MSI recently rolled out its latest line of Claw gaming handhelds, showcasing the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor paired with a hefty 32GB of RAM and up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD. MSI emphasizes the SSD is easy to upgrade, which is a nice touch for those who like to customize their devices. The two new entrants, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+, essentially share the same technical specs, differing mainly in their display sizes, battery life, and overall dimensions.
Depending on your gaming needs, whether you savor a large display for a fully immersive experience or prefer a compact design for portability, both models deliver solid performance without any trade-offs.
Here’s a quick look at the specifications:
- Processor: Both models run on the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
- Memory: Equipped with 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 integrated RAM
- Storage: The SSD is a PCIe Gen4, with easy access for upgrades
- Graphics: Boasts an integrated Intel Arc 140 GPU
- Display:
- Claw 8 AI+: 8-inch FHD+ (1920×1200) touchscreen
- Claw 7 AI+: 7-inch FHD (1920×1080) touchscreen
- Audio: Each comes with 2x 2W speakers, DTS support, and Hi-Res Audio
- Sensors & Connectivity: Features include a 6-axis IMU, vibration motor, Wi-Fi options, and Bluetooth versions, with an array of ports
- Battery:
- Claw 8 AI+: 80Whr 6-cell Li-Po
- Claw 7 AI+: 54.5Whr 6-cell Li-Po
- Weight and Size: Claw 8 AI+ weighs 795g, while the Claw 7 AI+ is lighter at 675g
- Operating System: Both run on Windows 11 Home
While MSI hasn’t provided official pricing, the Claw 8 AI+ is listed for $899 on Amazon with 1TB storage, and the Claw 7 AI+ is $100 less, offering 512GB storage, though this differs from MSI’s official specifications.
These devices stand out due to their Intel processors, which set them apart from rivals that favor AMD chips, like ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go. With enhancements like revamped joysticks, bumpers, and hall-effect triggers, MSI aims to deliver an elevated gaming experience with improved accuracy and comfort. Tencent’s similar offering is still brewing, so we don’t expect to see it in the U.S. market anytime soon.
MSI boasts about the efficiency of Intel’s Lunar Lake chips, which supposedly allow for longer gaming sessions by running at just 17W. They claim these devices achieve a substantial boost in peak FPS – 113% higher – and a consistent 20% improvement in FPS under the same power conditions.
With an extensive array of ports, MSI suggests these portable powerhouses could serve as mini-PCs and offer Copilot+ functionality. Moreover, an exclusive App Player supports both Windows and Android games, adding versatility for work and entertainment.
In essence, MSI’s new handhelds are not just about gaming; they’re shaping up to be multi-functional devices that offer a host of features for different kinds of users.
