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New MSI Claw could ditch Intel for AMD Z2 in bid to rival Steam Deck, says leak

MSI could be contemplating ditching Intel for AMD's Z2 chips as it gears up to launch the next versions of its Claw handheld gaming PC.

A known leaker has said that MSI is gearing up to launch an AMD variation of its Claw handhelds, breaking with its tradition up to this point of using Intel Us. The possible AMD MSI Claw news comes during CES 2025, where MSI is currently showing the latest updates to its handheld roster.

While it didn't make our MSI Claw has been an intriguing device to follow. It was one of the first out the gate using Intel's mobile chips, rather than the often-seen AMD Ryzen 7040 or Z1 chips. Now it seems that the muted to negative response to the Intel-powered versions has pushed MSI to look into adopting AMD's chips instead.

MSI's first stab at a gaming handheld used the Intel Core Ultra 7-155H, which despite reasonable GPU power ultimately paled in comparison to the AMD Z1 Extreme found in the Asus ROG Ally. It was on par with the regular Z1 version but for nearly double the price. If MSI is already looking towards AMD's Z2, it could indicate that the Intel experiment isn't working out.

msi claw 8 ai plus 7 ai plus

The company is also launching its updated Claw AI+ handhelds in just a few days on January 15. However, it appears they're already readying a potentially more powerful option. French leaker CodeCommando posted to X (formerly Twitter) that MSI is going to release a Z2 version of the maligned handheld.

msi claw rumor screenshot that says Exclusive: The new MSI Claw will not only be available with Intel Lunar Lake, a version with the new AMD Z2 APU will be announced.

CodeCommando themselves have been known to be pretty accurate when it comes to MSI and AMD leaks. It's still best to keep your wits about you and a heavy pinch of salt at hand, though. As with most rumors coming hot off the floor of CES, this could just be some mild confusion or a mistake.

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