MSI has just unveiled its next-gen Claw gaming handhelds, packing some serious power under their sleek exteriors. Both the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ are equipped with the formidable Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, boasting 32GB of RAM and up to a whopping 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, conveniently upgradeable according to MSI. These two devices are almost identical in their powerhouse specs, with the primary distinctions being their screen size, battery capacity, and overall dimensions.
If you’re someone who craves maximum screen real estate for an immersive gaming experience or prefer a more compact design for gaming on the go, both options promise you won’t miss out on performance.
Let’s dive into the specs: Both versions sport the same Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor and feature 32GB of integrated LPDDR5x-8533 memory. Storage-wise, you can get up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD with easy access via one NVMe M.2 2230 SSD Gen4 x4 option. The graphics are powered by the integrated Intel Arc 140 GPU. The Claw 8 AI+ features an 8-inch FHD+ display at 1920×1200 resolution, with a 16:10 aspect ratio, touchscreen capability, 120Hz refresh rate, and 100% sRGB color for vibrant visuals – it even hits 500 nits of brightness and supports Variable Refresh Rate on an IPS-level screen. Meanwhile, the Claw 7 AI+ comes with a slightly smaller 7-inch FHD screen with similar features.
The audio is handled by two 2W speakers with DTS support, ensuring high-resolution sound quality. Each device incorporates a 6-axis IMU sensor and vibration motor, enhancing the tactile gaming experience. In terms of connectivity, the Claw 8 AI+ supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, while the Claw 7 AI+ comes with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.34. Both are equipped with a generous assortment of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4/DP/USB Type-C PD 3.0 ports, a microSD slot, a 3.5mm combo jack, and a power button with a fingerprint sensor.
Battery life is another talking point, with the Claw 8 AI+ boasting an 80Whr 6-cell Li-Po battery and the Claw 7 AI+ featuring a 54.5Whr version. And both come with a 65W USB Type-C PD 3.0 adapter. The dimensions and weight differ slightly — the Claw 8 AI+ comes in at 299 x 126 x 24mm and weighs 795g, while the Claw 7 AI+ is more compact at 290 x 117 x 21.2mm, weighing 675g. Both run on Windows 11 Home, offering a seamless and modern OS experience.
Interesting to note, MSI hasn’t disclosed the official pricing on their website yet, nor are these devices listed in their US e-shop. However, Amazon has them up for pre-orders with the Claw 8 AI+ at $899 for the 1TB version and the Claw 7 AI+ at $799, which comes with 512GB storage despite MSI’s specs indicating larger capacities.
A significant selling point here is the unique use of Intel processors, diverging from competitors like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, which typically rely on AMD tech. This shift sees enhanced processing power and more efficiently designed gaming controls — joysticks, bumpers, D-pads, and hall-effect triggers have been meticulously redesigned for better accuracy and comfort. Even though there’s an 11-inch competitor from Tencent with a similar processor in development, it’s yet to hit the U.S. market.
Intel’s Lunar Lake chips promise enhanced efficiency, allowing gamers to indulge in longer play sessions without needing to recharge too often, as they operate at just 17W. MSI highlights that the Claw 8 AI+ and 7 AI+ can deliver a “113% higher peak FPS and an average 20% higher FPS under identical power conditions.”
These handhelds are laden with ports and promise versatility beyond gaming. They could easily function as mini-PCs with Copilot+ capabilities. Moreover, they will soon offer an exclusive App Player, enabling the installation of both Windows and Android games, making them a fantastic choice for those seeking devices that balance work and play seamlessly.
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