MSI Claw 8 AI+ Could Top Steam Deck Rivals — Last Straw for Intel Handhelds?

A Deep Dive into the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Its Place in the Handheld Gaming Market

MSI has long been a staple in the PC gaming industry, known for its high-quality motherboards, graphics cards, and gaming laptops. While the brand is well-respected, many of its more affordable products tend to be more popular among consumers than its high-end offerings. This trend holds true even for some of its most recent ventures, such as the handheld gaming PC partnership with Intel — the MSI Claw.

The MSI Claw series includes models like the Claw 7 and the Claw 7|8 AI+. These devices have not always made a strong impression on the market, but the latest iteration, the Claw 8 AI+, has sparked renewed interest. The device features Intel’s Core Ultra Series 2 chips, which have shown significant improvements over previous generations, particularly in power efficiency and performance.

Intel's advancements in mobile processors have been impressive, especially when compared to its desktop-focused counterparts. The company's Arc graphics platform and XeSS upscaling technology continue to evolve, making their way into more consumer-friendly devices. The "Lunar Lake" mobile chips, which were previewed earlier this year, represent a notable leap forward from their predecessors, the Meteor Lake chips. This progress has led to excitement about the potential of the MSI Claw 8 AI+.

Despite these promising developments, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ comes with a steep price tag of $899, which is equivalent to £899 in the UK. This cost has made it difficult for many consumers to justify the purchase, especially when considering alternatives like the ASUS ROG Ally with AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip. The ROG Ally is often considered the best Windows 11 handheld option available, though it does require a battery upgrade over time.

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ offers several appealing features, including dual Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, which allow for easy connectivity with peripherals and docking stations. The device also boasts hall-effect joysticks that are resistant to stick drift, making it ideal for gamers who prefer precise control. Additionally, the 8-inch screen provides a vibrant display that enhances the gaming experience.

However, the device is not without its flaws. The "MSI Center M 2.0" launcher app is a mix of the Xbox Game Bar and system tweaks, but it often feels disjointed and unreliable. Customization settings for the rear-mounted macro buttons can be lost after reboots, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences. Despite these issues, the overall performance of the Claw 8 AI+ is impressive, offering better game performance, longer battery life, and a cooler operation compared to other handhelds.

While the MSI Claw 8 AI+ has its share of drawbacks, it still stands out as a powerful contender in the handheld gaming market. However, its high price point makes it difficult to recommend at this stage. If the device could see a significant price reduction and improved availability, it would likely become a top recommendation for many gamers.

Until then, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ remains a compelling but expensive option. For now, it continues to be held back by its price tag, despite its impressive hardware and potential. If the device ever reaches a more reasonable price, it could easily become one of the most exciting handheld gaming options available. Until that day arrives, it will remain a device worth keeping an eye on for future updates and improvements.