MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Hands-On Reveals Powerful Intel G3 Extreme Gaming Performance

As manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of handheld gaming hardware, performance, battery life, and portability remain at the forefront. MSI and Intel just announced a new handheld gaming device designed to deliver higher frame rates, greater efficiency, and docked-gaming performance typical of laptops and desktops.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is a portable PC powered by Intel's G3 Extreme processor, delivering handheld convenience while handling heavy workloads. The design language is familiar, but it modifies a few aspects to improve handling and comfort. The purple-finished handheld features side grips that extend to feel like an Xbox controller, thereby enhancing control during extended play.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Design and Build

Unlike older models, the hand size can be changed. The layout of the buttons and keys makes it easy to move, and the side grips make the controller even more stable while you play. There is a big lip on the screen that's visible but less noticeable when you're using the device, and it goes away after a while.

The Handheld is powered by an Intel G3 Extreme Processor. Its primary appeal lies in what's inside the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ computer. MSI's new G3 Extreme processor is based on Intel's Panther Lake architecture and features the Arc B390E GPU and support for XeSS 3. The Handheld is marketed as a portable gaming console that performs at a higher level than a standard handheld. This processor configuration is paired with the gaming hardware to enable both portable and docked experiences on the MSI.

Laptop-Mounted Docking Stations to Experience Docked Gaming

One of the signature features is its docking. When powered on, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ can deliver up to 45W TDP, which is typical for gaming laptops. Performance is also quite good when we plug the device into the big 4K TV, and we can get an F1 match at up to about 89 fps while docked, with XeSS enabled.

The performance level is changing expectations for portable gaming systems, as handhelds typically aim for lower frame rates under the same conditions. The docked version makes the handheld more like a portable gaming PC. The 45W TDP option is a bit more significant, offering a gaming experience far beyond what most handhelds can deliver.

Play with the 8in Display

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ features an 8in Full HD+ IPS display for easy portability when not docked. The panel provides a view for handheld gaming along with performance requirements for challenging games. Once you start the games on the handheld, the frames per second remain high for several of them. Titles like Battlefield 6, Hogwarts Legacy, and F1 25 play very nicely on the handheld display.

With XeSS enabled, performance in Battlefield 6 is around 185 fps. Hogwarts Legacy also runs at high refresh rates, and F1 25 is still performing well at a good frame rate. Those frame rates are more in line with what users can expect from a gaming laptop than a handheld gaming system. If you're looking at other handhelds on the market, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is all about performance first.

MSI has several hardware enhancements for gaming and connectivity. MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is compatible with microSD Express memory cards, thanks to a new microSD card slot. Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports are also included, making it easier to handle accessories and docked configurations. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

Battery Capacity and Expected Usage

One of the bigger issues with handheld gaming devices is battery life, and the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ has 80Wh of battery. While specific performance details remain to be revealed, the processor's efficiency increases the odds that the gamer will be able to play for more than a few hours in a single game compared to some other handhelds on the market.

When full testing is available, battery performance will soon be one of the more significant factors to consider. The larger battery and hardware setup imply that, for now, their focus is on gameplay and portability. MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ sets the stage for a new era in gaming: handheld and docked PCs. It can be used as a mobile gaming system, with the option to connect it to larger screens for more intense gaming experiences.

In terms of 45W docked mode and handheld performance, it gets closer to the laptop market while still retaining handheld flexibility. For players seeking a gaming system that is both portable and supports docked gaming at higher frame rates, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ delivers both in a single package.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ starts at $1,500 in the U.S.

That pricing puts it in the premium handheld gaming device category and also adds to the category of newer devices designed to deliver greater portability. If you look at the price side of it, you get into the issue of hardware functionality, dock performance, and frame-rate output. The processor setup and gaming performance make the device a handheld aimed at gamers seeking mobile gaming power.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ brings several things to the handheld market: it's designed to offer top-tier gaming performance, docked flexibility, and cutting-edge hardware that delivers higher frame rates on the road and when plugged into an external display.