MSI has just rolled out its latest generation of Claw gaming handhelds, boasting the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, paired with a robust 32GB of RAM and up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD. MSI mentions that this SSD is easily accessible, making future upgrades a breeze. The lineup includes two models: the Claw 8 AI+ and the Claw 7 AI+. They’re pretty similar under the hood, with the main variances being in screen size, battery capacity, and consequently, their physical dimensions.
So, if you’re someone who loves a big display for an immersive gaming experience or prefers a compact size for portability, you really don’t need to compromise on the power these handhelds pack.
These gaming devices are stuffed with impressive specs. Both are powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor and equipped with 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 integrated memory, while their storage options reach up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD for the Claw 8 AI+. Both harness the power of the Intel Arc 140 GPU for graphics. The Claw 8 AI+ features an 8-inch FHD+ touchscreen with a 16:10 aspect ratio, whereas the Claw 7 AI+ sports a slightly smaller 7-inch FHD display, each supporting a 120Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB color for vibrant visuals.
Audio doesn’t fall short either with 2x 2W speakers, enriched with DTS support and Hi-Res Audio capability. Plus, they’re fitted with a 6-axis IMU and a vibration motor to enhance sensory feedback. Connectivity is modern and versatile, offering Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for the Claw 8, while the Claw 7 includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.34. Each version comes with a slew of ports including Thunderbolt 4, microSD slots, and even a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button for added security.
Despite MSI keeping the pricing under wraps in their initial announcement, you can snag these handhelds via Amazon pre-orders. The Claw 8 AI+ sets you back $899 with the full 1TB storage, while the Claw 7 AI+ comes in at $799, albeit with a slightly smaller 512GB storage option. Interestingly, these prices seem to diverge a bit from the spec sheets MSI provided.
What’s intriguing about these handhelds is their integration of Intel chips at a time when many competitors like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go lean towards AMD processors. Beyond just raw processing power, MSI has revamped the Claw series’ ergonomic features, enhancing the joysticks, bumpers, D-pads, and hall-effect triggers for precision and ease of use in gameplay. Although Tencent has also jumped on the handheld bandwagon with an 11-inch device using the same processor, it’s still in development, and there’s no firm word on a U.S. release.
The heart of MSI’s innovation lies in Intel’s Lunar Lake chips, which are designed for improved efficiency, promising extend gaming sessions even on battery power. Running at just 17W, MSI boasts that these new Claw models offer “113% higher peak FPS and an average 20% bump in FPS under identical power conditions”.
With a wide range of ports, the Claw AI+ handhelds could easily play double duty as mini-PCs and are loaded with Copilot+ capabilities. An exclusive App Player also opens the door to running both Windows and Android games, making these devices wonderfully versatile for work and play alike.
