MSI Unveils Next-Gen AI-Powered Gaming Handhelds: Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+

MSI's new handhelds combine its existing winning formula with the power of XeSS

Key Takeaways MSI released Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ with a Lunar Lake upgrade. Claw 8 has a 1TB HDD and 80Wh battery, while Claw 7 has a 512GB HDD and 54.5Wh battery. Both models support Intel's XeSS upscaling for improved FPS at $799.99 and $899.99. ✕ Remove Ads If you've been keeping up with handheld console news, you'll know that MSI has been brewing something in its labs. The last time we checked in on them, they discussed making a Lunar Lake upgradein June. If you've been holding out for that, we have some good news for you: the company has released two new consoles that add AI to its previous range. Related MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi review: MSI packed this AM5 motherboard full of features Testing out one of the latest AM5 motherboards Posts MSI's Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ are now ready for preorders ✕ Remove Ads In a press release, the company pulls back the curtain on its two new devices, the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+. The most obvious difference between the two also gives them their namesakes, as the Claw 8 AI+ has an 8-inch screen, and the Claw 7 A+ has a 7-inch one. However, there are some additional tweaks under the hood: the Claw 8 features a 1TB HDD versus the Claw 7's 512GB model, and the Claw 8 has an 80Whr battery versus the Claw 7's 54.5Whr. ✕ Remove Ads So, where does the AI come in? Well, thanks to the new Lunar Lake CPU upgrades, they now support Intel's AI-powered XeSS upscaling technology. This allows them to "deliver seamless gameplay across over 150 AAA titles while maintaining optimized power efficiency for extended gaming sessions." MSI claims this new tech "achieves 113% higher peak FPS and an average 20% FPS improvement compared to competitors" while only using 17W of power. If you'd like to preorder a model, the Claw 7 AI+ sells for $799.99, while the Claw 8 AI+ sells for $899.99. Your changes have been saved Email is sent Email has already been sent Follow Followed Follow with Notifications Follow Unfollow MSI Claw 7 AI+ See at Amazon Your changes have been saved Email is sent Email has already been sent Follow Followed Follow with Notifications Follow Unfollow MSI Claw 8 AI+ $900 at Amazon ✕ Remove Ads

MSI reveals two new AI-powered handheld gaming PCs starting at $799

A new generation of AI-powered handhelds are here. On Tuesday, MSI announced two additions to the Claw lineup: the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and the MSI Claw 7 AI+ refreshed models. Each handheld will be equipped with Intel's next-gen Core Ultra 7 (Series 2) processor and a 8-inch or 7-inch display, respectively, "enhanced by AI-driven precision." MSI also notes that both handhelds will benefit from "larger batteries," a better cooling system, and "optimized power consumption for smoother performance" -- all incredibly positive features for frequent handheld gamers. Considering how poorly received the MSI Claw was earlier this year (it earned only 2.5 out of 5 stars in our review), I can't wait to see how many improvements have been made, if any, to these new models. MSI says these new handhelds "set a new standard for portable gaming," so stakes are certainly high. Let's see how they compare to two of the most popular PC handhelds available now. According to The Verge, MSI's two new gaming handhelds will launch on December 25, but you can currently pre-order them if you want. At full price, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ retails for $899 with 1TB of SSD storage and the MSI Claw 7 AI+ retails for $799 with 512GB of SSD storage. Compared to the Steam Deck and the Ally ROG X, these two new handhelds from MSI are quite pricey. To get 1TB of storage and a better, brighter display on a Steam Deck, it would only cost you $649. To get 1TB of storage and similar specs (albeit an AMD-based CPU/GPU combo) with the Ally ROG X, you'd only spend $799 compared to the $899 you'd spend on an MSI Claw 8 AI+. It does look like MSI has paid attention to the look and feel of its devices, noting a new "ergonomic design" that's "tailored to fit the natural contours of the hand." But even with a better fit, redesigned sticks and buttons, and improved features, MSI will have to knock it out of the park to come back from its major failure earlier this year -- especially when it's more expensive than the two leading PC gaming handheld options. Both consoles release on December 25, but stay tuned to Laptop Mag for any additional firsthand thoughts on how MSI's next-gen handhelds compare.

