Amazon has got everyone talking with their listing for the new MSI Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld, set at a price of $899. Sneak peeks into its specifications reveal options for CPUs and RAM that have gaming enthusiasts buzzing. This device is breaking new ground, being the first handheld to integrate Intel’s Lunar Lake CPUs. Alongside it, MSI is also working on launching an updated version, the MSI Claw 7 AI+, which looks like it will hit the shelves a bit sooner.
The Claw 8 AI+ is confirmed to run on the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, and there’s word of a variant featuring the Core Ultra 7 256V. Committed to delivering top-notch performance, this gaming handheld offers two memory configurations with LPDDR5X-8553 RAM, allowing users to choose between 16GB and 32GB options.
This beast of a device promises significant power with its Ultra 7 285V processor, which offers speeds ranging from 2.2 GHz up to 4.8 GHz. In terms of storage, both models come with a hefty 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 SSD, and there’s also room for extra space via a micro SDHC card. The graphics department shines with Arc 14V graphics built from eight Xe2 cores. Gamers will enjoy a slightly larger 8-inch touchscreen display featuring a snappy 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, and a 1920 x 1200 resolution.
MSI is boosting battery life too, with the Claw 8 AI+ sporting an 80 Wh battery. Connectivity is covered with two Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports, ideal for charging or expanding with peripherals like an eGPU. Running on Windows 11, MSI’s new handheld will be available starting December 25, with the top configuration tagged at $899.
Meanwhile, the new MSI Claw 7 AI+ also packs an Intel Ultra 7-258V CPU and 32GB RAM. It provides 512GB of storage, a 7-inch 1080p display, and a 53Wh battery. This model is set to ship on December 1st. Buyers paying an additional $100 for the Claw 8 AI+ get a larger screen with better vertical resolution, a beefier battery, and doubled storage, though it’s a tad bigger than the Claw 7 variations.
Here’s how the MSI Claw handhelds stack up:
| Feature | Claw 8 AI+ | Claw 7 AI+ | Claw 7 |
|————-|—————————|—————————|———————–|
| CPU | Intel Ultra Core 7 258V/256V | Intel Ultra Core 7 258V | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H/135H |
| RAM | 16GB/32GB LPDDR5X-8533 | 32GB LPDDR5X-8533 | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 2280 | 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 2280 | 512GB PCIe 4.0 2230 |
| Graphics | Arc 140v Graphics | Arc 140v Graphics | Arc Graphics |
| Display | 8-Inch 1920×1200, 120Hz | 7-Inch 1920×1080, 120Hz | 7-Inch 1920×1080, 120Hz |
| Battery | 80 Wh | 53 Wh | 53 Wh |
| Dimensions | 29.9 x 12.26 x 2.4 cm | 29.4 x 11.7 x 2.1 cm | 29.4 x 11.7 x 2.1 cm |
| Weight | 794 grams | 675 grams | 675 grams |
Initial expectations had pegged the Claw 8 AI+ for an early 2025 launch, but now it’s gearing up to ship just in time for Christmas, a bit ahead of CES 2025.
Earlier, there was buzz about successors like Lenovo Legion Go and Asus Ally X potentially housing an AMD Ryzen Z2 or Z2 Extreme CPU, although those aren’t due until 2025. AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 claims to outperform the Intel Core Ultra 7 285 by 75% in gaming, which might be worth holding out for.
As we head towards the end of the year, the market is primed for a wave of new gaming handhelds featuring either Intel’s Lunar Lake or AMD’s Z2 series processors. We’ll be watching closely to see how these devices measure up in performance and battery life. Stay tuned for more insights as these gaming powerhouses become available.
