The MSI Claw 8 AI+ represents a significant leap from its predecessor, delivering strong performance thanks to Intel's Lunar Lake Core Ultra 7 258V and Arc 140V graphics. Reviewers praised its large 8-inch 120Hz display, comfortable ergonomics, and excellent battery life. The device is well-suited for users seeking a powerful, immersive handheld gaming experience, though its premium price and some software issues may deter budget-conscious buyers. TechPowerUp and Club386 both highlighted its improved hardware and design over previous models.
Full review
Hardware Foundation
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ represents a significant leap from its predecessor, thanks to Intel's Core Ultra 7 258V processor paired with integrated Arc 140V graphics. TechRadar's review noted that this Lunar Lake-based system delivers 'a sizable step up' over previous Intel architectures, with the 258V model providing a good balance of performance and efficiency. The system's 32GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory, as opposed to the 16GB found in earlier models, offers substantial headroom for future-proofing. According to RTINGS, the 258V CPU's 12MB of L3 cache and integrated Xe2 graphics provide 'powerful performance' that's 'well-suited for handheld gaming.' The system's 1TB Kioxia BG6 SSD provides ample storage, though the lack of upgradeability remains a limitation. The decision to use the 258V rather than the higher-clocked 268V model was strategic, as noted by Club386's Samuel Willetts, who observed that 'a 200MHz boost to CPU and GPU frequencies would prove earth-shattering.'
Performance testing from multiple sources confirms this hardware upgrade's impact. The Claw 8 AI+ achieves sustained frame rates that exceed those of its predecessor, with Tom's Hardware reporting 'class-leading performance across the board' at a price tag of $1,799 for the EX variant. The system's 80Wh battery capacity, shared with the ASUS ROG Ally X, provides 'strong battery life' according to HotHardware. However, the 258V's performance is still somewhat limited by its 20W TDP, which can be increased to 30W for better gaming performance. The system's 120Hz display with VRR support and 1920x1200 resolution provides a 'smooth' gaming experience, as noted by Windows Forum's reviewers. The inclusion of an NPU with 47 TOPS, as highlighted by Gadgetry Tech, adds a new dimension to the system's capabilities, though it's not essential for raw gaming performance.
Display and Visuals
The 8-inch IPS display with 1920x1200 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate is a standout feature of the Claw 8 AI+, offering a 'large, punchy, smooth screen' that's larger than both the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. Club386's Samuel Willetts noted that the '8in screen is appreciably larger than Steam Deck (7in) and ROG Ally (7in), matching the likes of Legion Go S in size,' adding that 'the extra inch of screen real estate often makes for a wonderfully immersive gaming experience by virtue of size alone.' The panel's peak brightness of 500nits, as measured by Windows Forum, makes it 'easier to use in direct sunlight,' though some reviewers noted the lack of OLED's 'inky-black contrast' and lower brightness floor that makes late-night gaming easier on the eyes.
HotHardware's review emphasized that the IPS panel's 'exceptionally good motion clarity for this type of screen' and that it 'doesn't experience color shifting when you're moving the system around in your hands.' The screen's VRR support and 120Hz refresh rate provide 'reduced perceived stutter in fast titles and make UI navigation feel snappier,' according to Windows Forum. However, the display lacks HDR support, which is a notable omission given that OLED panels are the only major manufacturer in this space to offer HDR. RTINGS noted that the display's 'sharp and smooth' nature is enhanced by VRR, but the 'lack of OLED' means 'no risk of burn-in' and 'higher peak SDR brightness.' The screen's 'smaller bezels' add to 'immersion,' as noted by Windows Forum, though some reviewers found the 'drab greige aesthetics' of the system's design unappealing.
Design and Ergonomics
MSI's design approach for the Claw 8 AI+ prioritizes comfort and usability over portability, resulting in a 'large chassis' that measures 299mm (W) x 126mm (D) x 24mm (H) and weighs 795g. The system's 'rounded sides and fingers nestle into the ribbed contours that line the back of the chassis' provide 'natural' finger placement, according to Club386's Samuel Willetts. The 'scalloped grips, textured rear, and balanced weight distribution' reduce hand fatigue during marathon play sessions, as noted by Windows Forum. The 'hall-effect analog sticks' and 'clickable sticks' provide 'modern-grade' controls, while the 'full complement of bumpers and face buttons' offer familiar gaming input. However, the 'bulky' nature of the system is a trade-off, as noted by HotHardware, which observed that 'the extra size' makes it 'one of the most comfortable Windows handhelds to hold for hours.' The 'drab greige aesthetics' of the system's design, as noted by Windows Forum, are a departure from the more aggressive styling of the AMD-based Claw A8, which uses 'angled edges and an aggressive design.'
