MSI maintained its Claw 8 AI gaming handheld concealed for numerous months, citing it couldn’t reveal too much of its larger handheld until Intel finally disclosed its Lunar Lake chips. Fortunately, Intel finally presented the comprehensive overview of the Core Ultra series 2 during this year’s IFA event in Berlin. Thus, now we can discover everything there is to know about MSI’s follow-up to the controversial, costly Claw 7 prior to its market arrival in January 2025. Correct? Correct?

Regrettably, not quite. We only obtained partial information about the forthcoming handheld. The Claw 8 AI includes a brand-new refreshed design that’s more comfortable to grip and features a brighter, 8-inch screen. It’s powered by the new Center M software, seemingly more usable this time around. All these are pleasing to notice, but we still lack precise information on CPU specifications or expected battery lifespan from its new 80Whr battery and efficient chip. 

I spent roughly half an hour experimenting with the larger, eight-inch display and was struck by the marked improvement in quality over the prior version. The Claw 8 is reminiscent of a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller with a white-on-black scheme and sleek sides. It’s substantially more ergonomic compared to the premium $800 Claw 7. My fingers naturally fit into the recesses carved along the back, and the rear buttons are much shallower and more manageable. 

De acuerdo con MSI, tanto los gatillos como los joysticks son de efecto Hall.

The bumpers and triggers on the Claw 7 were excessively jagged for a comfortable grip, whereas the Claw 8 AI provides a significantly smoother experience. The thumbsticks feel just a tad too thin for my preference, yet the overall grasp of the controller didn’t bother me too much. Additionally, MSI has retained all those charming RGB lights on both the buttons and sticks. What can I say? I enjoy it when my buttons illuminate in the dark.

Much About the MSI Claw 8 AI Remains Unknown

Regardless of that, skepticism is necessary. I only managed to experience the initial parts of Hi-Fi Rush. The visuals appeared impressive on the fresh display, boasting support for up to 500 nits of peak brightness. It’s a vibrant game, though it’s not the one to challenge any contemporary portable PC. 

The specific TDP it will support remains uncertain, but MSI indicated to Gizmodo that the newer efficient chips should enable smooth gameplay at reduced power draw. MSI plans to implement some version of the innovative Intel Core Ultra 7, although Intel offers four variations, each possessing slightly unique GPU processing strengths. 

The recent x86 processors are reportedly far more efficient than even AMD or Qualcomm’s latest mobile CPUs. Laptops featuring series 2 Ultra chips aren’t just claiming 20 to 30 hours of battery life; it’s hopeful the Claw 8 can remain operational beyond the Asus ROG Ally X, although confirmation remains speculative.

Everything appears decidedly refined compared to earlier versions. MSI’s initial endeavor at a portable UI, branded Center M, lacked both speed and user-friendliness. MSI confirmed they are continuing to test the updated version of Center M, but visually, it’s definitely an improvement. Each game you select comes with an expanded screen poster. Moreover, MSI is embedding the Xbox app’s FPS monitor and game capture widget directly into Center M via newer tabs. Whether it adequately addresses issues with Windows 11 on a handheld is yet to be determined. Still, no current Windows-based handheld has what I’d regard as a fully functioning UI for this form factor, much unlike the Linux-based Steam Deck.

MSI has ample work yet to complete with this console, and I’m pondering if MSI may be hindering its own progress by the release date. This gadget could engage robustly in competition by 2024. At IFA, AMD divulged plans for a future Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip. Predominantly handhelds like the ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and the up-and-coming Acer Nitro Blaze 7 predominantly operate on the Z1 Extreme. AMD’s top leadership shared with Digital Trends evidence of markedly improved battery longevity in recent games, yet more details on the new chips remain undisclosed.

The anticipation is that AMD will disclose further information about the Z2 Extreme in the early part of next year. If a holiday purchase is on your mind, you might opt for the Ally X if budget permits or the Steam Deck for straightforward operation and aesthetics. For the following year, there’s optimism for MSI, particularly if Lunar Lake’s significant performance promises materialize. Should MSI manage to competitively price it with market contenders, then the Claw could truly vie for a comeback.