MSI Claw A8 beats Asus ROG Ally 2 to launch with AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme and 80 Wh battery
Computex 2025Only a few days have passed since MSI re-launched the Polar Tempest Edition version of the Claw 8 AI+ after releasing the original Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ (curr. $949 on Amazon). Nonetheless, the company has now unveiled its first AMD Ryzen-powered option as part of its Computex 2025 showcase.
For context, there have been rumours since January that this was on the cards. However, recent evidence suggested that MSI was planning to follow up its Intel Lunar Lake offerings with an updated 7-inch model.
Instead, MSI announced the Claw A8 BZ2EM, which it exhibited alongside the Polar Tempest Edition. Seemingly set to be available in two colour options, the Claw A8 BZ2EM is one of the first gaming handhelds to utilise AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU after the Legion Go 2 prototype that Lenovo revealed during CES 2025 in January.
MSI has also adopted a revised design for the Claw A8 that makes it look even more like an Asus ROG Ally than prior models. Nonetheless, MSI has beaten Asus to presenting a Ryzen Z2 Extreme-powered device. While there is no word yet on pricing or availability, more Claw A8 BZ2EM specifications can be found in the table below.
| MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM | |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme |
| GPU | AMD Radeon 890M |
| RAM | Up to 24 GB LPDDR5x-8000 (dual channel) |
| Display | 8-inch, 1,920 x 1,200, 120 Hz refresh rate, VRR, 100% sRGB, 500 nits |
| Storage | 1x M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4) & 1x microSD card reader |
| Battery | 6-cell, Li-Polymer, 80 Wh |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 & Wi-Fi 6E |
| I/O | 2 x USB4 Type-C, 1x 3.5 mm jack, 2x 2 W speakers, 6-axis IMU vibration motor, fingerprint scanner |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Dimensions | 299.5 x 126.2 x 24 mm |
| Weight | 765 g (estimated) |
Source(s)
MSI via Gadget Pilipinas
