The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is MSI’s ambitious attempt to break into the handheld gaming market, taking on the likes of the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. Packed with Intel’s cutting-edge Lunar Lake CPU, a vibrant 8-inch 120Hz display, and a stylish ergonomic design, the Claw 8 AI+ promises an immersive gaming experience on the go. But is it truly the perfect balance of power and portability? Let’s dive deep into the details.
Specifications Overview
Core Hardware
• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7-258V (2.2GHz – 4.8GHz) Lunar Lake
• Graphics: Intel Arc 140V GPU
• RAM: 32GB LPDDR5x-8533
• Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen4x4, upgradeable)
Display
• Size: 8-inch
• Resolution: 1920 x 1200 (FHD+)
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
• Brightness: 500 nits
• Touchscreen: Yes (10-point multitouch)
• Color Gamut: 100% sRGB
Battery and Charging:
• Capacity: 80Wh (6-cell)
Battery Life:
• 2-3 hours on AAA games
• 5-6 hours on lighter workloads
• 8 hours for streaming and casual use
• Charging: 100W USB-C fast charging (50% in 45 minutes)
Connectivity and Ports
• Wireless: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Ports:
• 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C, DisplayPort, Power Delivery)
• 1 x USB-A
• 1 x 3.5mm audio jack
• 1 x microSD card slot (expandable storage)
Audio
• Speakers: Dual 2W Hi-Res audio speakers
• Microphone: Built-in dual-mic array
Controls and Design
• Joystick: Hall Effect RGB-lit sticks (no drift)
• Triggers: Hall Effect analog triggers
• Haptics: HD haptics and 6-axis motion sensors
• Dimensions: 299 x 126 x 24 mm
• Weight: 795 grams
Design and Ergonomics: Premium Feel with Practical Grips
The first thing you’ll notice about the Claw 8 AI+ is its premium design and solid build quality. The “Sandstorm” finish adds a sleek, modern aesthetic, while the RGB-lit Hall Effect sticks and triggers not only look cool but provide a precise gaming experience without the dreaded stick drift.
The weight of 795 grams is slightly heavier than the Steam Deck, but the ergonomic grip design distributes it well, making extended play sessions comfortable. The button layout is intuitive, with easily accessible macro buttons (M1/M2) that add a nice touch for customization.
Is it portable?
Yes, but with some caveats. It’s great for playing on a couch or during short commutes, but extended travel might require carrying a charger or power bank.
1- Left Hall Effect Analog Stick
2- View Button
3- MSI Center M Button
4- D-pad
5- Menu Button
6- Quick Settings Button
7- ABXY Buttons
8- Right Hall Effect Analog Stick
1- Right Hall Effect Analog Trigger
2- Right Bumper
3- Volume Button
4- Audio Jack
5- Thunderbolt™ 4
6- Micro SD Card Reader
7- Fingerprint Power Button
8- Left Bumper
9- Left Hall EffectAnalog Trigger
10- Macro 2 Button
11- Macro 1 Button
Gaming Performance: Intel’s Lunar Lake Power in Action
The Claw 8 AI+ is powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 7-258V, featuring AI-optimized performance cores that allow for smooth multitasking and gaming. The Intel Arc 140V GPU, while not on par with dedicated GPUs from AMD or NVIDIA, provides impressive results thanks to Intel’s XᵉSS upscaling technology.
Benchmarks (1080p, Native):
In terms of gaming performance, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ handles a variety of modern titles well at 1080p resolution. Cyberpunk 2077, when set to medium settings with Intel’s XᵉSS upscaling, achieves a stable 50-55 FPS, providing a smooth and immersive experience. Elden Ring, known for its demanding open-world environments, runs comfortably at high settings, maintaining frame rates between 45-55 FPS, although occasional dips may occur in more intense scenes.
Baldur’s Gate 3, a highly detailed RPG, performs impressively at high settings, delivering 50-60 FPS, ensuring fluid combat and exploration. Racing enthusiasts will be pleased with Forza Horizon 5, which runs at ultra settings, maintaining a consistent 55-65 FPS, making the most of the Claw’s 8-inch 120Hz display.
While the device handles most AAA titles effectively, it’s worth noting that extremely demanding games may require setting adjustments to balance performance and battery life.
Gameplay Thoughts:
• Cyberpunk 2077: Smooth with XᵉSS enabled, but struggles at ultra settings.
• Elden Ring: Playable, but with occasional stuttering in open-world areas.
• Baldur’s Gate 3: Runs beautifully at high settings with no major drops.
• Forza Horizon 5: A fantastic experience at ultra settings with VRR enabled.
Overall, the performance is impressive for a handheld running Windows 11, but it doesn’t quite match AMD-based competitors in power efficiency.
Battery Life: The Achilles’ Heel?
The Claw 8 AI+ packs an 80Wh battery, which is larger than some competitors, but given its powerful internals, battery life isn’t stellar. In my testing, I found:
• 2-3 hours of playtime for demanding AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077.
• 5-6 hours with indie or less demanding titles.
• 8 hours for casual browsing and media consumption.
Fast charging via 100W USB-C helps alleviate battery anxiety, but if you’re planning long trips, you’ll need an external power source.
Software and Usability: Windows 11 Brings Flexibility (and Some Hassle)
The Claw 8 AI+ runs Windows 11 Home, giving you access to your full gaming library, including Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and Epic Games. However, Windows on a handheld isn’t without its quirks. Navigating the OS can feel clunky without a dedicated handheld mode.
MSI’s Center M software adds useful customization features, including:
• Performance tuning (Silent, Balanced, Turbo modes)
• RGB customization
• Macro button mapping
• Fan speed adjustments
If you’re used to SteamOS’s simplicity, Windows might feel like a hassle—but for power users who need full PC functionality, it’s a win.
Connectivity and Expandability
With dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, the Claw 8 AI+ offers serious flexibility. Want to connect an external GPU? You can. Want to dock it and use it like a full-fledged PC? No problem. The addition of a microSD slot also makes expanding your game library effortless.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a powerful and well-designed handheld that delivers a full-fledged PC gaming experience in a portable form factor. It excels in areas like display quality, performance, and expandability, making it a great choice for gamers who want Windows versatility in a handheld.
However, if battery life and portability are your top priorities, you may want to consider alternatives like the Steam Deck. But for those who prioritize performance and customization, the Claw 8 AI+ is a worthy investment.
