Rumors are swirling that MSI’s next iteration of its Claw handheld gaming PC may abandon Intel processors in favor of AMD’s cutting-edge Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU. If accurate, this pivot could mark a significant shift in strategy for the Taiwanese hardware giant as it vies for dominance in the fiercely competitive handheld gaming market.
The speculation stems from a recent leak spotted by eagle-eyed tech enthusiasts. A recent tweet from user Haze2K1 surfaced online, hinting at an AMD-powered Claw device. The post includes a cryptic image of a motherboard allegedly belonging to the new variant, with visible branding for the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip. This APU, part of AMD’s newly unveiled Ryzen AI 300 series, promises a major leap in performance and efficiency, thanks to its Zen 5 CPU architecture and RDNA 3.5 graphics—a combination that could give the Claw a critical edge over rivals like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally.
Why the Switch to AMD?
MSI’s original Claw handheld, launched earlier this year, made waves as the first device to feature Intel’s Core Ultra “Meteor Lake” processors. While Intel’s chip delivered solid performance, critics noted that it lagged behind AMD’s APUs in graphics capabilities—a key factor for handheld gaming. The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, however, is tailor-made for portable devices, boasting up to 12 RDNA 3.5 compute units and a dedicated AI engine for tasks like upscaling and background noise reduction.
According to a report from Wccftech, MSI’s decision reflects growing industry confidence in AMD’s handheld-focused solutions. The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme not only outperforms Intel’s Meteor Lake in GPU benchmarks but also offers superior power efficiency, which could translate to better battery life—a perennial pain point for gamers on the go.
What This Means for Gamers
If MSI follows through, the AMD-powered Claw could become a formidable contender. The Ryzen APU’s AI capabilities might enable features like real-time frame generation or adaptive performance tuning, while its RDNA 3.5 graphics could push higher frame rates at 1080p. Pair this with the Claw’s existing 7-inch 120Hz display and Thunderbolt 4 support, and the device could appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers.
Industry analysts suggest the move underscores MSI’s agility in responding to market demands. “AMD has clearly established itself as the go-to for handheld gaming silicon,” said one insider. “By switching gears, MSI is positioning itself to capitalize on that momentum.”
Release Timeline and Pricing
While MSI has yet to confirm the leak, whispers point to a late 2024 launch. Pricing remains unclear, though the original Claw’s $699 starting tag suggests the AMD variant could land in a similar range—especially if MSI aims to undercut premium rivals like the ROG Ally X.
For now, gamers eager for an AMD-powered Claw will have to stay tuned. But one thing’s certain: the handheld wars are heating up, and MSI isn’t backing down.
Image credit: Haze2K1 via X/Twitter