MSI trying to steal ROG Xbox Ally spotlight

Nintendo Switch at home?

Both MSI Claw A8 and ASUS ROG Xbox Ally systems are powered by the same AMD Strix Point–based Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, although ASUS includes AI in the name and has the NPU enabled. MSI rushed to launch the first system with this APU and succeeded, however, as is typical for MSI, the launch was segmented by region and the Claw A8 is still not officially available in the US.

MSI seems unaware of this and has just announced a promotion for this handheld, specifically after partnering with SEGA. The company will bundle a free digital copy of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds (PC) with the console. It almost feels as if they knew ASUS would open preorders today .

MSI and SEGA announced the collaboration as follows:

With the purchase of an eligible MSI gaming handheld Claw A8 product, users can redeem a free digital copy of the new Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds PC game, beginning on September 26, 2025.

Claw A8, Source: MSI

Interestingly, although MSI now has several systems, the promotion only applies to the A8 version with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme. This handheld has no cheaper variant, and Intel Lunar Lake 8 AI+ systems are not included either. In addition to the game copy, bundle owners will also receive a special race car in-game featuring MSI “signature colors,”. It’s worth noting that it’s actually red, so it doesn’t even match the Claw A8 design.

Special in-game skin, Source: MSI

According to MSI, the promotion runs from today until October 31, though the company notes that supplies may not last that long.

Source: MSI