MSI's new Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ bring Intel Lunar Lake performance to handhelds

MSI just launched the next generation Claw gaming handhelds, featuring the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor with 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD (which MSI claims is easily accessible for upgrades). The company's two new handhelds, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+, have almost the same specifications. The only noticeable difference between them is screen size, battery capacity, and thus the dimensions. So, whether you prefer the largest possible display for maximum immersion or want something more portable, you're not sacrificing anything in terms of performance. MSI didn't share the price for these handhelds in its announcement, and they still aren't listed in MSI's US e-shop. Nevertheless, Amazon preorders for these devices are already up, with the Claw 8 AI+ priced at $899 with 1TB storage and the Claw 7 AI+ retailing for $100 less at $799, but with a reduced 512GB storage capacity (different to MSI's spec sheets). What makes these devices unique right now, is the use of Intel processors, whereas most mainstream competitors, like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, use AMD chips. Aside from improved processing, the new generation MSI Claw handhelds feature redesigned joysticks, bumpers, D-pads, and hall-effect triggers for improved accuracy, consistency, and better ergonomics during gaming. Although Tencent also revealed an 11-inch handheld that has the same processor, it's still in development and we don't believe that it will be readily available in the U.S. Intel's Lunar Lake chips offer improved efficiency, allowing gamers to enjoy longer sessions on battery, especially as it only runs at 17W for these new handhelds. Even so, MSI claims that the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and 7 AI+ deliver "113% higher peak FPS and an average 20% higher FPS under identical power conditions". Because the new Claw AI+ devices come with a plethora of ports, MSI says that these new handhelds would make great mini-PCs and will also have Copilot+ capabilities. These handhelds will also get an exclusive App Player, which allows you to install both Windows and Android games on the device. All these features make it quite a versatile device, useful for both work and play.

MSI's new Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ gaming handhelds have launched

TL;DR: MSI has launched the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ gaming handhelds, featuring Intel Core Ultra 7 processors and Arc graphics. The Claw 8 has an 8-inch display, while the Claw 7 has a 7-inch display. Both offer improved ergonomics, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and enhanced performance over competitors. MSI has officially launched its second-generation PC gaming handhelds, the new MSI Claw 8 AI+ and MSI Claw 7 AI+ (a refresh of the first-gen Claw 7 with the latest Intel Lunar Lake APU). MSI is touting outstanding gaming performance and efficiency, and the flagship Claw 8's look is inspired by 'wind-sculpted desert rocks.' The MSI Claw 7 AI+ sports an all-black design with the same overall shape and button layout. The naming refers to the screen sizes of each mode, with the MSI Claw 8 AI+ sporting an 8-inch 1080p 120 Hz VRR IPS display and the MSI Claw 7 AI+ featuring a 7-inch 1080p 120 Hz VRR IPS display. The big difference between these and other PC gaming handhelds running Windows 11 is that both Claw devices are powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor with integrated Arc 'Battlemage' graphics. MSI says you're looking at 20% more performance than the competition, which we assume is the ROG Ally X from ASUS. Both also feature 32GB of memory, which is impressive. Both Claw handhelds are packed with ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports for display and charging. The flagship Claw 8 AI+ includes a large-capacity 80Wh battery. Outside the hardware, the handheld's overall ergonomics have been improved, with hall-effect triggers and high-quality buttons. The MSI Center M software for accessing the device features and settings has also been updated with a more intuitive interface - a must for Windows-based handhelds.

MSI's Claw 8 AI+ is more than just a refresh

MSI has just unveiled its two next-gen gaming handhelds, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and the Claw 7 AI+. A follow-up to the original MSI claw that failed to make much of a splash, these two mini PCs are referred to as a "refresh" -- but they seem to be more than just that. The consoles, apart from updated specs, got a few design changes too. The downside? The flagship is significantly heavier. We got our first look at the new Claw during this year's Computex, but that was before we knew the full specs. Now, MSI revealed pretty much every spec for the two handhelds. Recommended Videos The Claw 8 AI+ comes in a brand new color referred to as "sandstorm," while the 7-inch Claw 7 AI+ retains the black color scheme. MSI redesigned the sticks, bumpers, the hall-effect triggers, and the D-pad compared to the previous iteration. The handhelds also come equipped with a dual-fan, dual-heat-pipe system to keep the temperatures at bay. One change that could end up being a bother is that the MSI Claw 8 AI+ appears to be significantly heavier than the previous portable PC, weighing in at 795 grams versus the MSI Claw 7 with its 675 grams. We'll have to test it ourselves to really see it, but I could see it getting heavy during longer gaming sessions. On the other hand, the weight increase seems to come from the bigger screen, as the 7-inch model retains the 675-gram weight. In terms of specifications, both consoles now sport Intel's Lunar Lake CPU, namely the Core Ultra 7 258V. There's also a significant upgrade to system memory, as the Claw now offers 32GB of LPDDR5x-8553 RAM, which is the highest out-of-the-box capacity of any gaming handheld currently available. Lunar Lake means Intel Arc 140V graphics, and that should prove to be a sizeable boost over the previous generation. The Claw 8 AI+ comes with an 8-inch 1,920 x 1,200 touchscreen and a 120Hz refresh rate, maxing out at 500 nits of brightness. The smaller model seems much the same, except it's a 7-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 panel. Both support Wi-Fi 6E and run on Windows 11, but MSI's Player also makes it possible to run Android mobile games. The handhelds are available now, although one significant detail appears to be missing from MSI's press release -- the price. However, an early Amazon listing earlier this week revealed that the MSI Claw 8 AI+ should cost $900. We'll have to wait for official listings to confirm that price.

