The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ represents a significant step forward in the handheld gaming PC market, boasting the new Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor. This handheld is capable of achieving over 60 frames per second in demanding games at its native 1200p resolution, even with medium to high graphical settings. However, this high level of performance comes with a substantial price tag.
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ starts at $1,799, making it one of the most expensive handheld gaming devices from a major manufacturer. This pricing is partly attributed to a broader market trend of increased costs for memory and storage, exacerbated by demand from AI data centers. As a result, the Claw 8 EX AI+ is currently a niche product, especially when compared to more affordable alternatives.
Design and Ergonomics
The design of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ draws inspiration from other popular handhelds, featuring flared grips on the bottom corners that offer a more natural feel in hand. These grips are textured, preventing slippage during extended gaming sessions. However, the overall size of the device, measuring 11 inches wide and weighing 1.7 pounds, can impact comfort for some users, requiring a stretch to reach certain buttons. The placement of menu buttons, particularly the 'start' and 'select' buttons, can lead to accidental activation of MSI's software, which may disrupt gameplay flow and require manual refocusing of game windows.
Despite minor ergonomic quibbles, the device includes a dedicated Game Bar button that provides quick access to performance modes, screen brightness, and RGB lighting. The controllers feature Hall Effect analog sticks and triggers, designed for longevity and resistance to stick drift. The handheld is equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MicroSD card reader, and a headphone jack along the top edge. A notable design element is the 8-inch display that extends slightly below the main chassis, allowing for a larger screen within a more compact body compared to previous models.
Performance and Features
At the heart of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is the Intel Arc G3 Extreme SoC. This chip is a variant of the Intel Core Ultra 9 388H, with two performance cores disabled to optimize for handheld use. Crucially, it features the full Arc B390 GPU with 12 Xe-cores. This new architecture, based on Intel's Panther Lake platform, offers a considerable performance leap over previous Intel mobile chips. Compared to last year's MSI Claw, the new model sees up to a 47% increase in 3DMark Time Spy scores and a 54% boost in Cyberpunk 2077 performance.
When compared to AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme, the Intel G3 Extreme demonstrates a significant advantage. In Cyberpunk 2077, the Claw 8 EX AI+ achieved 54 fps at 1080p with high settings and XeSS on performance, outperforming the Lenovo Legion Go 2, which managed 37 fps under similar conditions. This 37% lead is notable, especially considering both devices were priced similarly at the time of review. However, the Asus ROG Ally X, costing significantly less at $999, presents a challenge to the Claw's value proposition. While the Ally X achieved 44 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p, the Claw's performance advantage shrinks to about 20% despite its much higher price.
The Claw 8 EX AI+ also supports multi-frame generation technology, utilizing the NPU to insert AI-generated frames between rendered ones. This feature, similar to AMD's frame generation, can significantly boost perceived smoothness on the device's 120Hz display. In Crimson Desert, frame generation increased performance from approximately 40-45 fps to around 155 fps, though it can introduce some added latency and visual artifacts, which may be more noticeable depending on the game's pace.
Battery Life and Value
While disabling two performance cores aims to improve battery life, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ does not offer a significant advantage over comparable Z2 Extreme-equipped handhelds. In productivity tasks measured by Procyon, the device lasted an impressive 13 hours. However, in a real-world gaming scenario playing Crimson Desert, the battery depleted in just over two hours, a figure comparable to the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and Asus ROG Ally X. An 'Endurance mode' is included, which locks the framerate to 30 fps and limits power consumption, potentially extending battery life considerably in games where high frame rates are not critical.
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is available for purchase starting at $1,799, which includes an Intel Arc G3 Extreme CPU, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. This high price point, coupled with its current market positioning, makes it a compelling option primarily for enthusiasts who prioritize the absolute best handheld performance and are willing to overlook the cost and potential niche appeal. The device is available at retailers like Best Buy.