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Amazon has recently unveiled an exciting listing for MSI’s anticipated gaming device—the Claw 8 AI+. Priced at $899, this handheld gadget is setting the stage for a major innovation in mobile gaming by being the first to feature Intel’s Lunar Lake CPUs. Alongside this, MSI is also gearing up to introduce a refreshed version, the Claw 7 AI+, which promises an earlier shipping date.
A detailed look at the listing reveals that the Claw 8 AI+ will be equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor. Additionally, another variant will be sporting the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, providing a range of options for gamers. This powerful handheld device offers impressive memory choices too, with either 16GB or 32GB of LPDDR5X-8553 RAM.
When it comes to performance, the Ultra 7 285V operates at a clock speed starting from 2.2 GHz up to an impressive 4.8 GHz. Both versions come with a hefty 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 SSD for more than enough internal storage, with expansion made possible through a micro SDHC card. The inclusion of Arc 14V graphics with eight Xe2 cores ensures some serious graphical prowess. As for the display, users can expect a slightly larger 8-inch touchscreen boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, and a crisp 1920 x 1200 resolution.
Now, for those of you curious about connectivity and power, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ packs an upgraded 80 Wh battery and houses two Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports for versatile charging and docking options, including eGPUs. It will run on Windows 11 right out of the box, with its official release set for December 25. The top-tier configuration will hit the market with an $899 price tag, offering great value for serious gaming enthusiasts.
For the Claw 7 AI+, it isn’t being left out of the upgrades either. It will feature the Intel Ultra 7-258V CPU and 32GB RAM but limits internal storage to 512GB. It sports a smaller 7-inch 1080p display and houses a 53Wh battery. This edition will begin shipping on December 1. For an extra $100, the Claw 8 AI+ offers a larger screen with greater vertical resolution, double the storage space, and a beefier battery. This means it is a tad bigger than both the Claw 7 and its successor, the Claw 7 AI+.
Here’s a quick comparison of the specifications among the MSI Claw handhelds:
| Feature | MSI Claw 8 AI+ | MSI Claw 7 AI+ | MSI Claw 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Ultra Core 7 258V / 256v | Intel Ultra Core 7 258V | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H/ 135H |
| RAM | 16GB/ 32GB LPDDR5X-8553 | 32GB LPDDR5X-8553 | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 2280 | 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 2280 | 512GB PCIe 4.0 2230 |
| iGPU | Arc 140v Graphics | Arc 140v Graphics | Arc Graphics |
| Display | 8-Inch 1920 x 1200, 120 Hz, 500 nits | 7-Inch 1920 x 1080, 120Hz, 500 nits, VRR | 7-Inch 1920 x 1080, 120Hz, 500 nits, VRR |
| Battery | 80 Wh | 53 Wh | 53 Wh |
| Dimensions | 29.9 x 12.26 x 2.4 cm | 29.4 x 11.7 x 2.1 cm | 29.4 x 11.7 x 2.1 cm |
| Weight | 794 g | 675 g | 675 g |
Originally, the Claw 8 AI+ was anticipated to debut in early 2025, with no precise date set. However, it’s now expected to launch just before the upcoming CES 2025.
In recent discussions, it was noted that the successors to the likes of Lenovo Legion Go and Asus Ally X might harness the power of AMD’s Ryzen Z2 or Z2 Extreme CPUs. Although these are also lined up for a 2025 launch, AMD suggests their Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 might outperform Intel’s Core Ultra 7 285 by a noteworthy 75% in gaming scenarios. This makes the wait worthwhile for gamers looking to compare these competing technologies.
As we look toward the future, we expect a wide array of devices from various gaming handheld manufacturers. Whether opting for Intel’s Lunar Lake chips or AMD’s Z2 series APUs, the market is poised to offer some thrilling options. Until then, gamers will have to sit tight to grasp how these developments could revolutionize performance and battery life in portable gaming.
