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| The MSI Claw A8 costs $1,149. Pictured: a picture showing the front of the gaming handheld. (Image source: Notebookcheck) |
After months of waiting, American gamers can finally get their hands on MSI’s promising AMD-powered portable. The MSI Claw A8, the company’s first gaming handheld to ditch Intel for an AMD Ryzen chip, is now officially available for purchase in the United States.
The device first launched in China back in July 2025, positioning itself as a direct competitor to the likes of the Lenovo Legion Go 2. While it later saw a broader global release, its U.S. arrival remained shrouded in uncertainty—until now.
Availability and Pricing: Direct Sales and Early Discounts
U.S. customers can now purchase the Claw A8 directly from the source. The handheld is listed on the official MSI US store for $1,149.
For those looking for a launch deal, it’s also up for pre-order at ExcaliberPC at a slightly reduced price of $1,099. Retailer Newegg has also listed the product, though purchasing options weren't live at the time of writing.
You can check availability and specs directly on the MSI US Store for the Claw A8.
This stateside launch comes months after rivals with the same core silicon hit the market. Lenovo’s Legion Go 2, also powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, launched in October 2025, and Asus refreshed its popular ROG Ally line around the same time. The delay has left many wondering what took MSI so long to bring this model to the U.S. market.
Performance and Review Impressions: A Solid, If Imperfect, Contender
In our in-depth review, the MSI Claw A8 proved to be a competent entrant in the crowded handheld arena. Its performance is on par with other Z2 Extreme devices, delivering smooth gameplay for modern titles at the handheld's 1080p target.
Two areas stood out positively: battery life and the display. MSI made significant strides in endurance over the first-generation Intel-based Claw, a common pain point for gamers on the go. The screen also earned praise for its quality and responsiveness.
That said, the device isn’t without its compromises. It comes with 8GB less RAM than MSI’s own Lunar Lake Intel alternative, which could impact multitasking and future-proofing. We also noted that the ergonomics and grip felt like an area where MSI could have pushed for a more comfortable design.
The Competitive Landscape: How Does It Compare?
The Claw A8 enters a competitive field. For pure performance per dollar, the Asus ROG Ally X (often found for around $999.99) presents a strong alternative, albeit with a slightly smaller 7-inch display. You can often find the non-"X" model of the Ally at a steep discount, like this listing on Amazon for context on the competitive pricing landscape.
Ultimately, the MSI Claw A8 is a compelling option for those invested in the MSI ecosystem or who prioritize its specific strengths in battery and screen quality. However, with fierce competition at various price points, shoppers would be wise to weigh all their options before jumping in.
Price and availability are subject to change. This article may contain affiliate links that help support our reporting.