MSI is ready to take on the world of PC gaming handhelds with its new Claw 8 AI+. This powerful device is the follow-up to the original Claw and features Intel’s cutting-edge Core Ultra processors (Series 2), also known as Lunar Lake. The new architecture and Xe2 GPU (Battlemage) bring significant performance gains and improved efficiency compared to the previous generation.
The Claw 8 AI+ earns its name with its large 8-inch display, boasting a 1200P resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate with VRR support. The device’s brain, the Core Ultra 200V processor, is designed to excel in AI performance. Attendees at the IFA conference in Germany have had the opportunity to get hands-on with the Claw 8 AI+, and MSI has been showcasing its gaming prowess by running the critically acclaimed Xbox title, H-Fi Rush.
But the Claw 8 AI+ isn’t just about powerful hardware. MSI has taken user feedback seriously and incorporated numerous improvements over the original Claw. This includes a Thunderbolt 4-supported USB-C port for versatile connectivity, enhanced LB and RB buttons with a more tactile feel, and a larger 80Whr battery capacity, significantly exceeding the original’s 53Whr.
MSI is confident in positioning the Claw 8 AI+ as the most advanced 8-inch gaming handheld on the market. Its reliance on Intel’s Core Ultra technology sets it apart from competitors like the ROG Ally and Steam Deck, which utilize AMD Ryzen chips with integrated Radeon graphics. While the reasoning behind MSI’s choice of Intel over AMD remains unclear, the Claw 8 AI+ signals a continued commitment to Intel for future PC gaming handhelds.
Early hands-on impressions, including those seen in ETA PRIME’s video, suggest that MSI is aiming for a January 2025 release. However, the biggest question mark is performance. While Intel’s new Core Ultra 200 series with Xe2 graphics shows promise, the graphics drivers are not yet as mature as those from AMD or NVIDIA. Nevertheless, Intel’s internal benchmarks show a 31% improvement over the previous Core Ultra generation and a 16% performance edge over the flagship AMD Ryzen AI 300 chip with RDNA 3.5 graphics. If these numbers translate to real-world gaming performance, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ could become the ultimate PC gaming handheld.
