MSI’s Claw A8 is the primary gaming handheld with AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Excessive

The MSI Claw sequence of Steam Deck-style handheld gaming PCs is the one one from a significant producer that goes with Intel chips as a substitute of the rather more widespread (at the least on this phase) AMD APUs. Properly, it seems to be like MSI determined to glide. There’s a brand new model of the Claw 8, and it’s utilizing an AMD Ryzen Z2 Excessive.

That’s the identical chip that’s allegedly inside that new Asus ROG Ally 2, a extra highly effective model than the primary era, and to not be confused with the disappointing Ryzen Z2 Go. This new AMD taste is christened the Claw A8 BZ2EM, which is barely barely much less horrible than the top-end Claw 8 AI+ with Intel chips. The brand new mannequin is notably extra angular, with a two-tone paint job that doesn’t stretch onto the primary panel and what seems to be like bigger speaker grilles constructed into the grips.

This new AMD-powered Claw comes with an 8-inch, 1200P LCD display screen with 120Hz refresh, “as much as 24GB” of DDR5x-8000 RAM, one M.2 slot for storage (no capability given at present), and double USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports. You additionally get a MicroSD card reader for growth, a beefy 80-watt hour battery, and a weight of 765 grams 1.6 kilos), which continues to be barely lighter than the Intel model.

Talking of which, there’s a refreshed mannequin of the Claw 8 AI+ as effectively. It’s utilizing the identical {hardware} as the prevailing mannequin, topping out at an Intel Core Extremely 7 258V, 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage. This “Polar Tempest Version” will get a “glittering UV coating,” in line with the press launch. Surprisingly, the press launch states that each gadgets can be obtainable in “a spread of shade choices,” but it surely doesn’t present particular costs or launch dates. The Claw A AI+ has been very tough to seek out within the US since launch however is at present listed at $1000 on Finest Purchase and B&H Picture, with neither really transport the {hardware}.

Different bulletins from MSI at Computex showcase new OLED displays, with the MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50 being probably the most intriguing. If that alphabet soup doesn’t perk up your ears, do this: 500Hz eSports OLED monitor for $850. It has all the opposite typical gaming bells and whistles, like QHD (2560×1440) decision at 27 inches, .03ms response time, variable refresh price assist for consoles, and a few fancy stuff like assist for resizing and customized facet ratios. It’s utilizing a Samsung panel, in all probability the identical one as this monitor, for fairly a bit much less.

However that worth at that refresh price is de facto one thing. As my editor, Brad Chacos, mentioned, you’d count on to pay someplace in that ballpark for a standard LCD panel at 500Hz. Upgrading to an OLED, whereas additionally providing incredible speeds for gaming, is de facto one thing. Connection choices aren’t absolutely spelled out within the PR materials, but it surely has a USB-C port, hopefully with sufficient wattage output for a gaming laptop computer.

The MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 (oh my god MSI, you’re simply begging for returns right here) has that very same 500Hz 27-inch panel, however builds in some extra superior options. The headliner is the brand new AI Care Sensor and its accompanying panel safety options. It solely wants a compulsory OLED care refresh cycle as soon as each 24 hours as a substitute of 16, due to a neighborhood “AI” chip presence detection and computerized dimming.

Surprisingly, all these further options solely increase the worth a bit of, as much as $899 USD. The cheaper MAG monitor is scheduled to go on sale beginning July fifth, and the extra superior MPG on July seventeenth. Exact location availability was not shared.

Editor’s observe: This text first printed on Might 19, however was up to date to incorporate our hands-on video.