MSI has just unveiled its latest lineup of Claw gaming handhelds, equipped with the impressive Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, a whopping 32GB of RAM, and up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD. MSI is proud to say that upgrading this SSD is a breeze. These handhelds are available in two models: the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and the Claw 7 AI+. Both carry virtually identical specs, with the main difference being in the screen size, battery capacity, and overall dimensions.
So, depending on whether you like the grandeur of a larger display for an immersive experience or you prefer something more compact for convenience on the go, you’re assured that performance remains top-notch across both devices.
Detailed Specs:
- Processor: Both models run on the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V.
- Memory: They each come with 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 RAM.
- Storage: You can have up to 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD.
- Graphics: Intel Arc 140 GPU is integrated into both.
- Displays: The Claw 8 AI+ boasts an 8-inch FHD+ screen, while the Claw 7 AI+ features a slightly smaller 7-inch FHD display. Both offer 120Hz refresh rates and vibrant color support.
- Audio: Each device is equipped with dual 2W speakers, providing DTS sound quality and Hi-Res Audio support.
- Sensors & Connectivity: There’s a 6-axis IMU and vibration motor, alongside robust wireless options, including Wi-Fi 7 for the 8 AI+ and Wi-Fi 6E for the 7 AI+.
- Battery & Ports: The Claw 8 AI+ has an 80Whr 6-cell Li-Po battery, compared to 54.5Whr for the 7 AI+. Both models offer multiple ports, like Thunderbolt 4 and a microSD slot.
MSI hasn’t disclosed official pricing details in their announcement. However, you can already place preorders on Amazon, where the Claw 8 AI+ lists for $899 with 1TB of storage, while the Claw 7 AI+ costs $799 but offers a reduced 512GB capacity, a bit of a discrepancy with MSI’s official specs.
What’s particularly intriguing about these devices is the choice of Intel processors. Unlike most in the market, such as the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go that go with AMD, MSI’s move might offer a fresh edge in performance. Beyond processing power, these handhelds come with enhanced joysticks, bumpers, D-pads, and hall-effect triggers, promising better accuracy and comfort during gameplay. Even with Tencent working on an 11-inch handheld using the same processor, it’s still under development, so U.S. customers will have to wait.
The Lunar Lake chips from Intel enhance efficiency, reducing power usage to 17W, which MSI says results in longer battery life during gaming. They assert that the new Claw models achieve "113% higher peak FPS and an average of 20% higher FPS under identical power conditions."
These devices are versatile, equipped with multiple ports and capable of functioning almost like mini-PCs. They’re even set to incorporate Copilot+ and an exclusive App Player that supports both Windows and Android games. It’s clear that whether used for productivity or leisure, these gaming handhelds pack a punch.
