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

Alright, so MSI did this thing at Computex, right? Bringing their first gaming handheld that’s humming with an AMD chip named the Claw A8 BZ2EM. That’s a mouthful, but hey, they’re also rolling out the latest Crosshair and Cyborg laptops. It’s like they’re throwing a tech party in Taipei.

Before this, MSI was all buddy-buddy with Intel chips in their gaming handhelds—take the Claw 8 AI+ for example. Kinda feels like they were married to Intel or something, but now it’s more of an “exploring options” phase with both AMD and Intel chips in the mix.

About the Claw A8, besides using AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip (it sounds super intense, doesn’t it?), they’ve injected some fresh features. Picture this: Christmas green? No, it’s the gaming system itself, apparently. Also, the controller feels like an Xbox’s, with this joystick setup that’ll hopefully avoid the dreaded stick drift. Sounds like they’ve thought about the pain points, huh? Plus, this thing’s got beefed-up grips and rounded corners, ensuring your gaming marathons don’t end in hand cramps.

Some nerdy specs: you could pump up to 24GB of LPDDR5x-8000 RAM here, which is crazy fast. Companies like Asus have already done that with their top-tier gaming handhelds. But as far as who gets this miracle device, MSI’s staying mum about the specifics. Oh, and there’s this juicy 80 WHr battery to keep the game going long.

The gadget is not shy on ports either. Headphone jack? Check. A couple of USB Type-C ports? Check. Even a microSD reader and a power button with a fingerprint reader! It’s like a Swiss army knife, but more digital and less likely to stab you. Standard M.2 SSD makes popping the thing open to tinker around sound plausible too.

And the software! MSI is tweaking its MSI Center, making it Xbox Game Bar friendly. Simplifying while running on good old Windows 11—though, let’s be real, Windows 11 isn’t exactly the golden standard for handheld gaming yet.

Then on the laptop side—MSI’s got newbies in the mix with Nvidia’s RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 enhancing performance. Here comes the confusion, though: an 18-inch Intel has its own naming scheme while AMD, well, has another. Bit much, if you ask me.

For some, these laptops might share one too many features, like the fact they’re all sporting Nvidia GPUs up to RTX 5070, same 90 WHr batteries, glowing RGB keyboards, and more. It’s the tech equivalent of saying you’re unique, just like everyone else.

Cyborg line gets refreshed too, using translucent plastics and still wrapping its head around metal lids with options for Intel or AMD. Display optimizations and different screen sizes illustrate MSI’s commitment to variety. Kind of like offering every flavor at the ice cream shop but skipping vanilla—seriously, who needs that?

But prices, release dates? MSI’s keeping that mystery alive. Select details trickle through, like some partnerships with AMG Motorsport or even artisanal editions showcasing iconic art.

Anyway, tech’s rolling forward or sideways, maybe backwards, depending on who’s telling the story. Keep your eyes on the horizon—or in this chaos, maybe just try not to trip over the next new gadget.