MSI has just unveiled its latest lineup of Claw gaming handhelds, and they’re definitely turning heads. At the forefront of these new releases is the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+, both of which are powered by the impressive Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, paired with 32GB of RAM, and offer up to 1TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD storage. One of the standout features here is the claimed ease of access for future upgrades, which gamers will surely appreciate.
While the two handhelds share many similarities, the primary differences lie in their screen sizes, battery capacity, and overall dimensions. This means you can choose between a bigger screen for that immersive gaming experience or a more compact design if portability is key, without having to compromise on performance.
Let’s delve into the specs a bit more: the Claw 8 AI+ boasts an 8-inch FHD+ display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, while the Claw 7 AI+ comes with a slightly smaller 7-inch FHD screen. Both models offer a crispy 120Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB color accuracy, ensuring vibrant visuals and smooth gameplay. Audio quality isn’t left behind with two 2W speakers featuring DTS support, ready to deliver high-resolution sound.
Connectivity options are plentiful with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, and a range of ports including Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-C, and even a microSD slot for storage expansion. The Claw 8 AI+ includes a beefy 80Whr battery, while its sibling, the Claw 7 AI+, comes with a 54.5Whr battery. Both run on Windows 11 Home, making them not just great for gaming but also versatile mini-PCs.
Despite the detailed announcement, MSI hasn’t revealed pricing details on their official site just yet. However, pre-orders have surfaced on Amazon, listing the Claw 8 AI+ at $899 with 1TB of storage. The Claw 7 AI+ is priced at $799, though this model has a slightly smaller storage capacity of 512GB, which varies from MSI’s spec sheet claims.
What sets these devices apart is their choice of Intel processors, diverging from competitors like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, which prefer AMD chips. This difference may bring enhanced processing power to the table. MSI has also revamped the joysticks, bumpers, D-pads, and triggers to enhance both precision and comfort during gameplay sessions. Meanwhile, although Tencent announced a similar 11-inch device utilizing the same Intel processor, we’re not expecting it to hit U.S. markets anytime soon.
Under the hood, Intel’s Lunar Lake chips power these machines, promising greater efficiency and extended gaming sessions thanks to their low 17W power consumption. MSI claims their new devices can achieve “113% higher peak FPS” and approximately 20% better average FPS under the same power settings compared to previous models.
With multiple ports and the inclusion of Copilot+ capabilities, the Claw AI+ handhelds could serve as excellent mini-PCs. Additionally, MSI introduces the exclusive App Player, meaning you have the flexibility to install both Windows and Android games, making these handhelds a versatile choice for both work and play scenarios.
