Are you team Intel or team AMD when it comes to PC gaming? Well, if you’re in the market for a handheld gaming device, MSI is the only major vendor giving you the option to choose between the two. Enter the Claw A8, the latest offering from MSI that combines the powers of both Intel and AMD. At Computex, MSI’s Product Management Director Cliff Chun sat down with Adam Patrick Murray to discuss this new handheld gaming PC.
The Claw A8 may look a bit different with its angular body, but it’s quite similar to the existing Claw 8 AI+. It sports an 8-inch, 120Hz screen, the same layout, and battery as its predecessor. However, the new version features a new motherboard and cooling system to accommodate the latest AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme mobile chip. This move puts MSI in line with other handhelds like the Steam Deck that have recently hit the market.
Chun emphasized that MSI is prioritizing maximum battery life for gamers, aiming to maintain most games at a smooth 60 frames-per-second. The estimated battery life of the Claw A8 is around two hours, which may not sound impressive compared to laptops with similar hardware. But hey, laptops have bigger batteries and aren’t solely focused on gaming, right? According to MSI, they’ve adjusted the speaker placement to prevent blockage when holding the device.
When the Claw A8 launches later this year, MSI will continue to offer the Claw 8 AI+ and the original 7-inch model, both powered by Intel and running on Windows. As for pricing details, we’ll have to wait for more information. Chun remained tight-lipped about any plans for a handheld device running on SteamOS, such as the upcoming Lenovo Legion Go S. Stay updated on the latest PC gaming handhelds by subscribing to PCWorld on YouTube and tuning in to their podcast, The Full Nerd.
Michael, a seasoned technology journalist with a decade of experience, covers a wide range of tech topics from Apple to ZTE. At PCWorld, he’s known as the resident keyboard enthusiast, always tinkering with new gear for reviews or expanding his desktop setup in his free time. Michael’s portfolio includes publications like Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek. He’s no stranger to covering major events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. Residing in Pennsylvania, Michael is always counting down the days to his next kayaking adventure.
