MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM-048NL

Overall, the MSI Claw A8 is a great device for playing handheld games. So far, I haven't encountered a single AAA game that it can't play (not on ultra settings, of course).

Despite the device's blocky appearance, it fits perfectly in the hand, and the weight doesn't bother me.

The 8-inch screen size is simply perfect and shouldn't be any bigger. The colors are beautiful, and the sound is nice and deep, better than expected.

The sticks and buttons are simply good. Because they have hall-effect sticks, it took me a while to get used to the sensitivity. The buttons are a bit louder, but they work perfectly.

The MSI software leaves much to be desired. It does what it's supposed to do, though it occasionally stutters and has most functions, such as per-game settings.

I also have the first Asus RoG Ally Z1e. The difference in power is negligible, but the battery and energy consumption of the Z2e are a completely different story. The Asus 25W could only play for 45 minutes max. Now I can play for 2 hours and 30 minutes.

My opinion is: if you have a Z1E handheld, skip this one. If you don't have one yet and want to buy one, this is highly recommended.

I am new to PC gaming, coming from PlayStation and Nintendo, and I mainly play campaigns. PC gaming this way has positively surprised me. Everything works smoothly right away: Windows recognizes the controllers without any issues, meaning the A, B, X, and Y buttons are simply visible in-game. That makes the transition very easy. I had expected a lot of setup, a lot of hassle with games, and a lot of screen touch to emulate a mouse.

The performance is strong: everything runs smoothly without any hassle. The MSI software is also fine. (I read a lot of criticism online, but I don't understand that.)

I don't have a direct comparison with systems like the Asus ROG or Lenovo Legion Go. In my choice between a Windows gaming PC, Steam Deck, or Switch 2, I am very happy with this. So far, absolutely no regrets about the purchase. Games are also 'cheap' compared to Switch 2 games.

I don't play on it much yet, but what a great experience alongside the PS5. I notice that I can more easily play big and impressive titles (Horizon, Cyberpunk, COD) with very beautiful graphics. I chose this over the Steam Deck because of the anti-cheat and thus the ability to play online multiplayer shooters like COD MW.