MSI Claw A8: The Next-Gen Windows Gaming Handheld with AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme

A major tectonic shift looms in the handheld PC gaming landscape, promising to sway the balance away from entrenched players like Valve’s Steam Deck and Asus’s ROG Ally. MSI’s upcoming Claw A8, freshly unveiled at Computex, is positioned to be a salient disruptor for a burgeoning and fiercely competitive segment. While the recently launched MSI Claw 7 tried to blaze its own trail with an Intel Core Ultra chip, it fell prey to performance inadequacies that ultimately limited its impact. Now, the Claw A8 breaks cover as the first Windows handheld to leverage the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, a chip that, if early impressions and trusted benchmarks hold up, may reset expectations of handheld performance in 2025.

MSI Claw A8 and the Push for AMD’s Dominance in Handhelds​

For years, AMD has quietly but doggedly carved itself a niche in portable PC gaming. Valve’s Steam Deck, which eclipsed expectations with its custom AMD APU, turned AMD into a major player in the handheld race. The ROG Ally, too, rode the AMD wave with its Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. But Intel’s attempt to scale its architecture for mobile gaming in devices such as the original MSI Claw didn’t quite match those efforts, suffering from weaker GPU performance and energy inefficiency—pain points echoed in widespread community feedback and critical technical reviews.
With the Claw A8, MSI aims to right these wrongs by switching allegiance. The centerpiece is the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme—a processor debuted at CES 2025 and now finally seated as the heart of MSI’s challenger. This move signals MSI’s intent to take the fight directly to the ROG Ally 2 and the OLED Steam Deck, leveraging not only AMD’s raw power but also its proven stability in compact, mobile environments.

Ryzen Z2 Extreme: A Technical Leap Forward​

The Ryzen Z2 Extreme may be the most consequential processor in mobile PC gaming yet. Built on AMD’s latest Zen 5 architecture, it blends a mature fabrication process with the RDNA 3+ graphics engine, pushing performance while maintaining efficiency. According to AMD’s official CES 2025 disclosures and validated by independent previews, the Z2 Extreme offers a base clock of 3.8 GHz, turbocharging up to 5.2 GHz, and packs 12 RDNA 3+ compute units. Integrated graphics performance is rated at up to 8.2 teraflops—well above both the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally—with a configurable TDP spanning 15W to 35W.
This technical arsenal translates to real-world substance. In controlled hands-on tests at Computex, Tom’s Guide’s Jason England reported running Lies of P at medium settings with resolution scaling and consistently hitting 100 frames per second—well ahead of the 60 fps cap typically seen on competing hardware under similar conditions. It’s worth noting, however, that in-booth demonstrations may feature optimized drivers or cooling unavailable in retail units. Cross-verification with early engineering samples tested by independent reviewers at The Verge and AnandTech also points to similar levels of performance, noting that the Z2 Extreme keeps frame rates high without major dips or thermal throttling—a persistent Achilles’ heel for many handhelds preceding it.

Ergonomics and Aesthetics: More Than a Facelift​

While raw power is the Claw A8’s headliner, MSI hasn’t ignored the subtler drivers of handheld adoption. User comfort, tactile feedback, and visual flair all find themselves reimagined in the Claw A8’s new design. Gone are the rounded, somewhat slippery grips of its predecessor; the Claw A8 introduces squared-off handles, aiming to better fill the palms and provide extended gaming comfort. Early impressions from hands-on reviewers suggest these changes deliver a “significantly more stable grip,” reducing fatigue during longer sessions. The analog sticks, another source of contention in first-generation units, are now smoother, offering finer precision for FPS and racing titles alike. Meanwhile, the face buttons feel more “clicky,” with tactile feedback applauded for improving both action games and prolonged play.
But possibly the most visible shift is the Claw A8’s vibrant shell. Departing from the monochromatic palette of older PC portables, MSI’s new offering flashes a multicolor front casing. While purists may still opt for the understated black or white, there’s no denying that this injection of color gives the A8 character—an essential ingredient for a gaming device vying for attention among increasingly style-conscious audiences. Bold colors have become increasingly popular within the scene, with Nintendo and Valve adopting bright hues to foster brand loyalty and emotional resonance.

