Key Takeaways
- MSI has launched the Claw A8, entering the gaming handheld market with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU.
- The Claw A8 is priced at $1,149 for a model with a 1 TB SSD, which is less than the Lenovo Legion Go 2's $1,349.99 price.
- The Claw A8 features core specifications like an 80 Wh battery, 1 TB M.2 SSD, 8-inch display with 120 Hz refresh rate, and WiFi 7.
- The Claw A8 has appeared on Newegg, suggesting a potential US launch is coming soon.
- While the Claw A8's specs are competitive, prices are higher than last-generation gaming handhelds.
MSI has unveiled the Claw A8, marking its entry into the gaming handheld market with an AMD APU. This device features the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, positioning it as a strong rival against the Asus Xbox ROG Ally X and the high-end Legion Go 2. Although MSI's product has been around for some time, it has not yet been officially announced in the United States.
US Launch on the Horizon
It appears that the Claw A8 might soon make its US debut, as it has recently appeared on Newegg's website. It remains uncertain if the listed price is just a temporary figure, but it is notably lower than the launch price of the Lenovo Legion Go 2 equipped with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme.
Pricing Details
Specifically, the MSI Claw A8 with a 1 TB SSD is priced at $1,149, while the Z2 Extreme version of the Legion Go 2 with the same storage launched at a price of $1,349.99. While Lenovo's model offers more RAM, some might not find the extra 8 GB worth the additional $200. Moreover, it’s important to highlight that these prices are significantly higher than those of last-generation gaming handhelds.
Returning to the Claw A8 listing on Newegg, the core specifications are identical to those found in other markets. This includes an 80 Wh battery, a 2280 M.2 SSD (1 TB Samsung SSD 9100 currently priced at $175.99 on Amazon), an 8-inch display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and VRR, along with WiFi 7 capabilities. Although there's no specific release date for purchasing yet, MSI is anticipated to formally announce its availability in the US shortly.
Newegg via: VideoCardz
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