The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a substantial upgrade from its predecessor, the MSI Claw. After receiving criticism for performance and design issues, MSI has returned with a device designed to compete with heavyweights like the Asus ROG Ally X and the Steam Deck. With notable improvements in hardware, battery life, and user experience, this handheld gaming PC is a compelling option for gamers in 2024.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ Specs
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is packed with impressive hardware:
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 258V ‘Lunar Lake’
Memory: 32GB LPDDR5x RAM
Display: 8-inch IPS screen, 1200p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
Battery: 80Wh for extended gaming sessions
Ports: Dual Thunderbolt 4, microSD slot, audio jack
Weight: Lightweight for its size, at 795 grams
These specs place the Claw 8 AI+ firmly in the premium handheld PC category.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ Gaming Performance and Benchmark
Improved Hardware and Graphics
Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 258V processor, the Claw 8 AI+ boasts improved efficiency and power. Its integrated Intel Arc 140V GPU, featuring Xe2 cores, enhances gaming performance with ray tracing and super sampling capabilities.
In benchmark tests:
At a modest 17W power setting, the Claw 8 AI+ outperforms the ROG Ally X by 20%.
In specific games like Metro 2033, it achieves up to 113% higher peak FPS compared to its rivals at low settings.
Overall Performance
MSI claims that the Claw 8 AI+ performs up to 20% better than the ROG Ally X when both devices are set to a power consumption of 17W. This is based on benchmarks across 22 games, with notable performance gains in titles such as Metro 2033, where the Claw 8 achieved 94 FPS at 1080p low settings, compared to the Ally X’s 44 FPS.
Specific Game Performance
In various demanding titles, the Claw 8 AI+ outperformed the ROG Ally X:
Cyberpunk 2077: Achieved around 52 FPS at maximum resolution using Intel’s XeSS or AMD FSR, slightly lower than the Ally X but still competitive.
Red Dead Redemption 2: Reported to be 19.5% faster than the Ally X.
F1 23: Showed a performance increase of 46% over the Ally X.
Doom Eternal: Plays seamlessly at 1200p medium settings.
Forza Horizon 5: Achieves an average of 82 FPS at 1200p high settings.
Synthetic benchmarks also highlight its superiority over competitors, with higher scores in 3DMark tests.
Battery Life Testing
The Claw 8 AI+ reportedly lasts about 3 hours and 6 minutes in standard gaming conditions and can extend up to 4 hours and 21 minutes in endurance mode, which is impressive for a handheld gaming device. In contrast, it outlasts the ROG Ally X in some gaming scenarios by around 19 minutes.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to the ROG Ally X at full power (30W), the Claw 8 AI+ still maintains a slight edge with an average of 7% higher FPS across nine titles tested. In terms of thermal management, the Claw 8 AI+ employs a new cooling system that helps maintain performance without excessive heat generation, which was a criticism of earlier models.
Battery Life That Impresses
The Claw 8 AI+ excels in endurance:
Standard use: 3 hours and 6 minutes
Endurance mode: Up to 4 hours and 21 minutes
Low-power tasks like video playback: Up to 18 hours
This efficiency stems from the combination of the 80Wh battery and the energy-saving Lunar Lake architecture.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ Design and Ergonomics: A Handheld PC Built for Comfort
Enhanced Usability
MSI has refined the ergonomics of this handheld PC:
Redesigned joysticks and bumpers for a more tactile feel
Adjustable linear triggers and customizable macro buttons
A revamped directional pad—though still somewhat sharp to the touch—delivers better functionality
Advanced Cooling System
The Cooler Boost Hyper Flow technology includes dual fans and heat pipes, keeping the device cool during intensive gaming sessions.
Software Integration
The updated M-Center software offers seamless game management and customization. Notably, the quick menu integrates with the Windows Xbox Game Bar, a first for handheld devices.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ Display and Audio
The Claw 8 AI+ features:
Audio: Front-firing DTS dual speakers with noise-canceling technology
Display: 8-inch IPS panel with 473 nits of brightness, 16:10 aspect ratio, and VRR support
While not as bright as the Steam Deck OLED, the screen delivers vibrant visuals and smooth gameplay, making it one of the best handheld PCs for gaming.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ Release Date and Pricing
Although the exact release date has not been officially announced, MSI is expected to launch the Claw 8 AI+ in early 2024. Pricing details are also pending, but given its premium features, it will likely be positioned in the high-end segment, competing with devices like the Asus ROG Ally X.
Drawbacks of the MSI Claw 8 AI+
Despite its advancements, the Claw 8 AI+ has some limitations:
Weight: At 795 grams, it’s heavier than the Steam Deck and ROG Ally X.
Software Bugs: Occasional glitches in the M-Center software impact usability.
Directional Pad Comfort: The sharp design may not suit everyone’s preferences.
Is the MSI Claw 8 AI+ the Best Handheld PC in 2024?
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ marks a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering powerful performance, impressive battery life, and refined ergonomics. While it has a few drawbacks, these are outweighed by its many strengths. This handheld gaming PC is set to be a strong contender in the gaming market for 2024.
For more insights, stay tuned to our blog as we continue to explore the latest gaming tech. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or game requests for testing!
