Amazon recently added the much-anticipated MSI Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld to its listings, priced at $899. This handheld device is breaking new ground by being the first to house Intel’s Lunar Lake CPUs. MSI is also gearing up to introduce a refreshed version of their MSI Claw 7 AI+, which will hit the shelves a bit earlier.
The Claw 8 AI+ will sport the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, confirmed by the listing, with another source revealing an option for the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V variant. Gamers can expect two memory configurations, 16GB and 32GB, utilizing LPDDR5X-8553 RAM.
Under the hood, the Ultra 7 285V boasts speeds ranging from 2.2 GHz to an impressive 4.8 GHz. Both models offer ample storage with a 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 SSD and expandable micro SDHC card slot. The integrated Arc 14V graphics, featuring eight Xe2 cores, promises enhanced visuals. The 8-inch touchscreen display ups the ante with a 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, and 1920 x 1200 resolution.
Battery capacity is also getting a boost, upgraded to 80 Wh. For connectivity, dual Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports are ready for charging, docking, or connecting to an eGPU. Running on Windows 11, the Claw 8 AI+ will launch on December 25, with the top-tier version set at $899.
Meanwhile, the upgraded version of the MSI Claw 7 AI+ comes with the Intel Ultra 7-258V CPU and 32GB of RAM, albeit with a more modest 512GB of storage, a 7-inch 1080p display, and a 53Wh battery. Shipping starts on December 1. If you’re considering the $100 price bump to the Claw 8 AI+, you’ll be getting a bit more screen real estate, a better battery, and double the storage capacity.
Here’s how the MSI Claw handheld models stack up:
- MSI Claw 8 AI+: Features Intel Ultra Core 7 258V/256V, 16GB/32GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM, 1TB SSD, Arc 140v Graphics, an 8-inch touchscreen (1920 x 1200, 120Hz, 500 nits), and an 80 Wh battery.
- MSI Claw 7 AI+: Equipped with Intel Ultra Core 7 258V, 32GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM, 512GB SSD, a 7-inch screen (1920 x 1080, 120Hz, 500 nits, VRR), and a 53 Wh battery.
- MSI Claw 7: Comes with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H/135H, 16GB LPDDR5-6400 RAM, 512GB storage, and similar display and graphics specs to the Claw 7 AI+.
Originally pegged for an early 2025 release without a definitive date, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ will now make its debut just before CES 2025.
In past discussions, we’ve highlighted that successors like the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus Ally X are expected in 2025, possibly featuring AMD’s Ryzen Z2 or Z2 Extreme CPUs. Rumors suggest AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, armed with Radeon 890M graphics, is around 75% faster than Intel’s Core Ultra 7 285 for gaming. This could make waiting worth it, as reviews are currently comparing performance and battery longevity between these options.
As we edge closer to the arrival of new gaming handhelds, featuring Intel’s Lunar Lake or AMD’s Z2 series of APUs, anticipation builds. Yet, to truly understand their impact on performance, efficiency, and user experience, some patience will be needed.
