MSI has released two new versions of the MSI Claw since the original launched earlier this year. The company’s $900 MSI Claw 8 AI+ and $800 Claw 7 AI+ feature Lunar Lake Intel processing, better battery life, and quality-of-life improvements like redesigned sticks, bumpers, and triggers.
The previous model was “released a little late and was a little overpriced,” according to Engadget’s Sam Rutherford in our review. He said it performs poorly compared to cheaper competitors, its software is too clunky, and it suffers from excessive optimization updates (perhaps because MSI has been scrambling to fix its long list of problems). We haven’t handled the new model, but have switched to Intel’s latest Core Ultra 7 processor. must This leads to better performance and lower power consumption. These are the two biggest features about the A1M.
The Claw 8 AI+ has an 8-inch (1,920 x 1,200) display and the Claw 7 AI+ has a 7-inch (1,920 x 1,080) display. Both devices support 120Hz refresh rate. However, it is an LCD panel. You still won’t find an OLED option here, like alternatives from Valve and Lenovo.
The Claw 8 is equipped with an 80Wh battery, and the 7-inch model is equipped with a 54.5Wh battery. It uses MSI’s Cooler Boost HyperFlow technology with dual fans and heat pipes. The company claims it outperforms “competitors” (it doesn’t say which ones) when running at a power-efficient 17W.
Each handheld has a pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports, so you can connect the handheld to a monitor and use it as a temporary Windows PC. CoPilot+ support is also built-in.
MSI has redesigned the next-generation joystick, bumpers, D-pad, and triggers for this generation. The older model had a Hall effect stick, but the new model also has one on the trigger. Ergonomics were a rare highlight on previous models, and MSI touts the new handheld as being “tailored to the natural contours of the hand.”
As for the handheld brand’s AI, MSI is probably referencing the XeSS upscaling technology on Intel chips. But since its predecessor also used XeSS, the company may have just wanted to shout out to customers and investors that it uses AI.
The new handheld arrives December 25th. Game Rant The pre-order page lists no stock available (yet). Nonetheless, once available, the Claw 7 AI+ will cost $800 and the Claw 8 AI+ will cost $900.
MSI
MSI’s updated Claw handheld promises better performance and battery life.
$800 on Amazon
