If I were to mention that “The Claw” was being redeemed, what would come to your mind first? The villain from Inspector Gadget or MSI’s handheld device from earlier this year? The MSI Claw A1M model was criticized by Gizmodo and several other reviewers for its underwhelming performance and subpar controls compared to other handheld PCs. However, the biggest issue for me was its high price tag. The previous 7-inch Claw model cost $800, which is the same price as our top pick for the best Windows-based handheld, the Asus ROG Ally X. So, how does the new, larger, more expensive MSI Claw 8 AI+ fare in comparison?
The Claw 8 AI+ now costs $900, making it one of the most expensive gaming handhelds from a major PC manufacturer. For that price, you get an 8-inch screen (the same size as the $750 Lenovo Legion Go), a completely redesigned look, and a new Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chip. The new Intel Arc 140V graphics outperform the previous generation, and with an 80 Whr battery capacity and 32GB of RAM, the Claw 8 offers solid performance.
However, the price is still steep, especially when compared to the Steam Deck OLED, which is $250 cheaper with the same 1 TB SSD storage. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ offers good performance in demanding games and decent battery life, but its software still needs improvement. The device is heavy and may not be as portable as other handhelds, and the controls may not be comfortable for smaller hands.
The Intel Lunar Lake chips offer better battery life compared to other x86 CPUs, and the Claw 8 AI+ delivers impressive framerates. If you’re looking for a powerful handheld with a large screen, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is worth considering. However, there are other options like the OneXPlayer Onexfly F1 Pro with a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chip if you’re willing to spend more. Ultimately, the Claw 8 AI+ has its redeeming qualities but still has some flaws to iron out.
The device is currently available for preorder and will ship on Jan. 15, 2025. The design and controls of the Claw 8 AI+ have been improved, with a heavier, thicker build that may require some adjustment. The buttons and triggers have been redesigned for better functionality, and the software has been updated for easier access to games and settings. However, there are still some glitches that need to be addressed to make the device more user-friendly.
In terms of performance, the Claw 8 AI+ delivers solid results in benchmarks and in-game tests, outperforming its predecessor and competing devices like the ROG Ally X. While there are still some issues with the software and controls, the Claw 8 AI+ shows promise as a high-performing gaming handheld.