MSI has just rolled out its latest generation of Claw gaming handhelds, which come packed with the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, 32GB of RAM, and up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD. MSI touts that this SSD is easily upgradeable. The two new handheld models, Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+, share a lot of similarities. They primarily differ in screen size, battery life, and overall dimensions.
This means you can choose between a larger display for a more immersive gaming experience or a more compact device that doesn’t compromise on performance.
Looking closely at the specs, both devices sport the same Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor and integrated Intel Arc 140 GPU. RAM is consistent at 32GB of LPDDR5x-8533. For storage, the Claw 8 AI+ supports up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, while the Claw 7 AI+ allows for a 512GB option. Display-wise, the Claw 8 AI+ has an 8-inch FHD+ touchscreen, while the Claw 7 AI+ has a slightly smaller 7-inch FHD display. Sound, sensor technology, and connectivity options are uniform across both, boasting features like Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and robust audio capabilities.
MSI hasn’t released the official prices through their own channels yet, but you can already find preorders on Amazon. The Claw 8 AI+ is priced at $899 with a whopping 1TB of storage, while the Claw 7 AI+ costs $100 less but comes with 512GB of storage.
What’s particularly standout about these handhelds is their reliance on Intel chips, while many competitors, like Asus’s ROG Ally X and Lenovo’s Legion Go, use AMD processors. These MSI handhelds also boast upgraded joysticks and switches, designed to enhance precision and ease during gaming. Although Tencent is working on an 11-inch model using the same chip, it hasn’t hit the U.S. market yet.
The inclusion of Intel’s Lunar Lake chips marks a leap in energy efficiency for these devices, keeping power consumption at 17W, which is excellent for longer gaming sessions on battery. MSI promises substantial performance gains, citing a 113% boost in peak FPS and an overall 20% increase under similar conditions.
The Claw AI+ lineup isn’t just about gaming; it’s versatile enough to serve as mini-PCs thanks to their extensive range of ports and Copilot+ functionalities. There’s also an exclusive App Player that lets you enjoy both Windows and Android games, broadening your gaming possibilities significantly.
