MSI Unveils AMD Gaming Handheld and Mid-Range Laptops at Computex

Alright, so MSI rolled up at Computex with its first-ever gaming handheld sporting an AMD chip. Yeah, it’s called the Claw A8 BZ2EM. Sounds like a sci-fi movie title, right? Anyway, they also threw in new versions of their Crosshair and Cyborg laptops. But let’s not get lost here—back to the Claw.

Previously, MSI was all about Intel with its gaming handhelds, like the Claw 8 AI+. But now? They’re dabbling with both Intel and AMD. It’s like picking sides in a saga or maybe just keeping options open. Who knows?

The Claw A8 is packing AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip. And guess what? It’s got this crazy green look. Is it eco-friendly? No clue. Just green. They switched up the controller layout to mimic Xbox style. You might like it… or not. And those Hall Effect joysticks? They’re supposed to stop stick drift, whatever that means—gaming witchcraft, I say.

MSI went for comfortable, rounding corners, bigger grips. I haven’t tried it, but it should be cozy for long gaming marathons. Also, 24GB of RAM is an option here. That’s like a turbocharger for a car. Fast LPDDR5x-8000 memory, too. They’re silent on where we’ll see these high-memory models pop up, though. It’s kind of like waiting for a sequel teaser.

Speaking of memory, Asus did something similar with the ROG Ally X. The more brains (RAM), the merrier for shared CPU and GPU resources.

The battery’s a biggie—80 WHr. Kind of comparable to the Ally X’s longevity. Loads of battery life, right? Plus, there’s a headphone jack, microSD reader, two USB 4 Type-C ports, and even a power button with a fingerprint reader. Handy if you’ve got sticky fingers.

Inside, there’s MSI Center software, now a buddy with the Xbox Game Bar. But who trusts Windows 11 for gaming handhelds? An optimist, maybe.

Anyway, laptops! MSI’s got these Crosshairs coming in various sizes: 16, 17, and 18 inches. It’s like choosing between small, medium, and large pizzas. Intel models named Crosshair 18 HX AI, while AMD’s editions are Crosshair A18HX. Confused? Me too. AI stands for Intel, A for AMD. Simple, right?

They’re all rocking Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 or 5060 GPUs. Top-of-the-line stuff, it seems. Loads of common features—battery life, screen details, the whole shebang.

The Crosshair 18HX AI starts at $1,699 at Costco. Fancy more RAM? $2,049 bumps it up to 64GB. But specifics on everything else? Not yet. MSI’s holding those cards close.

Then there’s the Cyborg series—15 and 17-inch sizes. Edges have translucent plastic, still with metal lids. Options between Intel and AMD here, too. It’s a rivalry turned experiment.

Their screens, by the way? Choices everywhere: 1080p at 144 Hz or go all out with 1440p at 240 Hz. Options, choices, a bit overwhelming honestly.

Partial pricing, vague availability. Seems like a waiting game. The Cyborg A15 AI starts at $1,149. Upgrades come with more dollars, naturally.

Throw in some productivity laptops like the new Stealth A16 AI+ and Prestige 16 AI+—a collab with AMG Motorsport. Fancy, huh? And a limited edition Prestige 13 AI+ with “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” embossed. I mean, if you’re into art… or waves… or limited editions.

And that’s the whirlwind surrounding MSI at Computex. Exciting, nerve-wracking, the usual.