## Brace Yourselves, Gamers: MSI Just Unleashed an AMD-Powered Handheld Beast at Computex
Hold onto your controllers, folks, because MSI has officially thrown down the gauntlet in the handheld gaming arena! Forget everything you thought you knew about what a portable gaming powerhouse could be, because MSI’s latest Computex reveal is a game-changer (literally).
We’re talking about an AMD-based handheld that promises to obliterate expectations, alongside a fresh batch of mid-range gaming laptops designed to make high-performance gaming accessible to everyone.
MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM: A Contender in the AMD-Powered Handheld Arena
MSI has made a bold move into the AMD-powered handheld gaming space with the Claw A8 BZ2EM. This device marks a significant departure from MSI’s previous handhelds, which exclusively relied on Intel’s processors. The Claw A8, a vibrant green device, showcases an Xbox-inspired controller layout, placing the right thumbstick below the familiar A/B/X/Y buttons. This design choice, along with the inclusion of Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, promises enhanced durability and responsiveness, effectively addressing common issues like stick drift.
Ergonomics are clearly a priority for MSI. The Claw A8 features rounded corners and enlarged grips, designed to improve comfort during extended gaming sessions. While the maximum 24GB of LPDDR5x-8000 RAM is impressive, and the 80 WHr battery echoes the capacity of the ROG Ally X, details regarding specific configurations and regional availability are still pending.
Connectivity options abound, with a headphone jack, microSD card reader, two USB 4 Type-C ports, and even a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button. The inclusion of a standard M.2 2280 SSD slot opens up the possibility of easy upgrades and customization. MSI also states that its MSI Center software, now accessible via the Xbox Game Bar, will provide a streamlined and customizable gaming experience. However, the reliance on Windows 11 as the operating system remains a point of contention, as it hasn’t consistently demonstrated optimal intuitiveness for handheld gaming.
MSI’s RTX 50 Series Infusion: A Mid-Range Powerhouse
MSI’s refreshed Crosshair and Cyborg laptops arrive at Computex equipped with the latest in Nvidia’s RTX 50 series graphics cards, specifically the RTX 5060 and RTX 5070. This integration promises a significant performance boost for gamers seeking mid-range power at an accessible price point. While pricing details are yet to be revealed, the RTX 5060 and 5070 are anticipated to offer an attractive value proposition for budget-conscious gamers.
Crosshair Lineup: Intel vs. AMD
MSI’s Crosshair line now comes in three sizes: 16, 17, and 18 inches, each catering to diverse gaming needs. Interestingly, MSI has adopted a distinct naming convention to differentiate between Intel and AMD configurations. The 18-inch models serve as a prime example, with the Intel-powered option named Crosshair 18 HX AI and the AMD-powered counterpart as Crosshair A18 HX.
The “AI” designation signifies Intel Core Ultra 200 HX processors, while the “A” series models utilize the AMD Ryzen 8000 series. This clear distinction simplifies the selection process for consumers.
- MSI Crosshair 18HX AI: Intel Core Ultra 200 HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070/5060, DDR5-6400 (2 slots, max 96GB), 1x PCIe Gen 4 x 4 and 1x PCIe Gen 5 x 4, 18-inch, 2560 x 1600, 240 Hz, IPS-level
- MSI Crosshair A18 HX: AMD Ryzen 8000, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070/5060, DDR5-5200 (2 slots, max 96GB), 1x PCIe Gen 4 x 4 and 1x PCIe Gen 5 x 4, 18-inch, 2560 x 1600, 240 Hz, IPS-level
- MSI Crosshair 16/17 HX AI: Intel Core Ultra 200 HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070/5060, DDR5-6400 (2 slots, max 96GB), 1x PCIe Gen 4 x 4 and 1x PCIe Gen 5 x 4, 16 or 17-inch, 2560 x 1600, 240 Hz, IPS-level
- MSI Crosshair A16/A17 HX: AMD Ryzen 8000, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070/5060, DDR5-5200 (2 slots, max 96GB), 1x PCIe Gen 4 x 4 and 1x PCIe Gen 5 x 4, 16 or 17-inch, 2560 x 1600, 240 Hz, IPS-level
Conclusion
So, there you have it. MSI, a titan in the gaming hardware world, has thrown its hat into the ring with a powerful new AMD-powered handheld, the aptly named “MSI Handheld.” This isn’t just some low-powered mobile gaming device; it boasts serious specs, aiming to rival the Steam Deck head-on. Coupled with their updated mid-range gaming laptops, featuring the latest Ryzen processors and Radeon GPUs, MSI is clearly betting big on AMD’s performance and value proposition.
This move signifies a significant shift in the gaming landscape. For years, Intel and NVIDIA have dominated the scene, but AMD’s recent strides in CPU and GPU technology are forcing a reckoning. The success of the MSI Handheld and these updated laptops could pave the way for more AMD-powered gaming devices, shaking up the market and offering gamers more choices. It’s a win for consumers, who ultimately benefit from increased competition and innovation.
