MSI Claw A8 Faces Backlash Over High Price and Modest Specs

The MSI Claw A8's steep $1,000 price sparks concern as it struggles to outperform cheaper handhelds like the Steam Deck.
Matilda
MSI Claw A8 Faces Backlash Over High Price and Modest Specs
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. Image credit: MSI 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…