MSI has just unveiled its latest lineup of Claw gaming handhelds, featuring the impressive Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor. Each device is equipped with a whopping 32GB of RAM and can hold up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, which MSI assures is easily upgradeable. The two fresh models in the series, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and the Claw 7 AI+, share nearly identical specifications. The major differences lie in their screen sizes, battery life, and overall dimensions.
So, whether you’re someone who craves a larger display for a more immersive gaming experience or if you’re leaning towards a more compact device, you won’t be missing out on performance.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Processor: Both devices pack the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V.
- Memory: You get 32GB of integrated LPDDR5x-8533 RAM.
- Storage: Each supports up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, with an easy access NVMe M.2 2230 slot for upgrades.
- Graphics: Powered by the integrated Intel Arc 140 GPU.
- Display: The Claw 8 AI+ sports an 8-inch FHD+ screen, while the Claw 7 AI+ comes with a 7-inch FHD display. Both offer 120Hz refresh rates, 100% sRGB coverage, and a vibrant 500 nits of brightness.
- Audio: Both feature dual 2W speakers with DTS and Hi-Res Audio support.
- Connectivity: The devices offer advanced connectivity options, with the Claw 8 AI+ supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, while the Claw 7 AI+ offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.34.
- Ports: A generous array of ports includes two Thunderbolt 4/DP/USB Type-C PD 3.0, a microSD slot, a 3.5mm combo jack, and a power button with an integrated fingerprint sensor.
- Battery and Dimensions: The Claw 8 AI+ runs on an 80Whr battery, compared to the 54.5Whr in the Claw 7 AI+, reflecting the varying sizes—299 x 126 x 24mm for the 8 AI+ and 290 x 117 x 21.2mm for the 7 AI+. The weights are 795g and 675g, respectively.
- Operating System: Both models come with Windows 11 Home pre-installed.
MSI hasn’t disclosed the official price yet, nor are they listed in MSI’s US e-store. However, you can preorder them on Amazon. The Claw 8 AI+ is listed at $899 with 1TB of storage, and the Claw 7 AI+ is slightly cheaper at $799, though it offers a reduced storage option of 512GB—contrary to MSI’s spec sheet.
What sets these devices apart is their use of Intel processors, which is a rarity compared to the common AMD chips in rival products like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go. Moreover, MSI has refined the joystick, bumper, D-pad, and trigger designs to enhance precision and ergonomics during gameplay. Although Tencent has announced an 11-inch handheld with a similar chipset, it’s still in the developmental stages and unlikely to hit the U.S. market soon.
One of the standout features of these devices is the Intel Lunar Lake processors, which boost efficiency for longer gaming sessions, running at just 17W. MSI boasts that the Claw 8 AI+ and 7 AI+ offer a 113% increase in peak FPS and about 20% higher average FPS under identical power conditions.
With a range of available ports, MSI envisions these handhelds as perfect small PCs, capable of leveraging Copilot+ capabilities. They’ll also debut with an exclusive App Player that enables the installation of both Windows and Android games, making them a versatile choice for both work and entertainment.
