Is the MSI Claw A8 Worth $1,000? Gamers Aren’t Convinced
If you’re wondering whether the MSI Claw A8 is worth its hefty price tag, you’re not alone. The new AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme-powered handheld PC has made headlines for being the first of its kind, but pre-order listings across European retailers suggest it could cost nearly $1,000. That’s sparked backlash among gamers who were hoping for an affordable alternative to popular handheld consoles like the Steam Deck. Early benchmarks show only marginal improvements over its predecessor, the Claw 8 AI+, raising concerns about whether this handheld delivers enough performance to justify such a steep price. Let’s dive into the reality behind the hype and whether the MSI Claw A8 can survive in the increasingly competitive handheld gaming market.
MSI Claw A8 pricing leaves gamers baffled
With pre-orders appearing at retailers like Alza.de, the MSI Claw A8 is listed at around €976 (excluding tax) — roughly $1,000. This puts it in the same pricing tier as its predecessor, the MSI Claw 8 AI+, despite the newer model featuring AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip. However, that processor switch hasn’t translated into significant real-world performance gains. Benchmarks suggest near-identical frame rates between the two devices, with Shadow of the Tomb Raider running at just 49fps on the Claw A8 and 52fps on the Claw 8 AI+ — both at 1080p with similar settings. For gamers expecting a leap in gaming power with AMD’s latest chip, this is disappointing. Worse yet, the price approaches or exceeds other top-tier handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED or ASUS ROG Ally, both of which offer excellent performance at more affordable prices.
A weak value proposition against cheaper Steam Deck and competitors
MSI’s main challenge is that the Claw A8 doesn't bring enough to the table to justify its high price — especially with the competition heating up. Valve’s Steam Deck OLED starts at a much more reasonable $549 and provides an excellent portable PC gaming experience with mature software support and a strong community. Even Lenovo's Legion Go and ASUS’s ROG Ally offer high-end specs at prices significantly lower than MSI's. The Claw A8 might boast 24GB of RAM, but inconsistencies in benchmark tests (which showed 16GB of RAM being utilized) and little advantage in gaming performance suggest poor optimization or misleading marketing. With nearly identical frame rates and limited feature improvements, gamers may find it hard to justify spending almost double for marginal gains.
Where the MSI Claw A8 could still compete
Despite the pricing issues, there are a few reasons to keep an eye on the Claw A8. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme could offer better power efficiency and thermal performance compared to Intel’s Core Ultra 7 chips in long gaming sessions — something that might appeal to frequent travelers or handheld gaming purists. Additionally, MSI may have plans to roll out software updates, improved drivers, or bundles that could sweeten the deal post-launch. If the company can offer firmware-level optimizations or drop the price closer to $699, it might become a more compelling option. However, unless that happens, the Claw A8 feels more like a tech demo than a true Steam Deck rival. For now, budget-conscious gamers are better off sticking with more proven, cost-effective handhelds.
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