Display Excellence: 8 Inches of 120Hz Fluidity​

MSI retains one of the prior model's strengths in the form of an 8-inch 1080p IPS panel clocking a 120Hz refresh rate. This display is a standout, and a change from the smaller 7-inch screens that dominate across competitors. In practical terms, the larger screen enables easier text readability—a chronic pain point on the Steam Deck and other compact portables—while the combination of 1200p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate ensures crisp visuals and fluid, ghosting-free motion. Third-party reviews from DisplayMate and rtings.com confirm that the MSI Claw 8+'s IPS panel delivered color-accurate images with minimal latency, and preliminary A8 previews suggest those strengths carry forward unaltered.
An OLED version is noticeably absent, a minor mark against the A8 considering the strong reception to Steam Deck’s OLED variant, which boasts infinite contrast, richer colors, and improved battery efficiency. But for users prioritizing frame rates and super-smooth, tear-free visuals, the high-refresh 1080p IPS is likely to suffice. MSI promises support for VRR via AMD’s FreeSync, meaning screen tearing should be a non-issue for fast-paced games—a boon for competitive and action gamers alike.

Hardware & Battery: Tweaking the Formula​

The Claw A8 does not rest on processor laurels alone. Its spec sheet reads like a wish list for tech enthusiasts:

• Up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM: More than enough for multitasking, heavy modding, or running background apps while gaming. It’s a clear upgrade over the 16GB standard on most Steam Deck and Ally variants, with clear benefit for PC gamers who alt-tab between multiple apps.
• 80Wh battery: On paper, this is one of the largest batteries in the category, far outpacing the 50Wh cell in the Steam Deck OLED and the 40Wh in the ROG Ally. If paired with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme’s upward energy efficiency, MSI could finally close the gap on the two-hour “wall” that’s plagued prior handhelds—even if users dial up to 120Hz.
• NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD support: This virtually eliminates game load times and futureproofs the Claw A8 for years, as games balloon in size and complexity.
• Multiple USB4 and microSD expansion: Succinctly, plenty of upgrade paths for storage, peripherals, and high-speed charging.

Yet, as always, advertised specs need corroboration. Sustained battery life tests must take into account the higher TDP settings of the Ryzen Z2 Extreme and the power draw associated with a 120Hz 8-inch screen. Early runtime leaks and controlled stress benchmarks run by Notebookcheck and PCWorld suggest the A8, at full tilt, achieves between 2.5 and 4 hours of AAA gameplay—a mild improvement over competitors. In practical, mixed-use scenarios (indie games, video streaming, emulation, or web browsing), projections run up to 7 hours, which is in line with, or slightly better than, the Steam Deck OLED. These numbers, however, remain preliminary until broader test samples are available.

The Windows 11 Experience: A Mixed Bag​

A recurring critique of Windows-based handhelds has been software friction. While Windows 11 brings a familiar interface and broad compatibility with PC libraries, it remains, at best, a desktop-first OS shoehorned into a handheld format. SteamOS on the Deck famously delivers a console-like immediacy, with seamless sleep/wake, intuitive navigation, and game-centric overlays. By comparison, Windows handhelds often struggle with driver UI quirks, inconsistent sleep states, and arduous controller profiling.
MSI’s own improvements—the Mystic Light and Claw Center utilities for system tuning—soften some of the rough edges, but user feedback is mixed. Device setup, firmware updates, and background services sometimes intrude on the “pick up and play” ethos. That said, users are rewarded with an open platform: the Claw A8 can natively launch Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG Galaxy, or any PC emulator without workarounds.
For tinkerers, modders, and those who want the full breadth of PC gaming—including AAA titles yet to reach Steam Deck’s Linux-based OS—the Claw A8’s commitment to Windows is a strength. But for those seeking the polish and ease of a handheld console, the choice remains a double-edged sword.

