MSI Claw A8: Availability of first AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme gaming handheld expanded following initial release
The latest MSI Claw is still without an official global release date. Nonetheless, VideoCardz has observed the device appearing in another country to mark its international debut.
For context, the Claw A8 arrived earlier this month in China for CNY 6,999. Shortly afterwards, MSI's first AMD-based gaming handheld began shipping, which gave early adopters a chance to compare the Claw A8 and its Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU against alternatives, including the Intel Lunar Lake-based Claw 8 AI+ (curr. $999 on Amazon).
Now, the Claw A8 has reached Taiwan, where the device is currently available to pre-order for TWD 27,900. For reference, this currently converts to approximately $950. Regardless of exchange rates, the Claw A8's pre-order pricing undercuts the existing Claw 8 AI+ in both its Sandstorm and Polar Tempest finishes, which MSI prices differently on account of the latter's higher storage configuration.
By contrast, the new MSI Claw is significantly more expensive than the original 7-inch variant and its Lunar Lake-based successor, whose availability remains limited to a few markets. Thus, it seems likely that the Claw A8 will cost between MSI's two Lunar Lake gaming handhelds when it reaches North America and other markets. For context, MSI charges $899 for the Claw 7 AI+ and $999 for the Claw 8 AI+ in the US. Unfortunately, it is unclear when the Claw A8 will make its way out of Asia for the time being.
Source(s)
MSI Taiwan via VideoCardz