MSI Launches The Claw 8 AI+ And Claw 7 AI+ Gaming Handhelds, Powered By Intel Lunar Lake Processors

Both handhelds are powered by the same Core Ultra 258V processor but will have different screen sizes and battery life. MSI has today officially launched its newest gaming handhelds for purchase. The Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ are the latest consoles, powered by the Intel Lunar Lake CPUs, and succeed the Claw 7 handheld, which featured the Intel Meteor Lake CPUs. MSI says, Gear up for unparalleled mobile gaming with the new MSI Claw 8 AI+& Claw 7 AI+ refresh. Powered by the next-gen Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor (Series 2), these two compact powerhouses combine exceptional performance with outstanding efficiency. Enjoy stunning visuals on vibrant displays, available in two sizes: 7-inch and the new 8-inch, enhanced by AI-driven precision. The Claw 8 AI+ and 7 AI+ are both going to use the same Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, featuring the Intel Arc 140V graphics. The processor features an 8-core/8-thread configuration with 4 performance and 4 low power-efficient cores clocked at 2.2/4.8 GHz and 2.2/3.7 GHz frequencies respectively. The Claw 8 AI+ is now the company's flagship handheld, having an 8-inch IPS display that runs a 1920x1200p resolution on a touchscreen panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. While both the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ have the same display properties, the latter has a smaller 7-inch screen size. Not only the screen size is different, but the Claw 7 AI+ also has a smaller battery life of 54.5Whr. On the other hand, the Claw 8 AI+ comes with an 80Whr battery life, which is equivalent to the ROG Ally X. Both MSI handhelds bring 32GB of LPDDR5X memory, clocked at 8533 MT/s, up to 1Tb of PCI-E 4.0 M.2 storage capacity, and the Windows 11 operating system. The Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ both retain the 2230 M.2 form factor inside the console and the latter is going to ship with 512GB of storage by default. ...thanks to the exclusive App Player, the MSI Claw 8 AI& Claw 7 AI+ offer the widest game library, encompassing both Windows and Android titles, providing multiple gaming platforms to cater to diverse gamer preferences. - MSI Similarly, there is a small change in connectivity. The Claw 8 AI+ has the latest WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, but the 7-inch model will have WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Packed with dual 2W speakers and DTS sound effective that support Hi-Res Audio, the consoles also improve on their peripheral connectivity features, which now include dual Thunderbolt 4 ports.

Amazon Claw 8 AI+ Listed On Amazon For $899, Claw 7 AI+ Also Listed With Smaller Storage And 7-Inch Display

MSI has two variants for its Claw AI+ handhelds. Both will have similar hardware, but one will have a 7-inch display, while the other will feature an 8-inch screen. We finally have the exact specifications of the upcoming MSI gaming handheld, CLAW 8 AI+. However, this time we have also learned that the company has also prepared a smaller variant of the console with equivalent hardware but with a smaller storage capacity and screen size. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ Amazon page is currently live, although the price isn't listed. Videocardz reports that it is priced at $899, featuring Core Ultra 7 258V processors, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1TB of storage capacity. The handheld can't be purchased yet as there is still an official embargo, which is expected to be lifted on 25th December. Surprisingly, MSI has one more variant with a similar configuration but with a smaller 7-inch display and a slightly different design. It's the Claw 7 AI+, which is also a successor to the original Claw 7 but boasts the latest Core Ultra 258V processor instead of Meteor Lake Ultra 5 135H or Ultra 7 155H. That said, it has 512 GB of storage, but the RAM remains the same. Both handhelds are the first to feature 32 GB of LPDDR5X memory after OneXFly F1 Pro, which is 8 GB higher than the ROG Ally X. However, more brands will soon unveil their newer gaming handhelds with 32 Gigs of RAM, including the OneXFly F1 Pro, which boasts the Strix Point Ryzen AI 9 365/HX 370 processor. Thankfully, the Claw 8 AI+ isn't going to be as expensive as the OneXFly F1 Pro and will have a price tag of $899, while the Claw 7 AI+ will cost $799. Lunar Lake chips are better at gaming performance, leveraging the power of Intel's current-gen Xe2, and both iterations of the Claw AI+ handhelds will have the Arc 140V iGPU. However, unlike Strix Point chips, the Core Ultra 7 258V is an 8-core/8-thread APU, while the former boasts either 10-core/20-thread or 12-core/24-thread config. Nonetheless, it's great to see a new competitor entering the market, which is going to take over the ROG Ally X, which is one of the best gaming handhelds today. At $899, the Claw 8 AI+ is going to compete directly with Ally X and will have the same 80Wh battery. Moreover, there are some upgrades in the connectivity area as well.