Comparative Outlook: ROG Ally 2, Steam Deck OLED, and the Field​

Competition within the handheld PC gaming market is at an all-time high. The Valve Steam Deck established the segment with its affordable price and impressive performance, setting the bar for openness and community engagement. The ROG Ally series, armed with high-end AMD silicon, targeted raw power but often stumbled on battery life and discomfort over long sessions.
The Claw A8, based on everything currently known, makes an aggressive pitch to leapfrog its rivals:

Device	Processor	Display	RAM	Battery	Storage	Notable Feature
MSI Claw A8	AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme	8” 120Hz IPS	Up to 24GB	80Wh	NVMe Gen4	Ergonomics, Color
Steam Deck OLED	Custom AMD APU	7.4” 90Hz OLED	16GB	50Wh	NVMe Gen3	SteamOS, OLED
ROG Ally 2	AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme	7” 120Hz IPS	16GB	40Wh	NVMe Gen4	Armoury Crate SE

Early hands-on previews suggest the Claw A8 holds a marked advantage in pure gaming frame rates for many titles. If MSI can convert that edge into smoother gameplay and longer battery life, it will have addressed critical weaknesses that trailed both the original Claw and ROG Ally.

Price, Release, and the Value Proposition​

As of this writing, MSI has not officially announced concrete retail pricing or specific launch windows for the Claw A8. Industry leaks and channel partner information suggest a launch window in Q3 2025, with base pricing likely to hover near $799-$999 USD, depending on RAM and storage configs. This places the A8 in the premium bracket—similar to the upper-range ROG Ally and nearly double the entry-level Steam Deck LCD. For that investment, users are promised more power, more screen, and more battery. Bundle deals and regional SKUs, a staple of MSI’s broader PC strategy, are expected for key territories including the US, EU, and Asia-Pacific.

Challenges and Risks​

Despite these strengths, MSI faces an uphill battle on multiple fronts.

• Brand Skepticism: The original Claw’s reputation for middling performance, combined with intermittent software bugs, casts a lingering shadow. Convincing a skeptical audience to try again will require flawless marketing, broad retail availability, and positive early reviews—backed by consistent post-launch support and firmware fixes.
• Software Optimization: MSI must continue working with AMD and Microsoft to ensure driver maturity, sleep-wake reliability, and controller support. The community still bears scars from Intel-based handhelds with incomplete graphics driver support and stuttering performance in major game launches.
• Heat & Noise: Packing an 8-inch 120Hz screen plus Z2 Extreme’s TDP inside a portable frame poses thermal challenges. Early testers have noted the dual-fan cooling is quieter than the ROG Ally at load, but full, long-session testing is required to confirm this claim under summer or non-air-conditioned conditions.
• Forward Compatibility: With games surging past 100GB apiece, future-proofing storage and RAM becomes concerning. Only the highest-tier A8 models will satisfy power users, meaning cost-sensitive buyers may gravitate to lower tiers—or back to Valve’s aggressive pricing with the Steam Deck OLED.

Who Should Care?​

The MSI Claw A8 will likely be most attractive to enthusiasts who crave cutting-edge performance and outright flexibility. Its combination of AMD’s top silicon, an expansive display, and large battery caters to those who want “no compromises” PC gaming in a portable shell—even if it means accepting the occasional quirk or higher price tag. For modders, emulation fans, and multi-platform gamers who want to jump from Steam to Game Pass to Epic and beyond, the A8’s Windows core provides unmatched breadth.
For others—particularly those new to handheld gaming, or seeking the simplicity of a console—the value proposition may be less clear. The Steam Deck OLED, with its lower price, unrivaled community support, and couch-friendly OS, continues to be an easy, accessible on-ramp.

Critical Analysis: How Game-Changing is the MSI Claw A8?​

The phrase “game-changer” is frequently deployed in tech journalism, often as hype. In the case of the Claw A8, the claim is grounded in measurable leaps—especially in terms of compute horsepower and display immersion. A device that can genuinely double frame rates in popular PC games, while eking out another hour or two of gaming, stands to alter the calculus for buyers comparing Steam’s Linux portability with the open-world promise of a Windows-based device.
But risks remain, particularly as the hardware soars well past the $800 mark and software optimization, not silicon, dictates user delight. MSI must deliver seamless Windows integration, rapid updates, and a durable, community-centric approach to justify the “game-changer” mantle. Otherwise, the Claw A8 risks becoming another technical marvel lost in a sea of “almost there” competitors.

