MSI’s new handheld houses AMD Z2 Extreme instead of Intel Core Ultra and its actually available in a color other than white or black

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At Computex 2025, MSI unveiled its newest Windows gaming handheld – the MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM. However, contrary to earlier models in the Claw series, this upcoming gadget will mark a first as it won’t feature an Intel Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), as per GamesRadar reports.

Instead, it will showcase an advanced AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, which is the successor to the AMD Z1 series, similar to what was used in ASUS ROG Ally, Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and various other gaming handheld devices.

In several aspects, the Claw A8 BZ2EM and the MSI Claw 8 AI+ are quite similar. They both sport 8-inch screens capable of a 120Hz refresh rate and boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. Additionally, they can accommodate up to 24GB LPDDR5 RAM and come equipped with a 1TB M.2 SSD.

Strikingly noticeable, it’s the dual color options for the Claw A8 BZ2EM – one being a pristine white, while another resembling lively lime green. In contrast to the majority of black or white portable gaming systems, this eye-catching hue truly sets it apart in the gaming landscape.

It’s still uncertain when this handheld device will hit the market, and we don’t have information about its price either. But based on expectations, it might be priced similarly to the MSI Claw 8 AI+, which retails for $999.99 at Best Buy (although it initially had a tag of $899.99).

Based on my MSI Claw 8 AI+ review, I was significantly impressed by its performance, particularly given its Intel-powered hardware. This device undoubtedly stands out as the top premium choice for any gamer seeking the highest frames per second (FPS) in a handheld device. However, obtaining it has proven to be quite challenging.

Another upcoming Z2 Extreme handheld

Fans of handheld gaming devices are excited for the arrival of the Z2 Extreme portable gaming systems, as they anticipate significant enhancements in performance compared to the Z1 Extreme.

In simple terms, the MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM has been added to the list that includes the ASUS ROG Ally 2 and Lenovo Legion Go 2, where the Z2 Extreme is also expected. However, as of now, the Z2 Extreme hasn’t been released yet and an official release date remains undisclosed.

Currently, the sole chip from the AMD Ryzen Z2 series that’s on the market is the Z2 Go, which can be found exclusively installed in the Lenovo Legion Go S laptop.

However, based on Zachary Boddy’s Lenovo Legion Go S review, it appears that the Z2 Go chip falls short of impressive standards, offering performance comparable to the nostalgic yet outdated Steam Deck.

It’s great news that the Z2 Extreme is expected to offer significantly greater power than both the Z2 Go and outperform the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V in the MSI Claw 8 AI+.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 258V comes equipped with eight cores, eight threads, eight graphic cores, a maximum clock speed of 4.8GHz, and a cache size of 12MB. On the other hand, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme boasts eight cores, 18 threads, 16 graphic cores, a maximum clock speed of 5 GHz, and a cache size of 24MB.

When the chip is released, we’ll need to carry out our own tests to determine its performance precisely. However, considering its specifications, it appears it could deliver a more enhanced gaming experience compared to the Intel Core Ultra.

Handheld gaming is about to get even better

I can’t wait to acquire Z2 Extreme handhelds, particularly the MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM. Over the past few years, MSI has significantly enhanced its handheld sector and stands alone as the only company offering both Intel and AMD configurations within its handheld range.

I’m excited about the potential power of the Z2 Extreme, but I also wish other handheld manufacturers would follow MSI’s lead and offer more vibrant color options in their products.

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2025-05-19 17:09