The system's 'fingerprint reader' and '65W charger' provide additional convenience, though the 'lack of carry case included' is a notable omission, as noted by Club386. The 'stand' included with the system requires 'carving it out of the machine's packaging and then fold it together like a piece of terrible origami,' according to HotHardware. The 'dual Thunderbolt 4 ports' provide 'versatile external connectivity,' while the 'microSD card reader' allows for additional storage. The '2W speakers' produce 'fuller sound than earlier Claw versions,' though 'wired or Bluetooth headphones remain the better choice' for premium audio. The 'haptics/rumble are serviceable but not a triumph' according to Windows Forum, and the 'factory gyro/aim tuning underwhelming' until sensitivity profiles are tweaked, as noted by HotHardware.
Performance and Gaming
The Claw 8 AI+ delivers 'consistently faster' performance than its predecessor, with 'meaningful gains in both synthetic tests and real games,' according to HotHardware. The system's performance is 'very competitive with the ASUS ROG Ally X when set to equivalent TDPs,' as noted by Windows Forum, and 'often offering superior performance-per-watt,' according to Tom's Hardware. The system's 'TDP (configurable wattage) is tuned sensibly' to deliver 'higher sustained frame rates,' according to Windows Forum. In gaming scenarios, the system's 'GPU-limited' nature means that performance is 'better than the original Claw and competes very well with the ASUS ROG Ally X,' as noted by HotHardware. The system's '120Hz display with VRR support' provides 'reduced perceived stutter in fast titles and make UI navigation feel snappier,' according to Windows Forum. The 'Intel Arc integrated Xe2' graphics provide 'a sizable step up' over previous Intel architectures, as noted by TechRadar.
However, performance is not without its limitations. The system's '20W TDP' can be increased to '30W' for better gaming performance, but this requires 'sensible tuning' to avoid thermal throttling. The 'lack of OLED' means 'no risk of burn-in' and 'higher peak SDR brightness,' but also 'no HDR support,' according to RTINGS. The 'NPU with 47 TOPS' provides 'potential for Windows to continually leverage benefits' by offloading tasks, though 'NPUs arent essential for raw gaming performance,' as noted by Gadgetry Tech. The system's '32GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory' provides 'substantial headroom for future-proofing,' but 'the lack of upgradeability' remains a limitation, as noted by Club386.
Software and User Experience
The Claw 8 AI+ runs on Windows 11 Home, which introduces 'Windows 11's desktop baggage' and 'some software rough edges,' according to Windows Forum. The system's 'updated drivers' provide 'a more stable and powerful system' compared to previous Intel-based handhelds, as noted by Club386. However, the 'software quirks' and 'Windows 11's desktop baggage' remain 'notable drawbacks,' according to the same source. The system's 'hall-effect analog sticks' and 'clickable sticks' provide 'modern-grade' controls, but the 'factory gyro/aim tuning underwhelming' until sensitivity profiles are tweaked, as noted by HotHardware. The 'fingerprint reader' and '65W charger' provide additional convenience, though the 'lack of carry case included' is a notable omission.
The 'Windows 11 Home' operating system provides 'a familiar environment' for users, but 'the desktop baggage' can be 'cumbersome' for handheld gaming, according to Windows Forum. The system's 'updated drivers' and 'Intel graphics drivers' provide 'a more stable and powerful system' compared to previous Intel-based handhelds, as noted by Club386. The 'NPU with 47 TOPS' provides 'potential for Windows to continually leverage benefits' by offloading tasks, though 'NPUs arent essential for raw gaming performance,' as noted by Gadgetry Tech. The 'lack of upgradeability' in the system's '32GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory' provides 'substantial headroom for future-proofing,' but 'the lack of upgradeability' remains a limitation, as noted by Club386.
Value and Market Positioning
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is positioned as a premium handheld gaming device, with a price tag of $900 for the standard model and $1,799 for the EX variant, according to Tom's Hardware. The system's 'class-leading performance across the board' and 'good battery life' justify its 'jaw-dropping price tag,' as noted by Tom's Hardware. However, the 'no OLED display, despite the high price' is a significant drawback, according to the same source. The system's 'large, punchy, smooth screen' and 'strong battery life' make it 'a compelling choice for those who value these features,' according to Club386. The '80Wh battery' and '120Hz display with VRR support' provide 'strong battery endurance in many scenarios,' according to Windows Forum. The '32GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory' and '1TB SSD' provide 'ample storage and memory,' though 'the lack of upgradeability' remains a limitation.
