It has been some time, however MSI has lastly launched its new flagship gaming handheld and Steam Deck competitor. MSI Claw 8 AI+A couple of months after making an attempt out a brand new system for the primary time. Not solely that, however a second shocking new possibility has additionally been revealed: Claw 7 AI+. This offers the identical efficiency in a smaller package deal.
Following the preliminary reveal of the brand new system, greater than six months since we received a primary have a look at the MSI Claw 8 AI+, and greater than three months since our hands-on expertise with the MSI Claw 8 AI+, MSI has stopped teasing and launched a brand new We have introduced our picks for the most effective handheld gaming PCs. As presently obtainable.
The primary efficiency improve for the brand new handheld collection is the usage of an Intel Core Extremely 7 285V processor. It is a vital improve over the unique MSI Claw A1M with Intel Core Extremely 7 155H. In some methods the 155H is extra highly effective than the 285V, however with 16 whole CPU cores in comparison with the 285V’s 8 whole, the newer chip’s cores are quicker, plus it is extra highly effective than the 285V. Efficiency remains to be good with 8 cores. Greater than sufficient.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ Specs
| MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM Specs | MSI Claw 7 AI+ A2VM Specs | |
| processor | Intel Core Extremely 7 Processor 258V | Intel Core Extremely 7 Processor 258V |
| working system | Home windows 11 House | Home windows 11 House |
| reminiscence | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 |
| display | 8-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 (16:10), touchscreen, 120Hz, 100% sRGB, 500nits, VRR, IPS kind panel | 7-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 (16:10), touchscreen, 120Hz, 100% sRGB, 500nits, VRR, IPS kind panel |
| graphics | Intel Arc 140V GPU | Intel Arc 140V GPU |
| storage | As much as 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD | As much as 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD |
| sensor | 6-axis IMU, vibration motor | 6-axis IMU, vibration motor |
| networking | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth v5.4 | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth v5.4 |
| audio | 2 x 2W audio system, DTS sound results, Hello-Res audio help | 2 x 2W audio system, DTS sound results, Hello-Res audio help |
| I/O port | 2 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB Sort-C, 1 x microSD, 1 x audio combo jack, 1 x energy button with fingerprint sensor | 2 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB Sort-C, 1 x microSD, 1 x audio combo jack, 1 x energy button with fingerprint sensor |
| battery/adapter | 6 Cell, Lithium Polymer, 80Whr / 65W USB Sort-C PD 3.0 | 6 Cell, Lithium Polymer, 80Whr / 65W USB Sort-C PD 3.0 |
| Dimensions (mm) | 299 x 126 x 24 (width x depth x top) | 294 x 117 x 21.2 (width x depth x top) |
| weight | 795g | 675g |
| shade | sandstorm | black |
| value | $899.99 | $799.99 |
Slightly, it is the 285V GPU portion that makes the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ so interesting. The GPU architectures utilized in newer and older Claw units are sufficiently totally different that direct comparisons of their statistics don’t inform you a lot. Nevertheless, MSI claims the brand new system can be as much as 113% quicker in peak body charge and as much as 20% quicker in common body charge.
These claims are backed up by gaming efficiency exams utilizing the identical processor in a laptop computer, so you possibly can anticipate a real-world enchancment. There are some variations because of thermal and energy limitations of handhelds and laptops, however the relative outcomes needs to be comparable, though MSI’s exams are primarily based on units operating at a comparatively modest 17W load.
What’s extra, all it’s because the unique Claw’s Intel Core Extremely 155H is already way more highly effective than the Steam Deck’s AMD GPU, and has efficiency on par with the brand new AMD GPUs utilized in issues just like the Asus ROG Ally. is assumed. And Lenovo Legion Go. As such, the brand new AI+ Claws needs to be the quickest gaming handheld obtainable right now.
Different options of the brand new Claws embody: The bigger of the 2, the Claw 8 AI+, options an 8-inch 1080p IPS display operating at as much as 120Hz and as much as 500nits of brightness. It comes housed in a barely considerably up to date bodily design in comparison with the unique Claw, switching from black to a “sandstorm” shade scheme. It measures 299 x 126 x 24 mm (W x D x H) and weighs 795 g, making it noticeably heavier than most opponents with 7-inch screens.
Moreover, the brand new processor is paired with an enormous 32GB of LPDDR5x-8533 RAM, and its elevated dimension leaves room for a considerable 80Whr battery, the identical because the up to date Asus ROG Ally X. Because of help, the brand new system additionally has two Thunderbolt 4 ports. Compliant with new Intel chip requirements.
The MSI Claw 7 AI+, however, is actually simply an up to date model of the unique MSI Claw chip. It seems to have the identical black design as earlier than and the identical smaller 7-inch display with 1080p decision, 120Hz refresh charge, and 500 nits brightness. The smaller system has the very same CPU and reminiscence because the Claw 8 AI+. Nevertheless, it makes use of the identical smaller 54.5Whr battery as the unique Claw.
The Intel 155H’s GPU makes use of a major quantity of energy, so the battery within the authentic system wasn’t best for delivering nice battery life. Nevertheless, the brand new Core Extremely 285V makes use of a lot much less energy, which ought to enhance battery life regardless of not rising battery capability on this smaller unit.
What needs to be improved with these new units is sport and driver help. As with Intel’s first era of desktop graphics playing cards, stability and compatibility had been huge points, as seen in our evaluation of the Intel Arc A770. Nevertheless, with many extra months of improvement, these points needs to be considerably improved within the new system. Suffice it to say, I’ll get it as quickly as potential and see how a lot it prices.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ pricing
MSI claims that the brand new Claws are presently obtainable, however the inventory is both already offered out or was by no means really obtainable. Nevertheless, you possibly can hold an eye fixed out for listings like this one on Amazon to see once they’re in inventory. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ prices $899.99 (add to wishlist utilizing this hyperlink), making it some of the costly handhelds obtainable right now. The MSI Claw 7 AI+, however, prices $799.99 (add it to your wishlist by way of this hyperlink), which is surprisingly costly contemplating the bodily up to date design and lack of a bigger battery. It looks like it’s.
For extra ideas on the unique Claw, try the MSI Claw 7 A1M preview. For an entire have a look at handhelds, try our Steam Deck OLED evaluation, Asus ROG Ally X evaluation, and Lenovo Legion Go evaluation. These are the three greatest gamers on this area proper now.
