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| The more affordable Claw 8 EX AI+ with Arc G3 comes in a new colorway. Pictured: an edited picture showing the front of the new SKU. |
MSI is expanding its handheld gaming PC lineup with a new, more affordable configuration of the Claw 8 EX AI+. While the device originally debuted exclusively with the high-end Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor (codenamed Panther Lake), the company has now officially launched a standard edition in China featuring the non-Extreme Intel Arc G3 chip.
This new variant aims to lower the barrier to entry for gamers seeking the latest hardware without the premium price tag of the flagship model.
Specs and Pricing in China
The newly launched MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ in China comes equipped with 32GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. In the local market, this specific configuration is priced at CNY 10,499 (approximately $1,563). For those who require more storage, the higher-end model—which features the same memory capacity but doubles the SSD to 1TB and utilizes the Arc G3 Extreme chip—retails for CNY 11,499 (roughly $1,712).
Consumers can view the official listing and detailed specifications on the JD.com product page here.
Performance and Hardware Differences
The primary distinction between the two models lies under the hood. While both devices share a similar 14-core CPU configuration, the graphics processing power differs significantly. The standard Intel Arc G3 utilizes the B370 iGPU, which features a 10-core Xe3 GPU configuration. In contrast, the "Extreme" SKU boasts the Arc B390 iGPU with a more powerful 12-core setup. This makes the standard version a solid option for mainstream gaming, while the Extreme version targets enthusiasts seeking maximum graphical fidelity.
Aside from the processor and storage options, the core experience remains identical across both models. Users can expect the same high-quality 8-inch display featuring a 1920x1200 resolution, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support. The chassis design is also unchanged, retaining the ergonomic form factor and the substantial 80Wh battery, ensuring that the cheaper model does not compromise on battery life or build quality.
Global Availability and Pre-orders
With the official launch now confirmed in China, industry observers expect the standard MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ to hit global markets very soon. Recent listings from the e-retailer EXcaliberPC suggest that the handheld will be available outside of China starting October 30, 2026.
According to these early listings, the non-Extreme version is already available for pre-order at a price point of $1,499. This pricing strategy positions the new model significantly below the flagship Arc G3 Extreme variant, which starts at $1,799.99. For context, the high-end configuration (32GB/1TB) is currently listed on Amazon for $1,999.99. You can check out the current pricing and availability for the flagship model on Amazon here.
For those interested in how the top-tier configuration performs, be sure to check out our comprehensive review of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ to see if the Extreme performance justifies the higher price tag.
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| The new Arc G3 version of the Claw 8 EX AI+ |