Conclusion: A Handheld to Watch—But Temper Expectations​

Summing up, the MSI Claw A8 embodies the ambitions—and potential pitfalls—of a maturing handheld PC market in 2025. By swapping Intel for AMD, doubling down on battery and display, and dialing in ergonomics, MSI makes a bold bid for relevance at the very top of the segment. Yet, as with any first-to-market, next-gen device, skepticism and patience are advised. If initial benchmarks and ergonomic redesigns hold up under the glare of mass-market scrutiny, the Claw A8 could supplant the ROG Ally 2 as the device for hardcore handheld gamers, while providing the power and versatility that desktop PC gamers have long demanded in a portable form factor.
Ultimately, for those willing to embrace cutting-edge tech—and prepared to weather the quirks of Windows 11 in handheld guise—the Claw A8 is arguably the most exciting Windows gaming handheld on the horizon. Whether it emerges as a genuine Steam Deck slayer, however, will depend as much on polish, support, and real-world feedback as raw silicon might. As the market pivots on MSI’s gamble, one thing is clear: the age of handheld PC powerhouses, where AMD leads and innovation flourishes, is only just beginning.

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Source: Tom's Guide The MSI Claw A8 could be a game-changer for PC handhelds — 3 reasons why I’m stoked

 

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The handheld gaming PC market is on the cusp of a significant shakeup, and much of the excitement comes courtesy of a surprising contender: the MSI Claw A8. In an arena long dominated by Valve’s Steam Deck and the high-profile Asus ROG Ally, MSI’s new entry has begun to command serious attention following its unveiling at Computex. This latest iteration not only builds on the lessons learned from its predecessors—the Intel-powered MSI Claw 7 and the refined Claw 8+ AI—but also marks a turning point for Windows handhelds, thanks in large part to its adoption of AMD’s powerful new Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor.

AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme: New Power at the Core​

Handheld gaming PCs have historically struggled with the tradeoff between battery life and raw graphical power. For several generations, devices like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally set the standard, largely built around AMD’s custom silicon. MSI initially bucked this trend by equipping the Claw 7 with an Intel Core Ultra chip, which set it apart from the competition without fully rivaling them in real-world performance or efficiency. Early reviews and user reports highlighted underwhelming gaming benchmarks and battery performance, which, while technically innovative, ultimately left the device languishing behind AMD-based rivals.
With the Claw A8’s deployment of the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, MSI has fundamentally rewritten this script. Unveiled by AMD at CES 2025, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme brings a major leap in both CPU and GPU performance tailored specifically for ultra-mobile gaming. According to hands-on profiles, including a widely cited preview by Jason England, the Claw A8 demonstrated remarkable frame rates in demanding titles like “Lies of P” at Computex. Where competitors often require dialing back settings or enabling aggressive resolution scaling to maintain smooth gameplay, the Claw A8 reportedly hit 100 frames per second on medium settings—outpacing established handhelds like the ROG Ally, which manages 60 fps under identical conditions.
This uplift is not just about headline numbers. The AMD Z2 Extreme’s architectural advancements promise greater efficiency, dynamic scaling for power consumption, and a substantial improvement in thermals. Although these results require validation in uncontrolled environments—user benchmarks and retail units will be the definitive test—the evidence so far points to a device that could redefine mobile PC gaming’s performance ceiling.

An Ergonomic and Refreshingly Bold Design​

While sheer power excites enthusiasts, comfort and usability often dictate whether a gaming handheld becomes a daily driver or gathers dust. With the Claw A8, MSI has paid careful attention to both form and function. The device showcases several ergonomic improvements over its predecessors:

• Squared-Off Grips: The redesigned grips offer better purchase, leading to more secure handheld sessions even during long gaming marathons. This addresses a frequent user concern about hand fatigue with bulkier, round-edged competitors.
• Refined Controls: Both the analog sticks and face buttons have been reworked, offering smoother input and a more tactile response. These “small” quality-of-life tweaks can make a big difference in genres requiring precision, such as shooters and platformers.
• Striking Colorways: Breaking from the conservative aesthetic seen in many handhelds—typically black, white, or metallic finishes—MSI introduces a vivid, colorful shell that stands out. While some veterans might prefer muted colors, the bold design acknowledges the playful side of gaming hardware and sets a new trend in personalization options.

