MSI’s Claw 8 EX AI+ emerges as one of the most powerful and customisable handheld gaming PCs, blending high-end hardware with Windows flexibility, although at a steep price.
MSI’s Claw 8 EX AI+ is being pitched as one of the most capable handheld gaming PCs yet, and early reviews suggest that claim is not exaggerated. According to PC Centric’s assessment on Geeky Gadgets, the device is built around Intel’s latest processor and is aimed at players who want to run demanding AAA games as well as fast-paced esports titles without sacrificing portability. It also brings Hall effect joysticks and triggers, a feature set designed to improve precision while avoiding the stick drift that can plague conventional controls. Creative Bloq and Windows Central both note that MSI is positioning the machine as a bridge between console simplicity and the flexibility of a Windows handheld.
That ambition is reflected in the hardware. Creative Bloq says the Claw 8 EX AI+ comes with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chip, Intel Arc 140V graphics, 32GB of memory and a 1TB solid-state drive, while Windows Central describes an 80Wh battery and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports. Notebookcheck, meanwhile, says the device is the first to use Intel’s dedicated handheld chip and found it to be faster than competing models, including AMD-based rivals. Across the reviews, the common thread is clear: this is a premium device built to push well beyond the performance ceiling associated with most handhelds.
The screen and controls are a major part of the appeal. MSI has fitted an 8-inch Full HD-class panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate support, which should help gameplay feel smoother and more responsive. Reviewers also point to a comfortable, well-balanced chassis, customisable macro buttons and upgrade options for storage and memory as signs that MSI is thinking about long-term usability, not just launch-day numbers. The trade-off is that the glossy display can be hard to read outdoors, which limits one of the handheld form factor’s biggest advantages.
Windows remains both the Claw’s strength and its complication. The broad game compatibility is a major selling point, especially for titles that rely on anti-cheat systems or fit neatly into the Xbox and Game Pass ecosystem. Creative Bloq says MSI’s Xbox mode and AI optimisation tools are meant to make the machine feel more console-like, while also reducing the amount of manual tweaking needed to get games running well. But that convenience sits alongside the familiar baggage of Windows on a handheld: setup can be fiddly, updates can interrupt play and the experience is still less streamlined than Valve’s SteamOS on the Steam Deck.
Price may be the sharpest dividing line. Tom’s Hardware calls the Claw 8 EX AI+ a performance monster, but says its $1,799 asking price is difficult to justify. TechSpot is similarly impressed by the system’s speed and efficiency, yet argues it is really a device for enthusiasts rather than the average buyer. That view is echoed across the reviews: the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ appears to be one of the most advanced handheld gaming PCs available, but its cost, Windows complexity and reflective screen mean it is likely to appeal most to committed players who value raw power and customisation over simplicity.
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