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| As expected, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is quite expensive. |
The gaming handheld market has been heating up over the past year, with major players like ASUS, Lenovo, and Valve competing for dominance. But MSI is making a bold statement with its latest entry—and it comes with an equally bold price tag.
When the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ was first unveiled at Computex in early June, tech enthusiasts were buzzing with excitement. The promise of Intel's next-generation Arc graphics in a handheld form factor had many eager to see what MSI could deliver. However, the company remained tight-lipped about pricing at the time, leaving potential buyers to speculate.
Now, the wait is finally over—and the numbers might make you do a double-take.
The Price Shock
According to listings now live on both the official MSI Store and Newegg, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ with Intel Arc G3 Extreme graphics, 32 GB of LPDDR5x-8,533 RAM, and a 1 TB SSD will set you back a hefty $1,799.99 on MSI's direct store, while Newegg lists the same configuration at $1,699.
The Videocardz report first highlighted these listings, confirming what many had feared—this handheld is positioning itself firmly in premium territory.
For context, the older MSI Claw 8 AI+ model—which features an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V with 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD—is currently available on Amazon for $1,119. That's a staggering difference of nearly $600 for the newer variant.
What Exactly Are You Paying For?
The question on everyone's mind: does the price tag justify the hardware? Let's break down what the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ brings to the table.
Next-Gen Graphics Performance
The Intel Arc B390—likely the "G3 Extreme" mentioned in the listing—represents Intel's latest push into the discrete graphics space. Early benchmarks suggest this chip could deliver performance that rivals dedicated laptop GPUs, making it arguably the most powerful handheld graphics solution currently available.
Display That Doesn't Cut Corners
MSI hasn't skimped on the visual experience either. The 8-inch display offers a crisp 1,920 x 1,200 pixel resolution with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. With 500 nits of brightness, you'll be able to game comfortably even in well-lit environments. The display also covers the full sRGB color space, ensuring colors pop as they should.
Premium Components Throughout
One of the more thoughtful additions is the use of Hall-effect sensors in both the triggers and analog sticks. This design choice effectively eliminates the dreaded stick drift that has plagued many gaming controllers over the years—a small but significant quality-of-life improvement for serious gamers.
Massive Battery Life
Perhaps the most impressive spec is the exceptionally large 80 Wh battery. For comparison, the Steam Deck features a 40 Wh battery, while the ASUS ROG Ally comes with a 40 Wh unit as well (with the Ally X bumping up to 80 Wh). This generous capacity should translate to significantly longer gaming sessions away from the wall outlet. When you do need to recharge, the device supports 65-watt USB-C charging.
Connectivity and Features
The Claw 8 EX AI+ doesn't disappoint on the connectivity front either. It features:
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports for docking and external display support
- Wi-Fi 7 for next-generation wireless speed
- Bluetooth 6.0
- MicroSD Express slot for expandable storage
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
- 2 x 2-watt stereo speakers
At 784 grams, it's not the lightest handheld on the market, but the weight is understandable given the large battery and robust cooling solution likely required for the powerful Intel chip.
The DRAM Factor
Industry analysts point to the ongoing DRAM crisis as a significant contributor to the higher price point. Memory prices have been volatile throughout 2024, with manufacturers facing supply constraints and increased production costs. The 32 GB of high-speed LPDDR5x memory in this device doesn't come cheap.
Who Is This Handheld For?
At $1,699 to $1,799, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is priced squarely in mid-range gaming laptop territory. You could easily purchase a capable gaming laptop with an RTX 4060 or even RTX 4070 for similar money. So why would anyone choose a handheld?
The answer lies in the form factor. For gamers who truly value portability and the ability to play their Steam, Epic, or Game Pass libraries anywhere, the convenience factor is compelling. The Windows operating system also means this device can double as a capable mini-PC when connected to a monitor via Thunderbolt.
However, for most consumers, this pricing positions the Claw 8 EX AI+ as a luxury item rather than a mainstream gaming device.
Older Models Remain Viable
For those who find the new price too steep, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ (available on Amazon) with the Core Ultra 7 258V offers a more palatable entry point at $1,119. While you sacrifice some graphics performance, you still get the same 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB storage capacity, along with the same display and battery specifications.
Final Thoughts
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ represents the cutting edge of handheld gaming hardware, but that cutting edge comes at a premium price. Whether it's worth the investment depends entirely on your gaming habits, budget, and desire for the absolute best performance in a portable form factor.
For early adopters and tech enthusiasts who demand the best, the $1,699 to $1,799 price point may be acceptable. For the average gamer, however, the older models or competing devices from ASUS and Valve offer better value propositions.
One thing is certain: MSI is betting that there's a market for premium handheld gaming, and they're not afraid to price accordingly. Time will tell if consumers agree.
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| The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is significantly more expensive than older models. |