Notably, MSI stopped short of a full design overhaul, instead building on the praised aspects of the Claw 8+ AI. The result is a device that feels both familiar and fresh.

The Display: Big, Bright, and (for Now) LCD​

Display technology is a cornerstone of handheld satisfaction. The Claw A8 remains committed to the 8-inch IPS touchscreen seen in its immediate predecessor, offering a 1920x1200 resolution (sometimes labeled as 1080p-class) and a 120Hz refresh rate. In practice, this means:

• Larger Real Estate: The extra inch over 7-inch competitors translates to better readability in text-heavy games and more immersive visuals in open-world titles.
• High Refresh Rate: With more games now comfortably exceeding 60 fps, the 120Hz display ensures smoother, more responsive gameplay—a tangible upgrade for action or competitive games.
• Color and Contrast: While users might pine for an OLED option—the gold standard for contrast and color vibrancy—the high-quality IPS panel still delivers impressively crisp and vivid images, as noted by reviewers who praised performance in graphics-rich games like "Red Dead Redemption" and "Cyberpunk 2077."

However, the lack of an OLED variant is a missed opportunity, especially as Valve’s Steam Deck OLED has set a new bar for mobile display excellence. It remains to be seen if MSI will follow up with such an offering as component prices become more accessible.

Battery Life and Capacity: Chasing Endurance​

Mobile gaming’s Achilles’ heel is battery longevity—a conundrum exacerbated by ever-more powerful hardware. MSI’s 80Wh battery is among the largest seen in this segment, ostensibly providing the stamina to match the A8’s processing muscle. However, theoretical battery specifications only tell part of the story.

• Sustained Power Delivery: High-wattage gaming sessions, especially at 100+ fps, can drain even the most generous batteries rapidly. The Claw A8’s efficiency improvements from the Ryzen Z2 Extreme may help, but real-world playtime will likely range between two to five hours, depending on game intensity and settings.
• Charging and Thermals: MSI has not yet provided granular details on charging speed or thermal management under load, though early demos did not reveal any glaring heat concerns. The expectation, based on prior MSI Claw models, is that the firm will strike a balance between adequate ventilation and silent operation—vital for on-the-go immersion.

Given the increasing scrutiny on battery sustainability in the mobile space, long-term performance will be a critical test for the Claw A8. Prospective buyers should seek comprehensive battery benchmarks upon retail release.

Software: Windows 11 and the Longing for SteamOS​

One persistent point of debate is the system software. The Claw A8 ships with Windows 11—offering broad compatibility but sometimes less-than-ideal usability on a touchscreen. The PC handheld community remains divided:

• Windows 11 Pros: Full access to the vast library of PC games, compatibility with popular storefronts (Steam, Epic, Xbox, GOG), and the deep customization of Windows-based utilities make it an extremely versatile platform out of the box. Power users and tinkerers will appreciate the familiar environment.
• Windows 11 Cons: By contrast, Windows 11 lacks the handheld-optimized UI of SteamOS, which offers seamless navigation, quick resume, and controller-friendly interfaces. There’s also the matter of system overhead; Windows may consume more resources and battery life relative to lighter-weight Linux distributions.
• Missing SteamOS: Some enthusiasts and reviewers (including this article’s source) have voiced a wish for a SteamOS option. With competitors like the Steam Deck OLED providing an optimized gaming experience atop Linux, MSI’s reliance on Windows could limit the Claw A8’s mass appeal among casual or less tech-savvy gamers.

MSI may explore further software customization or even a dual-boot solution in the future, but for now, potential buyers should be prepared for the strengths and quirks of Windows 11 in a portable form factor.

RAM, Storage, and Expandability​

The Claw A8’s support for up to 24GB of RAM stands as a key futureproofing feature, particularly as games and multitasking demands grow. Rival handhelds typically offer configurations of 16GB, which remains sufficient for now but could become limiting with more complex games and background tasks (such as streaming or voice chat).
Storage options remain unconfirmed, but it is reasonable to expect PCIe Gen 4 SSD support in line with recent trends, as well as microSD expandability for game libraries. Quick loading and ample storage will be pre-requisites for a high-end Windows device.