The system's 'price tag feels exorbitant' according to Tom's Hardware, but 'the performance' justifies the cost. The 'no OLED display, despite the high price' is a significant drawback, as noted by the same source. The 'large, punchy, smooth screen' and 'strong battery life' make it 'a compelling choice for those who value these features,' according to Club386. The '80Wh battery' and '120Hz display with VRR support' provide 'strong battery endurance in many scenarios,' according to Windows Forum. The '32GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory' and '1TB SSD' provide 'ample storage and memory,' though 'the lack of upgradeability' remains a limitation. The system's 'dual Thunderbolt 4 ports' and 'microSD card reader' provide 'versatile external connectivity,' though 'the lack of carry case included' is a notable omission.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is not without its shortcomings. The 'no OLED display, despite the high price' is a significant drawback, as noted by Tom's Hardware. The 'lack of carry case included' is another notable omission, according to Club386. The 'drab greige aesthetics' of the system's design are a departure from the more aggressive styling of the AMD-based Claw A8, as noted by Gadgetry Tech. The 'software quirks' and 'Windows 11's desktop baggage' remain 'notable drawbacks,' according to Club386. The 'factory gyro/aim tuning underwhelming' until sensitivity profiles are tweaked, as noted by HotHardware. The 'lack of upgradeability' in the system's '32GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory' provides 'substantial headroom for future-proofing,' but 'the lack of upgradeability' remains a limitation, as noted by Club386.
The system's 'price tag feels exorbitant' according to Tom's Hardware, though 'the performance' justifies the cost. The 'no OLED display, despite the high price' is a significant drawback, as noted by the same source. The 'large, punchy, smooth screen' and 'strong battery life' make it 'a compelling choice for those who value these features,' according to Club386. The '80Wh battery' and '120Hz display with VRR support' provide 'strong battery endurance in many scenarios,' according to Windows Forum. The '32GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory' and '1TB SSD' provide 'ample storage and memory,' though 'the lack of upgradeability' remains a limitation. The system's 'dual Thunderbolt 4 ports' and 'microSD card reader' provide 'versatile external connectivity,' though 'the lack of carry case included' is a notable omission.
Who It's Best For
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is ideal for 'shoppers who need high performance and a large screen' and 'those who value strong battery life and a comfortable design.' It's particularly suited for 'users who are comfortable with Windows 11's desktop baggage' and 'those who don't mind the system's bulk.' The 'large, punchy, smooth screen' and 'strong battery life' make it 'a compelling choice for those who value these features,' according to Club386. The system's 'class-leading performance across the board' and 'good battery life' justify its 'jaw-dropping price tag,' as noted by Tom's Hardware. The 'dual Thunderbolt 4 ports' and 'microSD card reader' provide 'versatile external connectivity,' though 'the lack of carry case included' is a notable omission.
The system is best suited for 'users who prioritize performance over portability' and 'those who value a large screen and strong battery life.' The '80Wh battery' and '120Hz display with VRR support' provide 'strong battery endurance in many scenarios,' according to Windows Forum. The 'large, punchy, smooth screen' and 'strong battery life' make it 'a compelling choice for those who value these features,' according to Club386. The '32GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory' and '1TB SSD' provide 'ample storage and memory,' though 'the lack of upgradeability' remains a limitation. The system's 'hall-effect analog sticks' and 'clickable sticks' provide 'modern-grade' controls, but the 'factory gyro/aim tuning underwhelming' until sensitivity profiles are tweaked, as noted by HotHardware.
Strengths
- +Strong APU performance with Intel Core Ultra 7 258V and Arc 140V graphics
- +Large, smooth 8-inch 120Hz display with VRR support
- +Comfortable and ergonomic design with scalloped grips and balanced weight
- +Excellent battery life with 80WHr capacity
- +Good audio output with 2W (x2) speakers
Watch-outs
- −Relatively expensive at £900/$900
- −Some software quirks and Windows 11 desktop baggage
How it compares
The MSI Claw 8 surpasses the ASUS ROG Ally X in battery life and performance with its 80WHr battery and Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, while also offering a larger 8-inch display. However, it's more expensive than the Steam Deck OLED and lacks the SteamOS integration of the Valve model or the Xbox UI of the ASUS ROG Ally X.
Who this is for
At a glance: Premium performance seekers.
Why you’d buy the MSI Claw 8
- Strong APU performance with Intel Core Ultra 7 258V and Arc 140V graphics.
- Large, smooth 8-inch 120Hz display with VRR support.
- Comfortable and ergonomic design with scalloped grips and balanced weight.
Why you’d skip it
- Relatively expensive at £900/$900.
- Some software quirks and Windows 11 desktop baggage.
Rating sources
“MSI’s second attempt at a Windows handheld is more than a polish job — it’s a correction that, in many real-world tests, turns last year’s embarrassment into the best all‑around Windows handheld available right now.”
Our 4.3 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
