MSI has just rolled out its latest Claw gaming handhelds, and they’re brimming with high-end features. At the heart of these devices is the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor paired with a whopping 32GB of RAM. You can also expect up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, which MSI assures users is straightforward to upgrade. The new lineup consists of the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and the Claw 7 AI+, both sporting nearly identical specs, save for differences in screen size, battery, and dimensions.
If you’re torn between a large display for an immersive experience and the convenience of portability, rest easy knowing that performance remains consistent across the board.
Let’s break down the details a bit:
- Processor: Both models use the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V.
- Memory and Storage: They pack in 32GB of LPDDR5x-8533 RAM and support up to 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSDs. The Claw 8 AI+ also includes easy access to 1x NVMe M.2 2230 SSD Gen4 x4.
- Graphics: The graphics are powered by an Intel Arc 140 GPU, integrated for seamless performance.
- Display: The Claw 8 AI+ features an 8-inch FHD+ screen, while the Claw 7 AI+ has a 7-inch FHD display. Both support touch input with 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring vibrant visuals and smooth gameplay.
- Audio: Each handheld is equipped with dual 2W speakers and DTS support for Hi-Res sound.
- Sensors and Connectivity: They come with a 6-axis IMU, a vibration motor, Wi-Fi support (Wi-Fi 7 for the 8 AI+ and Wi-Fi 6E for the 7 AI+), and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Ports and Battery: They boast multiple ports, including Thunderbolt, microSD slots, and offer a choice of substantial battery capacities.
Unfortunately, MSI hasn’t disclosed official pricing on its US website. However, Amazon has started taking preorders, pegging the Claw 8 AI+ at $899 with 1TB of storage, while the Claw 7 AI+ will set you back $799 for 512GB—different from MSI’s published specs.
What sets these devices apart right now is their use of Intel processors, which is a notable shift as many competitors like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go rely on AMD chips. Alongside the superior processing power, the Claw series has been upgraded with redesigned joysticks and controls aimed at enhancing precision, comfort, and overall gameplay experience. Although Tencent has announced an 11-inch handheld featuring the same kind of processor, it’s still in development, and its U.S. release remains uncertain.
Intel’s Lunar Lake chips incorporated in these devices boast efficiency improvements, crucial for longer gaming sessions on battery power—drawing just 17W for these new handhelds. Plus, MSI claims a substantial increase in performance, promising 113% higher peak FPS and about 20% more in average FPS under the same power conditions.
These Claw AI+ devices aren’t just about gaming—they offer a wealth of connectivity options that make them akin to mini-PCs. They are set to include Copilot+ functionalities and feature an exclusive App Player, which allows users to install both Windows and Android games. This makes them highly versatile, adept for both leisure and productivity tasks.
