MSI is on the brink of launching its second-gen Claw gaming handhelds. Powered by Intel’s latest Lunar Lake processors, the Claw AI+ series is shaping up to deliver a nice portable experience.
For its next attempt at gaming handhelds, MSI is planning two models dubbed Claw 7 AI+ and 8 AI+. Aside from the difference in the frame size, you will have a choice between two SSD capacities and two screens. While the Claw 7 AI+ retains its predecessor’s 7in display, the 8 AI+ bumps that to 8in, improving the vertical resolution to 1200p instead of 1080p. Same goes for battery capacity – thanks to its extra real estate, the 8 AI+ packs a larger 80Wh battery to increase playtime.
Design-wise, you could easily mistake the new Claws for their older siblings, especially the Claw 7 AI+ which retains an identical layout and colour. The Claw 8 AI+ is slightly different thanks to its larger screen, symmetrical back side, and different colourway, with the Claw 7 AI+ being a smidge smaller at 294 x 117 x 21mm. Inside each, you will find the following hardware.
| Claw 8 AI+ | Claw 7 AI+ | MSI Claw | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Ultra 7 258V | Ultra 7 258V | Ultra 7 155H |
| 4 P + 4 E cores | 4 P + 4 E cores | 6 P + 8 E cores | |
| GPU | Arc 140V | Arc 140V | Arc Graphics |
| Xe2-LPG | Xe2-LPG | Xe | |
| 8 Xe2 cores | 8 Xe2 cores | 8 Xe cores | |
| I/O | 2x Thunderbolt 4 | 2x Thunderbolt 4 | 1x Thunderbolt 4 |
| RAM | 32GB LPDDR5X-8533 | 32GB LPDDR5X-8533 | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 |
| Storage | 1TB | 512GB | 512GB |
| Display | 8in 1920×1200 120Hz | 7in 1920×1080 120Hz | 7in 1920×1080 120Hz |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 + BT 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7 + BT 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7 + BT 5.4 |
| Battery | 80Wh | 53Wh | 53Wh |
| Weight | 794g | 675g | 675g |
| Dimensions | 299 x 122,6 x 24mm | 294 x 117 x 21mm | 294 x 117 x 21mm |
| Launch Price | $899 | $799 | $749 |
| Release Date | December 2024 | December 1, 2024 | March 8, 2024 |
Note that the Claw 8 AI+ may also feature a cheaper version powered by Core Ultra 7 256V. The latter packs the same amount of CPU cores and GPU execution units but halves the RAM capacity to 16GB of LPDDR5X-8533. This change could reduce the price by $50 or so.
Regarding performance, if Lunar Lake-powered laptops are any indication, these new Claws could deliver a great experience even on modern AAA titles, as long as playing at lower settings or using upscaling isn’t a deal breaker. For instance, Hardware Canucks tested a laptop featuring the exact same Core Ultra 7 258V CPU and Arc 140V GPU design, recording 130fps in Counter Strike 2 at 1200p medium preset, 200fps in Dota 2 at 1200p highest, and 40fps in Baldur’s Gate 3 at 1200p low/medium settings.
Compared to its competition, Arc 140V GPU is closely trailing AMD’s Radeon 890M as shown by Hubwood, especially when set at the same 30W power target. As a reminder, Radeon 890M is equivalent if not identical to the rumoured GPU of AMD’s upcoming Z2 Extreme processor. The latter is expected to power next-gen high-end gaming handhelds.
From the looks of it, MSI seems to have a winner on its hands. After struggling to convince users with its first handheld, this second attempt may be the one.