These new Windows handhelds might actually get more than 2 hours of gameplay

They are available now and expected to ship before the end of the year. The handheld market is still heating up, and now there are two more devices to choose from. Following up on the MSI Claw we first tested at CES 2024, the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ have been officially announced in a blog post on the MSI website. These are the first handhelds to feature Intel's Lunar Lake CPUs. The Core Ultra 7 258V with Arc 140V graphics is designed to offer better energy efficiency, with MSI noting that the 17W power draw offers "113% higher peak FPS and an average 20% higher FPS under identical power conditions" when compared to unnamed competitors, presumably the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck. These are also the first handhelds to support Microsoft's Copilot Plus, although our experience with the AI companion has been mixed at best. Still, combined with two Thunderbolt 4 ports and 32GB of RAM, they could serve as capable all-purpose handheld PCs when connected to an external monitor. MSI also includes an exclusive App Player, which will allow you to install and run Android apps and games. Since Microsoft is ending support for Windows Subsystem for Android next year, this might be an easier solution than installing a separate Android emulator on PC. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ share the same processor, but they have different screens: the former is an 8-inch IPS panel, and the latter is 7 inches. The Claw 8 AI+ also has a larger 80Wh battery, compared to 54.5Wh on the Claw 8 AI+.

MSI unveils its new competitor to the Steam Deck - MSI Claw 8 AI Plus

Handheld PC consoles have exploded in popularity, and for a very good reason. They're simply a wonderfully brilliant way to enjoy gaming -- whether on the couch, under a blanket, or reclining in your favorite armchair with a cozy throw. Just in time for the holiday season, MSI is set to launch a successor to its Claw, called the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus. This compact powerhouse features an 8-inch screen, Intel Lunar Lake chipset under the hood, and a whopping 32 GB of RAM. Not bad at all. The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus will launch on Christmas Day, December 25th, and will cost just over 12,000 SEK, making it one of -- or perhaps the -- most expensive handheld PC consoles on the market right now. Do you own a handheld PC console, and if so, which one? Or are you planning to get one?

MSI Introduces Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ Handheld Gaming Devices Featuring Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor

MSI has unveiled the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ handheld gaming devices, which are powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, Series 2. These compact devices are designed to offer strong performance with efficient power usage, targeting mobile gamers who want high-quality gaming on the go. They are available with 7-inch and the new 8-inch displays, which use artificial intelligence to provide clear and detailed visuals. The devices have larger batteries to support longer gaming sessions without needing frequent recharges, and their power management is optimized to maintain consistent performance during demanding games. The handhelds feature ergonomic designs that fit comfortably in the user's hand for extended gaming periods. They include Cooler Boost HyperFlow technology, which uses a dual-fan and dual-heat-pipe system to effectively manage heat and keep the devices stable. Multiple input/output ports are included for easy connection to various peripherals and external devices. Additionally, these models can function as portable PCs with Copilot+ PC capabilities. With Intel's XeSS technology, the devices can run more than 150 AAA game titles, and the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor operates at 17 watts to balance performance and energy use. MSI has also improved the user experience with the updated MSI Center M software, which provides an easier way to manage device settings and functions. The Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ come with dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, offering extensive connectivity options and allowing them to be used as Mini PCs with Copilot+ features. The controls, including the sticks, bumpers, D-pad, and hall-effect triggers, have been redesigned for better input accuracy and user comfort. The devices also include the App Player, which provides access to a wide range of games on both Windows and Android platforms, supporting various gaming preferences. These features make the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ advanced choices in the portable gaming market. Share this content Twitter Facebook Reddit WhatsApp Email Print Khronos Announces the Vulkan 1.4 Graphics API Maxsun Joins Intel Arc Independent Graphics Card Ecosystem