- The MSI Claw A8 with Ryzen Z2 Extreme is now available in European stores starting at €975.
- This represents a significant change in architecture, moving from Intel to AMD with the new Zen 5 APU.
- Initial tests point to remarkable performance, surpassing direct competitors in efficiency and graphics power.
- MSI maintains a pricing policy similar to that of previous releases, focusing on the premium segment of portable gaming consoles.
The arrival of the MSI Claw A8 Ryzen Z2 Extreme marks a new chapter in the evolution of handheld consoles. The device, officially presented at the Computex And after a few weeks of exclusivity in Asia, it can now be pre-ordered in Europe, attracting the attention of gaming enthusiasts looking for powerful alternatives to current handheld consoles.
After several previous releases with Intel processors, MSI has decided to opt for a AMD architecture for its new console, betting on the brand new Ryzen Z2 ExtremeThis decision positions the brand as a pioneer in offering this model on the continent, ahead of other companies in the sector.
Available in Europe and introductory price
Since recently, the MSI Claw A8 It is now available for reservation in European stores, with two versions to choose from: white and green.
The starting price in Germany is 975 euros., although figures close to a thousand euros could be seen in other European countries due to the different taxes. The cost remains around 1000 euros Compared to the previous model, the Claw A8 AI+, with Intel Lunar Lake processor.
This pricing policy demonstrates the intention of MSI to place the Claw A8 in the premium range, competing with other alternatives such as ASUS ROG Ally X o Steam Deck OLEDThe console has been featured in specialty stores such as alza.de and smarty.sk, highlighting its cutting-edge specifications.
New architecture and technical specifications
The jump to AMD involves a significant change in hardware. The main component is the Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, with 8 cores and 16 threads under the architecture Zen 5, reaching the 5.0GHz in turbo mode. The integrated GPU, based on RDNA3.5 With 16 compute units, it provides solid performance in modern games.
Highlights include: 24GB LPDDR5X RAM at 8000 MT/s and a 1 TB SSD. La battery of 80 Wh allows gaming sessions of up to three and a half hours, a competitive figure in its segment.
In addition, it has a touch panel of 8 inches Full HD + resolution and a refresh rate of 120 Hz VRR compatible, ensuring smooth images during games.
Performance and initial evaluations
Early tests show its performance far above some rivals, excelling in graphics and energy efficiency. According to leaked data from Geekbench 6.4’s most emblematic landmarks, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme achieves 2.748 points in single-core y 12.182 on multicore, significantly improving previous results and getting closer to models such as the Core Ultra 7 258V.
In graphics, the Radeon 890M iGPU Integrated into the Ryzen Z2 Extreme offers an increase of up to 52% compared to previous generations of AMD cards, according to Vulkan and OpenCL tests.
The team also incorporates a M.2 2280 SSD slot, allowing for expanded storage and offering greater flexibility to the most demanding users.
Market and competition
With this bet, MSI is positioned as the first manufacturer to market a device with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme outside asia, ahead of launches from brands like ASUS or Lenovo. Initial exclusivity and premium pricing can be a challenge, as competitors like ASUS and Xbox They keep high-end models below 900 euros.
It is important to observe whether the Claw A8 will succeed in consolidating itself in Europe against alternatives with more reasonable prices and similar features. However, Its specifications and first impressions generate great expectations. among portable gaming enthusiasts.
La MSI Claw A8 Ryzen Z2 offers Powerful hardware, high-quality display and good battery life, albeit at a price aimed at the most demanding user. The transition to AMD processors and the rapid arrival in the Western market could represent a competitive advantage, pending public acceptance.
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