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MSI Debuts First AMD-Powered Claw 8 Handheld, Announces Release Date and Upgrades
A Leap Forward for Handheld Gaming
In a decisive step for portable gaming, MSI has officially released its long-awaited Claw 8 Ryzen Edition, the company's first handheld console powered by AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU. Announcing a slew of performance and battery life enhancements, MSI has begun rolling out major system upgrades via new BIOS (v.103) and MSI Center M (v2.0.2507.2201). The launch marks MSI's expansion beyond its earlier Intel-based handhelds and promises a significant leap in user experience.
Verified Release Timeline
After a staggered rollout across Asia, MSI has confirmed that the Claw 8 Ryzen Edition will hit European shelves beginning the week of August 4, 2025. According to MSI Germany, the device will be available no later than August 10, retailing at €999—on par with its Intel Lunar Lake-backed predecessor. Initial color options include Neon Green and Polar Tempest White.
What’s Inside? Specs at a Glance
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Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme (8 Zen 5 cores, Radeon 890M iGPU)
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Memory: 24GB DDR5 RAM
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Storage: 1TB M.2 2280
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Display: 8-inch, 120Hz full-HD LCD
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Battery: 80Wh
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Weight: ~725g
The new model comes with Windows 11 and supports advanced gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Copilot Key integration for seamless multitasking.
Early Upgrades: Performance and Battery Life
MSI’s latest BIOS update addresses previously reported performance drops in Manual Mode, especially when users tweak the device’s thermal design power (TDP). Additionally, the MSI Center M update has enhanced battery life in Endurance Mode and upgraded real-time power monitoring. These official upgrades roll out globally, improving the user experience from the first day of ownership.
Official Statements and Industry Reaction
An MSI spokesperson commented:
"We’re excited to bring Ryzen’s latest power to handheld gaming. These updates will ensure fans experience the most from their new devices, both in raw performance and endurance."
With pre-orders already live in Europe and specific details confirmed, the MSI Claw 8 Ryzen Edition is primed to shift the landscape of portable gaming consoles.
The Takeaway
MSI’s move signals fierce new competition in the handheld space, providing gamers with more power, flexibility, and battery stamina than ever before. Watch for official retail launches and further performance revelations as the Claw 8 Ryzen Edition lands in new markets in August.
For more details, see [NotebookCheck’s report] and [MSI’s official page].