It’s been nearly a year since we last dipped into the world of MSI gaming handhelds, and what a difference a year makes! We recently spent a couple of weeks putting the new MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ through its paces, and it’s genuinely hard to believe this device is part of the same lineage as its predecessor.
The earlier generation, while showing promise, felt a bit like MSI was still finding its rhythm in the crowded handheld market. This new model, however, is a remarkable refinement. MSI has clearly gone back to the drawing board, enhancing everything from ergonomics and cooling to integrating a powerful new Intel Arc G-Series processor.
Designed for Gamers: Comfort and Clarity
MSI’s design team evidently drew inspiration from the Xbox Series X controller when crafting the Claw 8 EX AI+, and it truly shines through. The handheld boasts flared handles similar to the Xbox controller, complemented by a laser-etched texture that provides a secure, non-slip grip, ensuring buttons are perfectly spaced for maximum comfort during extended play.
One of the most impressive feats is the handheld’s weight balance. Despite its considerable size, the device never feels cumbersome or awkward to hold, as its weight is evenly distributed across the chassis. This thoughtful design is ideal for marathon gaming sessions, further enhanced by subtle refinements like “metal dome” directional pads for improved input accuracy.
While much has changed, some core strengths remain. The analog sticks and triggers still utilize reliable Hall Effect sensors, guaranteeing long-term accuracy and responsiveness. Likewise, the display maintains its impressive quality, featuring the same vibrant eight-inch Full HD IPS panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vivid colors and high contrast for an immersive visual experience.
The Windows 11 Experience: A Double-Edged Sword
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ runs on Windows 11, which presents both unique advantages and a few notable quirks. While Windows isn’t always the most optimized OS for handheld gaming, we did encounter some performance hiccups and software oddities during our review period.
One recurring issue involved the Quick Menu button: pressing it would launch system settings, but the cursor would consistently jump to MSI Quick Settings. This automatic jolt, whether intentional or a bug, became quite tedious over time. Additionally, the MSI App Player, designed for Android games, consistently failed to initialize, leading us to find a workaround using the Google Play Games beta, which successfully ran titles like Arknights.
Navigating the Windows-based interface can feel cluttered and requires some adjustment, especially compared to more streamlined operating systems like SteamOS. However, despite this learning curve, Windows 11 offers distinct benefits. It transforms the Claw 8 EX into a capable mini-PC, handling robust multitasking with ease.
Crucially, Windows 11 provides unrestricted access to a vast ecosystem of gaming services. You can seamlessly connect your Ubisoft Connect, Xbox, Epic Games, and Battle.net accounts, allowing you to hop between all your favorite launchers whenever you wish. For those who prefer a more console-like feel, the dedicated Xbox Mode replaces the standard Win 11 interface with a more streamlined UI, reducing the number of layers you need to navigate.
Powering Your Play: Uncompromised Performance and Endurance
The true heart of the Claw 8 EX is its phenomenal Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor. This cutting-edge chip, part of Intel’s new Arc G-Series, is specifically optimized for handheld gaming, leveraging the Panther Lake architecture to deliver outstanding performance. In this crucial area, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ truly excels, providing an awesome gaming experience across a variety of titles.
Beyond gaming, the Claw 8 EX performs admirably as a portable PC. Paired with an OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock, navigating the internet felt incredibly smooth, and applications launched with impressive speed, maintaining strong, sustained performance even under heavier loads.
A major contributor to this consistent performance is the device’s exceptional thermal management, thanks to the Cooler Boost HyperFlow system. It efficiently pulls in cool air while expelling warm air, ensuring that heat is primarily confined to the back panel and vents, never reaching the comfortable hand rests during intense gameplay.
Another significant advantage of the Intel Arc G3 processor is its remarkable energy efficiency. During testing, the Claw 8 EX only dropped to 50% battery after approximately four hours of playing Civilization 6. This longevity is a huge selling point, especially when compared to other handhelds; for instance, a lighter game like Hades 2 on a Lenovo Legion Go S required a charger after only two hours.
Pricing and Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Investment?
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is currently in high demand and out of stock, but MSI anticipates restocks. A limited number of units are expected to become available around July 3, 2026, across Micro Center, Best Buy, and MSI’s US Store, with another restock slated for August.
When it does return, be prepared for a premium price tag of $1,799. While this is certainly steep, our experience confirms that this handheld offers the best performance among many we’ve reviewed, with very few issues running demanding games.
If you’re a serious gamer seeking a top-tier portable device with excellent ergonomics, uncompromised power, and impressive battery life, and you’re willing to invest in a luxury experience, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ comes with our enthusiastic recommendation.
Source: ZDNet – AI
