MSI Claw leak claims Intel is out and AMD is in as new handheld follows everyone else

It’s rumored that the MSI Claw, a robust competitor to Steam Deck, may switch from Intel SoC to AMD in its 2025 update. In line with most handheld PCs, it appears that the upcoming refresh of this device will no longer rely on the high-performance Intel processors that have been characteristic of the Claw.

As per Igor’s Lab reports, MSI might opt for the AMD Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme APU for their upcoming MSI Claw handheld version. The current model, the MSI Claw 8 AI, is powered by an Intel Core 7 258V and delivers impressive performance, but the potential of new AMD processors could surpass this.

MSI Claw AMD could be one powerhouse handheld

Through the report, it appears that preliminary benchmarks for the Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme, operating at a 17-watt TDP, show approximately a 20% improvement in performance over the ASUS ROG Ally X. Given that the ASUS ROG Ally X currently leads in handheld PC power, this suggests that the upcoming Claw model would represent a significant upgrade. Moreover, if users desire additional power, the APU of the new device can be configured to consume up to 35 watts.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m excited about the possibility that Valve might extend SteamOS to other handheld devices. This could mean that the upcoming MSI Claw could potentially debut with a SteamOS variant, delivering an even more powerful gaming experience. Although this might mean sacrificing compatibility with some titles, it’s worth noting that performance for games run through Proton, especially compared to native Windows running, has generally been slightly superior.

We can only speculate about what the next iteration of Valve’s Steam Deck might appear like, given its current position as one of the most potent handheld gaming PCs available. Since Valve has made it clear they don’t plan on frequent updates, it may be a few years before an official sequel emerges, and by then, the market will likely be even more competitive.

Moreover, Xbox is venturing into the portable handheld gaming sector as well, introducing its custom-designed PC portable device. However, while the Steam Deck remains the most accessible option for now, it’s important to note that this market has become more competitive than ever before.

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2025-04-14 17:10