MSI Claw A8 Launches in France with a Pricing Surprise That's Shaking the Handheld Market


The battle for dominance in the Windows gaming handheld arena is heating up, and a powerful new challenger has just entered the French market with a strategy that has taken everyone by surprise. MSI has officially revealed the pricing for its highly anticipated Claw A8 device in France, and it's a welcome deviation from what many analysts and gamers had predicted.

The flagship model, the MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM-039FR, which packs the cutting-edge Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 16GB of RAM, and a spacious 1TB SSD, is now available for pre-order at a launch price that significantly undercuts expectations. It's listed for €899.99 on MSI's official French online store.

You can check out and pre-order the 1TB model directly on the official MSI Store France.

This aggressive pricing has generated significant buzz within the tech community. Over on the dedicated MSI Claw subreddit, enthusiasts are abuzz with discussion, with many noting that the price is far more competitive than the €1,000+ figures that were initially rumored for this configuration. This move positions MSI not as a niche premium alternative, but as a direct and fierce competitor to established players like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go.

More Than Just a Price: What Does the MSI Claw A8 Offer?

While the price is the headline, the Claw A1 is a technically compelling device in a crowded field. Its key differentiator is its use of an Intel Core Ultra platform, a stark contrast to the AMD Zen 4 architecture found in most of its rivals. This Intel chip includes an integrated Intel Arc graphics solution and, notably, a dedicated AI NPU (Neural Processing Unit), which could unlock unique features in future software updates.

On the hardware front, the Claw doesn't cut corners:

  • Display: A gorgeous 7-inch IPS display with Full HD (1920x1080) resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth gameplay, and a bright 500 nits of brightness.
  • Battery Life: Its 53Whr battery is one of the largest in its class, promising longer unplugged gaming sessions than many competitors.
  • Controls: It features ergonomic handles, Hall Effect triggers and thumbsticks for precision that won't degrade over time, and immersive haptic feedback.
  • Connectivity: A key advantage is the inclusion of a Thunderbolt™ 4 port, enabling incredibly fast data transfers and connection to powerful external GPU docks.

A second model, the MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM-040FR, is also listed for those looking to compare specs. You can find more details on it at this MSI store link.

Who Is The MSI Claw For?

This new pricing strategy suddenly makes the Claw a viable option for a much broader audience. It's an ideal choice for:

  • The mobile gamer looking for a powerful, premium handheld PC without the premium price tag.
  • The existing PC gamer who wants to take their Steam library on the go and play from the couch.
  • Anyone who has been intrigued by handheld gaming PCs but was previously hesitant due to high costs.

MSI's launch of the Claw A8 at this price point in France is a bold statement of intent. It signals that the company is not just participating in the handheld market but is aggressively competing for market share. For gamers, this increased competition ultimately leads to better products and more attractive prices.

Where to Pre-Order:
While the MSI official store is the first place to grab it, the Claw A8 is also expected to be available through major retailers. For those who prefer to shop on the world's largest online marketplace, keep an eye on the product page on Amazon  for availability and potential launch deals.

Pricing and availability are subject to change. This article is based on information available at the time of publication.



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