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The MSI Claw A8 Z2 Excessive is yet one more gaming PC handheld to hit the market. Taking the entire positives of the earlier iteration of the MSI Claw, the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Excessive appears promising on paper, being the primary gaming handheld to pack the AMD Ryzen Z2 Excessive chip, probably giving players an entire new stage of efficiency proper within the palm of their palms.
When it comes to availability, the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Excessive has been slowly launched over the previous few months as completely different areas begin to inventory the gadget. The UK remains to be ready for its alternative to buy, in addition to the US, and with the brand new Asus ROG Xbox Ally hitting the cabinets quickly, it could be a race to the end line by way of the primary gadget that includes AMD’s new chip to be on the shelf.
Not solely are my expectations for the gadget tainted, however I’m frightened concerning the development of handhelds usually if this stage of efficiency is supposed to be seen as an improve. Oh expensive.
MSI Claw A8 Z2 Excessive hands-on: Value and availability
The value of the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Excessive varies from area to area and with no inventory accessible within the US or UK simply but, we don’t have a confirmed value.
Nevertheless, with gross sales already underway in Germany beginning at €999, we will subsequently assume it will likely be at the same value level in each {dollars} and kilos, although trade charges, native taxes and tariffs will probably have an effect.
That is significantly costly when in comparison with different handheld gaming units available on the market. Nevertheless, that is at the moment the one gaming handheld to function the model new AMD Ryzen Z2 Excessive chip, which makes direct value comparability troublesome. The earlier MSI Claw was £899 / $899 on launch, and different options just like the Asus ROG Ally X are available at round £799 / $799 with frequent gross sales and value cuts.
Proper now, there is not any confirmed launch date for the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Excessive for many of the world, however with it being on cabinets in some areas of Europe, we shouldn’t be ready too lengthy.
MSI Claw A8 Z2 Excessive hands-on: Design
When it comes to design, the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Excessive is available in a flowery new colorway, Neon Inexperienced.
Being trustworthy, I discovered this new shade completely repugnant, however that is extra of a private style subject moderately than it being a significant drawback. Regardless of not being a fan, I could be the larger particular person and admit that this new shade undoubtedly units the gadget other than the monochrome sea of gaming handhelds that are available on the market proper now.
You get an 8-inch display which is simply barely greater in decision than your normal 1080p at 1920×1200. Pair this with the variable 120Hz refresh charge, and this display is among the greatest choices on the gaming handheld market.
The one factor that will enhance this show could be if it was OLED. It was attractive to have a look at and would make a fantastic possibility for each informal and aggressive players alike – if aggressive players would ever dare to play ranked on a gaming handheld.
The chassis undoubtedly feels extra ‘gamery’ in type when in comparison with its predecessor, with a extra aggressive form and clear lower edges moderately than that easy and modern end which we’re conversant in. Regardless of this, it was nonetheless snug to carry.
Coming in at 765g, it is one of many heavier units available on the market; the Asus ROG Ally X, for instance, weighs lower than 700g. That is to be anticipated given the distinction in screens, however doesn’t detract from the truth that the hand-held feels prefer it’s barely weighing you down when you’re enjoying it, however it didn’t trigger any main points.
MSI Claw A8 Z2 Excessive hands-on: Specs
When it comes to specs, the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Excessive appears incredible on paper, nonetheless the AMD Ryzen Z2 Excessive does majorly let it down. Whereas utilizing the gadget, I discovered that I wasn’t actually getting any higher efficiency when in comparison with the Z1 Excessive chip present in different (cheaper) gaming handhelds.
It managed good high quality graphics within the video games I performed on the hand-held, with stable body charges which didn’t look or really feel uneven. Nevertheless, since this was only a temporary hands-on session I wasn’t capable of truly monitor the body charges whereas enjoying, and it actually didn’t really feel just like the gadget was delivering any important enhance in efficiency on a floor stage.
CPU |
AMD Ryzen Z2 Excessive |
Show |
8-inch FHD+ (1920×1200), 120Hz, VRR, Touchscreen |
Reminiscence |
24GB LPDDR5x-8000 |
Wi-fi |
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
Ports |
2x Kind-C, 1x Micro SD Card Reader |
Battery |
80Wh |
Dimensions |
299.5 x 126.2 x 24.0mm |
Weight |
765g |
Apart from this, you additionally get 24GB of RAM, a significant improve from among the earlier technology gaming handhelds. Decrease RAM in earlier handhelds has posed points prior to now, so it is good to see MSI studying from the errors of their rivals.
You additionally get a chunky 80Wh battery, the identical because the earlier iteration of the MSI Claw. Whereas it will have been good for this to have been improved upon, it looks as if that is slowly changing into trade normal.
I wasn’t capable of truly monitor the battery stage throughout my hands-on time with the gadget, however the AMD Ryzen Z2 collection of chips include a promise of higher effectivity so we’ll have to attend for a full evaluation to see if this proves to be true.
MSI Claw A8 Z2 Excessive hands-on: Early verdict
All in all, I really feel like I used to be considerably underwhelmed with the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Excessive, however that wasn’t right down to the gadget itself however moderately the processor from AMD.
The gadget was snug to carry, regarded gorgeous (other than the brand new neon inexperienced colorway, sorry) and has a promising battery capability.
Nevertheless, with a excessive value level and a processor which wasn’t delivering that enhance in efficiency that I used to be anticipating over its predecessor, it’s laborious to suggest selecting up the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Excessive primarily based on first impressions alone. Our full evaluation, the place we’ll put the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Excessive by our suite of benchmark and real-world assessments, ought to decide if it deserves a spot amongst the greatest gaming handhelds.