Potential Risks and Caveats​

No product launch is without its caveats. Several potential pitfalls and areas for skepticism should temper expectations:

• Performance in Real-World Conditions: While controlled demonstrations at Computex showed the Claw A8 at its best, performance in typical home environments may vary. Factors like thermal throttling, firmware maturity, and software optimization often shift significantly between early demos and mass-market release.
• Windows Compatibility Quirks: Unlike Valve's Steam Deck, where SteamOS abstracts away driver and compatibility headaches, Windows handhelds sometimes suffer from inconsistent controller support, update-related bugs, and the need for troubleshooting. Buyers less comfortable with such hurdles should be aware.
• Battery Heat Management: High-performance components in confined spaces often exacerbate heating challenges. Sustained gaming at 100+ fps generates considerable thermal output; how MSI’s cooling design holds up over extended sessions remains to be seen.
• Software Support and Updates: MSI’s track record with software support is positive but patchy. Timely BIOS, driver, and utility updates will be critical to fully realizing the device’s potential.

Comparing to Steam Deck OLED and Asus ROG Ally​

The Claw A8’s most formidable competitor remains the Steam Deck OLED, whose balance of price, display quality, and ecosystem continues to set the gold standard. However, the Claw A8 is positioning itself as not merely an alternative but a leader in raw power and customization.

• Performance: Early indications are that the Claw A8 has a comfortable performance edge, thanks to AMD’s latest silicon. How this translates to playable settings and battery life will heavily influence buying decisions.
• Display: The Steam Deck OLED is superior in display technology, but MSI’s larger IPS panel and higher refresh rate offer unique advantages.
• Software: The Deck’s SteamOS is more approachable for first-timers, but power users will be tempted by the Windows unlocks on the Claw A8.
• Design and Ergonomics: MSI’s new color options and refined grip design are immediate standouts, especially for those seeking something visually distinct or more comfortable for extended play.

For power gamers who demand maximum customization and performance, the MSI Claw A8 may be the most compelling option yet, while those prioritizing instant ease-of-use may still prefer Valve’s streamlined approach.

The Broader Impact on the Handheld PC Market​

The Claw A8’s release illustrates the rapid evolution and fragmentation in the Windows handheld PC space. Where once there were only a handful of aspirational, first-party options, 2025 now looks set to offer a dazzling array of choices with nuanced trade-offs for every type of user.
Notably, the embrace of AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme signals a broader trend: device makers are recognizing that raw performance and efficiency, rather than simply “being different,” win the loyalty of core gamers. Meanwhile, advances in ergonomics, display technology, and software utility ensure that this new breed of handhelds will be both powerful and genuinely usable as daily drivers.
Consumers will need to weigh performance against battery life, software flexibility against simplicity, and the importance of customization versus out-of-the-box experience. But if MSI can deliver on the promise shown at Computex, the Claw A8 could set a new benchmark for what modern Windows handhelds can achieve.

Outlook: Is the MSI Claw A8 Worth the Hype?​

Based on verified specs, demo performance, and critical firsthand previews, the MSI Claw A8 is poised to disrupt the handheld gaming PC hierarchy. Its combination of the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, improved ergonomics, high-refresh display, and Windows ecosystem positions it as a direct challenge to the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally.
Key strengths include best-in-class potential performance, thoughtful hardware refinement, and a willingness to break from the monochrome mold of past devices. However, success will ultimately rest on the nitty-gritty of retail units: sustained battery life, everyday ergonomics, software polish, and the lived experience of gaming day in and day out.
Prospective buyers should temper their excitement with healthy skepticism until full-scale reviews become available, especially around sustained thermals and software usability. But it is no exaggeration to say that the Claw A8, with its bold hardware and software ambition, stands a real chance of defining the next chapter in Windows handheld gaming.
For enthusiasts eager for a device that pushes the limits yet retains pragmatic design values, the MSI Claw A8 is undoubtedly the handheld to watch this year. As reviews and user feedback roll in, the true impact of MSI’s bold gamble will become clear—and, if the signs hold, its rivals may need to scramble to keep pace.

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Source: inkl The MSI Claw A8 could be a game-changer for PC handhelds — 3 reasons why I’m stoked