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MSI has rolled out its latest in the Claw handheld gaming line, introducing the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+. These devices are powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, backed by a whopping 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD storage, which, according to MSI, is upgrade-friendly. While the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ share most features, they differ in screen size, battery life, and overall dimensions.
Whether your preference leans towards a larger display for a more immersive experience or a smaller one for portability, you won’t need to compromise on performance with either model.
Here’s a quick glance at the specs:
| Specifications | MSI Claw 8 AI+ | MSI Claw 7 AI+ |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V |
| Memory | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 |
| Storage | Up to 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD | Up to 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD |
| Graphics | Intel Arc 140 GPU | Intel Arc 140 GPU |
| Display | 8-inch FHD+ Touchscreen | 7-inch FHD Touchscreen |
| Audio | 2x 2W speakers, DTS | 2x 2W speakers, DTS |
| Sensors | 6-axis IMU, vibration motor | 6-axis IMU, vibration motor |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Battery | 80Whr 6-cell Li-Po | 54.5Whr 6-cell Li-Po |
| Dimensions | 299 x 126 x 24mm | 290 x 117 x 21.2mm |
| Weight | 795g | 675g |
MSI hasn’t disclosed the pricing details in their press release, nor are the devices listed on MSI’s U.S. online store. However, you can find pre-orders on Amazon. The Claw 8 AI+ is priced at $899 with 1TB of storage, while the Claw 7 AI+ goes for $799, offering 512GB of storage, which is slightly different from MSI’s spec sheet.
What’s interesting about these MSI handhelds is their use of Intel processors, at a time when most of their rivals like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go are opting for AMD. Beyond just strong processing power, MSI redesigned its controls with updated joysticks, bumpers, D-pads, and hall-effect triggers aiming for precise controls and better ergonomics for avid gamers. Though Tencent has also debuted an 11-inch handheld using the same processor, it’s still in development and might not hit U.S. markets soon.
The new Intel Lunar Lake chips are known for their efficiency, promising longer battery life – a definite boon for extended gaming sessions. Running at a mere 17W, these devices claim to achieve “113% higher peak FPS and an average 20% higher FPS under the same power conditions.”
With a myriad of port options, MSI positions these handhelds as mini-PCs, capable of Copilot+ features. They also support an exclusive App Player, which means you can run both Windows and Android games. Combining all these features together, the MSI Claw AI+ series is poised to serve as a reliable device for both gaming and productivity.
