Amazon’s recent listing has dropped some exciting news for gaming enthusiasts. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld, priced at $899, is set to be a game-changer, featuring the cutting-edge Intel Lunar Lake CPUs. Alongside this, MSI is prepping to roll out a refreshed version of its Claw 7 AI+ a bit sooner.
From the listing, it’s clear the Claw 8 AI+ will pack an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, and we’ve got word of a variant that uses the Core Ultra 7 256V too. The handheld offers choices in memory as well, with options between 16GB and 32GB of LPDDR5X-8553 RAM.
In terms of performance, the Ultra 7 285V processor clocks between 2.2 GHz and a speedy 4.8 GHz. Both models are equipped with a hefty 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 SSD, expandable through a micro SDHC card. The Arc 14V graphics chip, boasting eight Xe2 cores, drives the visuals. Users will appreciate an 8-inch touchscreen with a crisp 1920 x 1200 resolution, 500 nits of brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay.
With improvements aplenty, the battery capacity has jumped to 80 Wh. For connectivity, you’ll find two Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports, perfect for charging, docking, or even hooking up an eGPU. Out of the box, you’re getting Windows 11. Mark your calendars, as MSI schedules the Claw 8 AI+ release on December 25, with its high-end model set at $899.
Those looking at the Claw 7 AI+ will find it built around the Intel Ultra 7-258V CPU, paired with 32GB of RAM, but offering 512GB of storage. It features a slightly compact 7-inch display at 1080p and runs off a 53Wh battery. This version debuts earlier, shipping on December 1. For an extra $100 over the Claw 7 AI+, you’re benefiting from increased resolution, a bigger screen, better battery life, and double the storage.
Here’s a quick rundown of how the MSI Claw series stacks up:
- MSI Claw 8 AI+: Features the Core Ultra 7 258V/256V CPU, up to 32GB RAM, and 1TB storage. Its 8-inch display maxes out at 1920 x 1200, all powered by an 80 Wh battery.
- MSI Claw 7 AI+ and 7: Both feature a 7-inch 1920 x 1080 screen paired with a 53 Wh battery. The Claw 7 AI+ runs on the Ultra 7-258V CPU and provides 32GB RAM with 512GB storage, while the standard Claw 7 comes with older variations and less storage.
Initially pegged for a 2025 release, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is set to ship just before CES 2025, earlier than anticipated.
Looking ahead, we see exciting prospects from competitors like the potential launch of devices powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 or Z2 Extreme CPUs, expected in 2025. AMD’s not holding back, boasting that its Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with Radeon 890M graphics outpaces Intel’s Core Ultra 7 285 by 75% in gaming performance.
As these new-age handhelds arrive, both sporting Intel’s Lunar Lake and AMD’s Z2 series CPUs, gamers everywhere eagerly anticipate real-world performance tests in terms of speed, battery longevity, and overall user experience. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the capabilities of these next-gen devices.
