MSI has unveiled its latest lineup of Claw gaming handhelds, introducing the innovative Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, complemented by a substantial 32GB of RAM and generously equipped with up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD. According to MSI, these specs are a breeze to upgrade, offering users more flexibility. The company has rolled out two new handhelds, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and the Claw 7 AI+. They pack almost identical punch specs-wise, with the primary differences being screen size, battery life, and consequently, their dimensions.
For those torn between enjoying the utmost visual immersion or prioritizing portability, MSI has got you covered with no trade-off in terms of performance.
| Specification | MSI Claw 8 AI+ | MSI Claw 7 AI+ |
|—————|—————–|—————–|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V |
| Memory | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 (integrated) | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 (integrated) |
| Storage | Up to 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD Easy Access | 1x NVMe M.2 2230 SSD Gen4 x4 |
| Graphics | Intel Arc 140 GPU (integrated) | Intel Arc 140 GPU (integrated) |
| Display | 8-inch FHD+ (1920×1200), 16:10, Touchscreen, 120Hz, 100% sRGB, 500nits, VRR, IPS-level | 7-inch FHD (1920×1080), Touchscreen, 120Hz, 100% sRGB, 500nits, VRR, IPS-level |
| Audio | 2x 2W speakers, DTS, Hi-Res Audio support | 2x 2W speakers, DTS, Hi-Res Audio support |
| Sensors | 6-axis IMU, vibration motor | 6-axis IMU, vibration motor |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7 / Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.34 |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4/DP/USB Type-C PD 3.0, microSD slot, combo jack, fingerprint power button | 2x Thunderbolt 4/DP/USB Type-C PD 3.0, microSD slot, combo jack, fingerprint power button |
| Battery | 80Whr 6-cell Li-Po | 54.5Whr 6-cell Li-Po |
| Adapter | 65W USB Type-C PD 3.0 | 65W USB Type-C PD 3.0 |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 299 x 126 x 24mm | 290 x 117 x 21.2mm |
| Weight | 795g | 675g |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
MSI hasn’t revealed the official pricing yet, and these handhelds are not yet visible on their US online store. However, they are available for preorder on Amazon. The Claw 8 AI+ comes in at $899 with a 1TB storage, while the Claw 7 AI+ is slightly more affordable at $799, offering a reduced 512GB storage option—contrary to what’s detailed in MSI’s spec sheets.
What distinguishes these from the rest of the pack is the choice of Intel processors, which sets them apart from many competitors like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go that opt for AMD. Notably, MSI’s new generation Claw models shine with enhanced joysticks, bumpers, D-pads, and hall-effect triggers for superior precision, consistency, and ergonomics in gameplay. Although Tencent has teased an 11-inch handheld using the same processor, it’s still in development, and we don’t expect it to hit the US market soon.
Featuring Intel’s Lunar Lake chips, these handhelds promise improved efficiency, which translates to extended battery life for those marathon gaming sessions, operating at a low power of 17W. MSI boasts that the Claw 8 AI+ and 7 AI+ achieve “113% higher peak FPS and roughly 20% more FPS on average” compared to previous models under similar power conditions.
Thanks to the array of ports, MSI markets the Claw AI+ devices as excellent mini-PCs, featuring Copilot+ capabilities. Furthermore, they can run an exclusive App Player, enabling users to load both Windows and Android games. This versatility positions these devices as equally fitting for work and leisure.
