
1x M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4) and 1x microSD card reader
Battery
80Wh
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Wireless connectivity
299.5 x 126.2 x 24mm (11.79 x 4.97 x 0.94)
Weight
765g
Welcome to the Team Red Claw. But MSI has done a lot more than just change the internals. Let's talk about it.
We've all been expecting the Asus ROG Ally 2 to welcome us into the world of AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme. But MSI has stolen the company's thunder and burst through the door with its new Claw.
This is great for offering choice for gamers between using the built-in graphics of Intel or AMD, but given what I experienced, I'd anticipate most players to opt for the Z2.
Why? Well because it's phenomenal in gaming. Normally when playing Lies of P, I'm making strategic choices to balance between fidelity and frame rate — opting for a mix of medium and high settings (with resolution scaling turned on) to achieve 60 FPS on my Asus ROG Ally.
Meanwhile, flick on those exact same settings here, and I had to do a double take at the 8-inch display running at a fully locked 100 FPS. I wasn't able to see the wattage going to the chip on the stand, but if it's anywhere close to like-for-like, the performance improvement is going to be significant.
First of all, shout-out to the fact that this is not just another gray, black or white gaming handheld. The bold pop of color across the front of the shell here is an eye-catcher that gives this serious gaming machine a far more fun aesthetic than I expected — big fan!
Second, MSI has made some tweaks to the ergonomics here that makes it feel immediately better than past versions, and even better than my Steam Deck.
The grips are now squared off which makes it far easier to grab a hold of, the joysticks have a nice accurate smoothness to them, the buttons feel more pronounced on the face of it and have a nicer, more tactile click to them.
Everything comes together in a gaming package I'd love to spend hours and hours with!
So we're off to an amazing start, but I do have two little issues.
MSI is celebrating the variety of choice gamers get here between Intel and AMD, which is all fine and good. But that doesn't address the whole Windows 11 kind of sucking on a gaming handheld screen.
Lenovo's played a fast one by offering either Windows or SteamOS, and MSI should absolutely do the same now they have a chip that supports it!
Much like a lot of the tech I'm seeing at Computex this year, there's a big unknown about prices. That much is the same for the new Claw, and I'm a little nervous.
Why? Well the Intel alternative to this is already on sale… for $949. So what the hell is the maxed out Ryzen Z2 model going to cost!?
But worries aside, one thing is clear: the MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM is a serious contender to the crown.
MSI has gone on such a journey of transformation — from having a rather weak start with the first generation packing that old Intel Core Ultra chip, to leading the pack with Z2 Extreme.
If you're serious about ultraportable gaming on-the-go, this should be on your watchlist. Once we've tested it properly, expect a scored review.