MSI is the first manufacturer to offer a handheld console with a Ryzen Z2 Extreme, ahead of Lenovo and ASUS. This version succeeds the Claw model, initially based on Intel Meteor Lake, which was a commercial failure. MSI then adopted Lunar Lake for an updated version with an 8-inch screen.
The Ryzen Z2 Extreme features RDNA 3.5 graphics, with 16 computing units via the Radeon 890M. This model follows MSI’s discreet launch strategy, with release first in China via local platforms, with no international launch.
In terms of performance, the Z2 Extreme achieves high levels across several power consumption ranges. At 35W, it exceeds 3600 GPU points and 8800 CPU points under 3DMark. It rivals the HX 370 on graphics, but lags behind on CPU.
It significantly outperforms the Z1 Extreme and is positioned opposite Intel’s Core Ultra 258V, with a more powerful CPU but a slightly inferior GPU. At 12W, it outperforms the Z1 Extreme and comes close to the HX 370, while remaining more efficient in terms of power consumption.
In games, the Z2 Extreme shows good efficiency, especially at low power. On Ghost of Tsushima at 11-13W, it achieves the best compromise between performance and autonomy, with almost 3h40 of use.
