MSI Unveils Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ with Intel Lunar Lake Power for Handheld Devices

MSI has made a splash with the latest release of its Claw series gaming handhelds, each powered by the formidable Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor. Both models in this new lineup—the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+—come equipped with 32GB of RAM and a speedy 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, which can be easily upgraded according to MSI. The primary difference between the two is in the screen size and battery capacity, resulting in slightly different dimensions as well.

Gamers can choose between a larger display for enhanced immersion or opt for a more compact version without any compromise on performance.

Here’s a quick rundown of the specs for each model:

• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
• Memory: 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 (integrated)
• Storage: Up to 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD with easy access
• Graphics: Intel Arc 140 GPU (integrated)
• Display:
  • Claw 8 AI+: 8-inch FHD+ (1920×1200), 16:10 Touchscreen, 120Hz, 100% sRGB, 500 nits brightness, variable refresh rate, IPS-level
  • Claw 7 AI+: 7-inch FHD (1920×1080), Touchscreen, 120Hz, 100% sRGB, 500 nits brightness, variable refresh rate, IPS-level
• Audio: Dual 2W speakers with DTS and Hi-Res Audio support
• Sensors: 6-axis IMU and a vibration motor
• Connectivity: Claw 8 features Wi-Fi 7 / Bluetooth 5.4, while the Claw 7 offers Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.34
• Ports: Both feature dual Thunderbolt 4/DP/USB Type-C PD 3.0 ports, a microSD slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a power button with a fingerprint sensor
• Battery: Claw 8 has a larger 80Whr 6-cell Li-Po battery compared to the 54.5Whr 6-cell in the Claw 7
• Adapter: 65W USB Type-C PD 3.0 for both models
• Physical Specs:
  • Claw 8: 299 x 126 x 24mm, 795g
  • Claw 7: 290 x 117 x 21.2mm, 675g
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

Despite MSI not initially revealing the pricing, preorders for these sleek devices are now live on Amazon. The Claw 8 AI+ is listed at $899 for the version with 1TB of storage, while the Claw 7 AI+ goes for $799, albeit with 512GB storage—an interesting divergence from what MSI’s spec sheets previously indicated.

What sets these handhelds apart from the competition is their use of Intel processors, a choice that diverges from the AMD chips powering most rivals like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go. The Claw series isn’t just about processing power; MSI has also re-engineered the joysticks, bumpers, D-pads, and hall-effect triggers for improved accuracy and comfort—perfect for those marathon gaming sessions. While Tencent is also working on an 11-inch handheld with the same processor, it’s still under development and not expected to hit U.S. markets anytime soon.

The efficiency of Intel’s Lunar Lake chips means gamers can squeeze out more gaming time on battery, operating at just 17W. MSI also touts that these new handhelds offer "113% higher peak FPS and an average 20% higher FPS under the same power conditions."

Packed with an array of ports, MSI posits that these handhelds make excellent mini-PCs and boast Copilot+ functionalities. They also support an exclusive App Player, allowing users to load up both Windows and Android games. All these features make the Claw series a versatile choice whether you’re working or playing.