MSI has stepped into the spotlight with the release of its new Claw gaming handhelds, boasting the robust Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor. Accompanied by a hefty 32GB of RAM and storage options scaling up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, this device promises impressive power right at your fingertips. The standout feature here is MSI’s claim that the storage is conveniently upgradeable. This new lineup includes two models: the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and the Claw 7 AI+. While these two models share nearly identical specs, they diverge slightly in terms of screen size, battery life, and overall dimensions.
So, if you’re someone who cherishes a large display for an immersive experience or you’re leaning towards a more compact device for portability, you won’t be trading off on performance with either choice.
Delving into the specs, both models are powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V and packed with 32GB of LPDDR5x-8533 integrated memory. For storage, they each support up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, with room for further upgrades via an NVMe M.2 2230 SSD Gen4 x4 slot. Graphics-wise, you’ll find the Intel Arc 140 GPU integrated within both models. The Claw 8 comes with an 8-inch FHD+ display, offering a resolution of 1920×1200, while its sibling, the Claw 7, sports a 7-inch FHD display. Both screens are touchscreen-enabled and offer 120Hz refresh rates with a 100% sRGB color gamut.
Audiophiles will appreciate the dual 2W speakers, complete with DTS support and Hi-Res Audio capabilities. Each device houses a 6-axis IMU sensor and vibration motor, catering to a fully immersive gaming experience. Connectivity is well covered with Wi-Fi 7 or 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, alongside multiple ports including two Thunderbolt 4/DP/USB Type-C PD 3.0 inputs, a microSD slot, and the all-important 3.5mm combo jack.
When it comes to battery, the Claw 8 packs an 80Whr 6-cell Li-Po battery, slightly larger than the Claw 7’s 54.5Whr. Both come with a 65W USB Type-C PD 3.0 adapter for charging.
MSI has remained coy regarding these beauties’ pricing on its official channels, though they’ve emerged on Amazon’s preorder listings. The Claw 8 AI+ is available for $899 with a 1TB drive, while the Claw 7 AI+ comes in at $799 boasting 512GB in storage, a deviation from MSI’s own specification sheets.
What really sets these devices apart is their choice of an Intel processor, defying the industry’s norm, which largely favors AMD for handhelds, like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go. This new addition marks significant strides not just in processing power but also in ergonomics, with redesigned joysticks and hall-effect triggers that promise improved precision and comfort during those long gaming sessions. Tencent is also working on a similar handheld featuring the same processor, but its availability stateside remains uncertain.
Featuring Intel’s Lunar Lake chips, these handhelds promise to marry performance with efficiency, offering longer battery life with their 17W operation. MSI boldly claims these models deliver “113% higher peak FPS and an average 20% higher FPS under identical power conditions.” Such feats make the Claw 8 AI+ and 7 AI+ potential game-changers in the space.
Chock-full of ports, MSI envisions these handhelds as excellent candidates for mini-PCs, and they’re set to include Copilot+ capabilities. Gaming enthusiasts will also appreciate an exclusive App Player, enabling the installation of both Windows and Android games. This flexibility makes these devices not just gaming powerhouses but versatile tools for both entertainment and productivity.
