MSI Launches Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ Gaming Handhelds

MSI has introduced its ninth-generation gaming handhelds Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+, powered by an Intel Core Ultra 258V processor and an Intel Arc 140V graphics card. Those new models come hot on the heels of the original Claw 7, which featured Intel’s Meteor Lake CPUs. The Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor with an 8-core/8-thread configuration is used in both the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+. The processor is split between 4 performance cores that run at 2.2/4.8 GHz and 4 low-power efficiency cores clocked at 2.2/3.7 GHz.

MSI Launches Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ Handhelds with Intel Core Ultra 258V Processor

The Claw 8 AI+ is the top model in the new range, featuring a 1920x1200p, 8-inch IPS touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Claw 7 AI+ is, however, armed with a lesser screen of 7 inches, as both are the same on the display property, as per resolution and refresh rate. The two models have quite a bit of difference in battery life. The Claw 8 AI+ features an 80Whr battery but the same holds for the ROG Ally X, while the Claw 7 AI+ comes with a modicum 54.5Whr pack.

Both handhelds will have 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM at 8533 MT/s, and up to 1TB of PCIe 4.0 M.2 storage. By default, the Claw 8 AI+ has 512GB of storage, which is expandable. They both run on Windows 11 and support the 2230 M.2 form factor.

Connectivity is one other way the two models differ. The Claw 8 AI+ packs Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 while the Claw 7 AI+ gets Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Both handhelds have dual 2W speakers, DTS sound for Hi-Res Audio, as well as dual Thunderbolt 4 ports for peripheral connectivity. Currently, the Claw 8 AI+ is listed for $899, while the Claw 7 AI+ is available for $799, with both models available from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and ExCaliberPC.

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