MSI recently showcased its latest gaming handhelds, the Claw 8 AI+ and the Claw 7 AI+. These next-gen mini PCs, successors to the MSI Claw which didn’t quite hit the mark, offer more than just a simple refresh. The handhelds feature updated specifications and several design alterations. However, the flagship model comes with a drawback – it’s considerably heavier.
Our first glimpse of the new Claw was at this year’s Computex, but the full specifications were not disclosed then. Now, MSI has unveiled the complete spec sheet for these two gaming handhelds.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is introduced in a unique “sandstorm” color while the 7-inch Claw 7 AI+ sticks to the classic black. The handhelds come with redesigned sticks, bumpers, hall-effect triggers, and the D-pad. They also feature a dual-fan, dual-heat-pipe mechanism to control temperature levels.
One potential drawback is the increased weight of the MSI Claw 8 AI+. At 795 grams, it’s significantly heavier than the previous version. This could potentially affect comfort during extended gaming sessions. The weight increase seems to stem from the larger screen size, as the 7-inch model maintains the original 675-gram weight.
In terms of tech specs, both handhelds are powered by Intel’s Lunar Lake CPU – the Core Ultra 7 258V. They also boast a major upgrade in system memory, with 32GB of LPDDR5x-8553 RAM, the highest currently available in any gaming handheld. The inclusion of Intel Arc 140V graphics should also provide a significant performance boost.
The Claw 8 AI+ features an 8-inch 1,920 x 1,200 touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a brightness level up to 500 nits. The smaller model is similar, featuring a 7-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 panel. Both models support Wi-Fi 6E and run on Windows 11. Additionally, with MSI’s Player, users can also play Android mobile games.
While the handhelds are currently available, MSI has not yet disclosed the price in their press release. However, an early Amazon listing suggests that the MSI Claw 8 AI+ may be priced around $900. We await official confirmations to verify this price point.
