MSI has just rolled out their latest cutting-edge Claw gaming handhelds, featuring the impressive Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, paired with a hefty 32GB of RAM and boasting up to a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD. They’ve cleverly designed the storage to be easily upgradeable, which is a great touch for those who love to tweak their tech. Two models, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and the Claw 7 AI+, have hit the scene, and while they share most features, you’ll notice a difference when it comes to screen size, battery life, and dimensions.
Whether your priority is a sprawling display for that extra kick of immersion or a more compact design for portability, you won’t be sacrificing any power. Both deliver top-tier performance thanks to their robust specs.
Specifications
| MSI Claw 8 AI+ | MSI Claw 7 AI+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V |
| Memory | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 (integrated) | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 (integrated) |
| Storage | Up to 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD Easily Accessible | 1x NVMe M.2 2230 SSD Gen4 x4 |
| Graphics | Intel Arc 140 GPU (integrated) | Intel Arc 140 GPU (integrated) |
| Display | 8" FHD+ (1920×1200), 120Hz, IPS | 7" FHD (1920×1080), 120Hz, IPS |
| Audio | 2x 2W speakers, DTS, Hi-Res Audio | 2x 2W speakers, DTS, Hi-Res Audio |
| Sensors | 6-axis IMU, vibration motor | 6-axis IMU, vibration motor |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7 / Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.34 |
| Ports | Multiple including Thunderbolt 4 | Multiple including Thunderbolt 4 |
| Battery | 80Whr 6-cell Li-Po | 54.5Whr 6-cell Li-Po |
| Adapter | 65W USB Type-C PD 3.0 | 65W USB Type-C PD 3.0 |
| Dimensions | 299 x 126 x 24mm | 290 x 117 x 21.2mm |
| Weight | 795g | 675g |
| OS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
Interestingly, MSI has kept mum about the pricing during their initial announcement, and the devices haven’t appeared in the US section of MSI’s online store. But eager buyers can snag these on Amazon with the Claw 8 AI+ starting at $899 for the 1TB version, and the Claw 7 AI+ going for $799, albeit with a reduced 512GB capacity—a slight deviation from MSI’s official spec sheet.
What sets these handhelds apart is their reliance on Intel processors—a rarity among mainstream competitors such as the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, which favor AMD chips. This latest generation from MSI doesn’t just offer improved processing; it also comes with redesigned joysticks, bumpers, D-pads, and hall-effect triggers aiming for boosted accuracy, consistent performance, and enhanced ergonomics. Though Tencent is also developing a handheld sporting the same Intel processor, it’s still in the works, and its availability in the U.S. remains unclear.
Intel’s Lunar Lake chips deliver better efficiency, leading to longer gaming sessions on battery life, consuming just 17W power. MSI brags about a "113% higher peak FPS and an average 20% higher FPS under identical power conditions" for these devices.
With a plethora of ports, MSI proposes these new handhelds as potential mini-PCs, featuring Copilot+ capabilities. Adding to its versatility is an exclusive App Player that allows users to install games from both Windows and Android platforms. In short, they are shaping up to be handy tools for both productive work and immersive play.
