MSI Claw A8 Pre-Order Listings: A Pricey Proposition for Handheld Gamers
Handheld PC gamers are buzzing with excitement as the first listings for the MSI Claw A8 have emerged on European retailers’ websites. Featuring AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, this new device promises enhanced portable gaming performance, but with a price tag that might deter potential buyers.
- New pre-order listings for the MSI Claw A8 have appeared at European retailers online
- The prices suggest the Claw A8 will cost just under $1,000 / £1,000, similar to the Claw 8 AI+
- It may be a tough sell, in the same vein as its Claw 8 AI+ counterpart
According to a report from VideoCardz, the MSI Claw A8 is listed on Alza.de for €976 (excluding tax, €820). While there are currently no listings in the US or UK, early indications suggest this new handheld could hover just below the $1,000 / £1,000 mark. This pricing is strikingly similar to its predecessor, the MSI Claw 8 AI+.
Performance Insights
Initial benchmarks reveal that the Claw A8’s performance closely mirrors that of the Claw 8 AI+, which employs the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor. Early reviews indicate that games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider achieve an average of 52fps at 1080p on the Claw 8 AI+, whereas the A8 falls slightly behind with an average of 49fps.
Whether the difference in performance is due to the Ryzen Z2 Extreme being somewhat less powerful than its Intel counterpart, or the A8’s RAM configuration—24GB compared to the 32GB typical in its competition—remains to be fully assessed. However, the initial price positioning doesn’t bode well for its competitiveness in the market, particularly given that the Claw A8 is expected to be priced at or near the Claw 8 AI+’s $899 / £899 / AU$1,799.
Market Analysis: Challenges Ahead
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ has established itself as one of the stronger handhelds available, showcasing solid gaming capabilities. However, the challenge lies in its pricing—at $899, it was already seen as a hard sell. If the Claw A8 enters the market with comparable or slightly lesser specifications at a similar price point, consumer interest may wane. It’s important to note that there are currently no listings in the UK or US markets. Pricing discrepancies could also arise from tariffs on imports from China, which could disadvantage the Claw A8 further.
In comparison, the Steam Deck OLED delivers a robust portable gaming experience for $549 / £479 / AU$899, and it often competes with the likes of the Asus ROG Ally, which fluctuates around $649.99 / £599 (currently on sale for $449.99). The reality for the MSI Claw A8 is stark; unless the Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor delivers a considerable leap in performance over its predecessor, it’s hard to foresee how this new device can outperform established competitors or even its own sibling, the Claw 8 AI+.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ on the left, and MSI Claw A8 on the right…
(Image credit: Lines Tech)
In conclusion, as the MSI Claw A8 gears up for its release, it stands at a challenging crossroads. Its pricing strategy and performance metrics will determine whether it can capture the gaming community’s interest or become another overlooked contender in an increasingly competitive market. For more information and detailed insights, read Here.
Image Credit: www.techradar.com
