MSI’s Claw 8 AI+ has been redesigned for a grippier, more grown-up-looking form factor with Intel’s “Lunar Lake” Core Ultra 7 processor and some physical improvements based on user feedback. The result is a lightweight, versatile gaming handheld with access to a wide variety of titles and good battery performance.
Meaningful upgrades
I had a chance to take the Claw 8 AI+ for a spin ahead of CES 2025 and immediately noticed the step up in tactile improvements: the eight-inch screen is bright, the device is tactile and stays relatively cool to the touch, and the Intel chip on board results in power-efficient performance.
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The Claw 8 AI+ is powered by the aforementioned Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, armed with an NPU that can achieve 47 TOPS (hence the AI in the name). Paired with 32GB of memory and 1TB of storage, the device is akin to a handheld mini PC. With Windows 11 and Wi-Fi 7 support, it has more than enough power to pivot to productivity tasks.
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The two Thunderbolt 4 ports at the top allow the user to connect external peripherals or an external monitor, and the 80Wh battery provides a substantial power boost, with up to four hours of gameplay. If you want a break from gaming and use the Claw for media playback, MSI says it can provide up to 28 hours of video playback.
Out-of-box performance
The improved power efficiency is one of the core features that MSI was keen to highlight when I demoed the device, comparing it directly with the specs of its major competitor, Asus’ ROG Ally X<!–>. MSI says the Claw 8 AI+ can get up to 24% higher FPS than the Ally X on select game titles while in low power mode, working out to a 7% average FPS increase across all titles tested.
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The numbers were even better with out-of-box performance, with MSI saying the settings on the Claw’s pre-defined power profile outperformed the Ally X by an average of 28% better FPS over the nine titles it was tested on.
The eight-inch FHD display runs at a 120Hz variable refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness, which – paired with the lightweight design and Bluetooth LE (low energy) audio support – makes for a solid portable entertainment device to take on a plane or long train ride.
Physical improvements
The device’s new “Sandstorm” color gives it a neutral – dare I say sophisticated – aesthetic, especially with the subtle RGB lights around the joysticks. It’s surprisingly refreshing, especially since many other handhelds out there all look the same.
Regarding its physical improvements, MSI redesigned the D-Pad on the Claw 8 AI+, responding directly to user feedback that a steeper angle on the pad is easier to play with. Additionally, the LB/RB buttons now use a top-actuated switch for more tactile feedback, compared with the side-actuated switches on the Claw A1M. In practice, this means they’re easier to trigger, even if you don’t hit the button from an optimal angle.
The speakers also got a boost, with thicker rubber absorption components designed to mitigate vibrations and unwanted resonance. This means the speakers can get louder, with beefier bass, without any rattling.
Pricing and availability
The primary drawback of the Claw is ostensibly its price, which, starting at $900, is not cheap, especially when compared to the other handhelds that were shown off at CES 2025: the ROG Ally X<!–> and Lenovo’s Legion Go S–>, both going for $100 less. However, the tradeoff is that the Claw comes with Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, notable power efficiency, and additional versatility with Windows.
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MSI showed off the Claw 8 AI+ at CES 2025 alongside its fleet of new 18-inch gaming laptops, but the handheld was technically available in late December 2024. Nevertheless, it is a solid contender for one of the top handhelds of 2025, particularly for users who want a power-efficient device and will utilize its support for dual-display connectivity.
Source: Robotics - zdnet.com
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