MSI has just rolled out its latest line of Claw gaming handhelds, powered by the new Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor. These devices come packed with 32GB of RAM and the option of up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, which MSI highlights as being user-friendly for upgrades. The Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ models share many similarities, notably in specs, differing mainly in screen size, battery capacity, and overall size and weight.
This means if you’re someone who values a large display for that immersive gaming experience or prefers something more travel-friendly, you’re not compromising on power or performance either way.
Here’s what these devices bring to the table:
MSI Claw 8 AI+:
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
- Memory: 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 (integrated)
- Storage: Up to 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
- Graphics: Intel Arc 140 GPU (integrated)
- Display: 8-inch FHD+ (1920×1200), with a 16:10 Touchscreen, 120Hz refresh rate, 100% sRGB color gamut, 500 nits brightness, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and IPS-level quality
- Audio: Dual 2W speakers with DTS and Hi-Res Audio support
- Sensors: Equipped with a 6-axis IMU and a vibration motor
- Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
- Ports: Includes 2x Thunderbolt 4/DP/USB Type-C PD 3.0, a microSD slot, a combo jack, and a fingerprint sensor
- Battery: 80Whr 6-cell Li-Po
- Dimensions: 299 x 126 x 24mm
- Weight: 795g
- OS: Windows 11 Home
MSI Claw 7 AI+:
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
- Memory: 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 (integrated)
- Storage: Up to 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
- Graphics: Intel Arc 140 GPU (integrated)
- Display: 7-inch FHD (1920×1080), Touchscreen, 120Hz, 100% sRGB, 500 nits, VRR, IPS-level
- Audio: Dual 2W speakers with DTS and Hi-Res Audio support
- Sensors: 6-axis IMU, vibration motor
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.34
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4/DP/USB Type-C PD 3.0, microSD slot, combo jack, fingerprint sensor
- Battery: 54.5Whr 6-cell Li-Po
- Dimensions: 290 x 117 x 21.2mm
- Weight: 675g
- OS: Windows 11 Home
One thing MSI hasn’t disclosed yet is the pricing directly – these are not yet listed on their US store. However, they are available for preorder on Amazon, with the Claw 8 AI+ tagged at $899 for the 1TB version, while the Claw 7 AI+ is retailing at $799, albeit with a 512GB storage option instead.
What sets these devices apart is the choice of Intel processors. While most of the competition, like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, favors AMD chips, MSI’s move makes for an interesting twist. Besides the improved processing power, these handhelds bring upgraded joysticks, bumpers, D-pads, and hall-effect triggers, designed to enhance accuracy, consistency, and ergonomics.
While Tencent has announced an 11-inch handheld using the same processor, it’s still underway, and we don’t expect it anytime soon in the U.S.
Notably, the Intel Lunar Lake chips used here run efficiently, helping gamers extend their playtime without frequent charging interruptions. MSI proudly claims their Claw devices offer a "113% higher peak FPS and an average 20% higher FPS under the same power conditions."
Loaded with a wide array of ports, these handhelds are viable as mini-PCs, complete with Copilot+ capabilities. They also feature an exclusive App Player, enabling both Windows and Android games installation, which makes them highly versatile for work and play alike.
