MSI has just rolled out its latest line of Claw handheld gaming devices, packed with the power of the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, supported by a robust 32GB of RAM, and featuring up to 1TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD storage. Notably, MSI promises that these SSDs are easily upgradeable. The new arrivals in the Claw series, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+, share nearly identical specs, with the main variances being their screen sizes, battery capacities, and resulting dimensions.
If you’re someone who craves an expansive display for immersive gaming or you’re all about portability, there’s no need to worry about sacrificing performance with these options.
Looking closely at the technical specs, the Claw 8 AI+ boasts an 8-inch Full HD+ touchscreen operating at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, whereas the Claw 7 AI+ presents a slightly smaller 7-inch Full HD display, still maintaining that slick 120Hz. Both models also come equipped with integrated Intel Arc 140 GPUs, 32GB of memory, and Wi-Fi connectivity, although the Claw 8 features the latest Wi-Fi 7, versus the Claw 7’s Wi-Fi 6E. Audio comes through dual 2W speakers with DTS support, promising high-resolution sound, and you’ll find an array of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 and USB Type-C, adding to their versatile nature.
MSI hasn’t disclosed the price on their website yet, but Amazon has started taking preorders. You can grab the Claw 8 AI+ with its full 1TB of storage for $899, and the Claw 7 AI+ goes for $799, though it comes with a reduced 512GB capacity, differing from MSI’s official specs.
What sets these devices apart is their reliance on Intel processors, a move that distinguishes them from most mainstream options like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go which tend to favor AMD chips. Beyond the chipset, MSI has revamped the gaming controls, including joysticks, bumpers, and triggers, aiming for higher accuracy and a more comfortable grip. While Tencent has teased an 11-inch device using a similar processor, it seems unlikely to hit the U.S. market soon.
The efficiency of Intel’s Lunar Lake chips is a standout feature, designed to prolong gaming sessions thanks to their 17W power draw. MSI claims the Claw 8 AI+ and 7 AI+ provide a remarkable 113% improvement in peak FPS and a 20% average FPS boost under the same power conditions.
These handhelds are quite adaptable, doubling as powerful mini-PCs with the array of ports they offer. The devices also integrate an exclusive App Player, granting the freedom to enjoy both Windows and Android games. For those seeking a device versatile enough for both serious gaming and productive tasks, these new Claw AI+ models make a compelling case.
