The gaming handheld market is heating up, and MSI is making waves with its latest offering, the Claw 8 EX AI+. Unveiled at Computex 2026 in Taipei, this device is set to turn heads with its powerful Intel Arc G3 Extreme chip and a host of other impressive features.
Gaming on the go has never looked more promising. With the rise of handheld gaming devices, manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. MSI, a long-time partner of Intel, has consistently delivered high-performance gaming laptops and is now bringing that expertise to the handheld market.
The Powerhouse Within: Intel Arc G3 Extreme
The heart of the Claw 8 EX AI+ is the Intel Arc G3 Extreme chip, part of the Core Ultra Series 3 (panther lake) family. This chip is designed specifically for gaming handhelds, offering integrated graphics that can compete with the best in the market.
The Arc G3 Extreme features two high-performance cores, eight efficient cores, and four low-power efficient cores. It also includes 12 Xe graphics cores as part of its Arc B390 integrated GPU. This powerful combination ensures that the Claw 8 EX AI+ can handle even the most demanding games.
Performance Insights
During hands-on time with the device, Hogwarts Legacy ran smoothly on the integrated B390. While more testing is needed in less controlled environments, the initial impressions are promising. The Arc G3 Extreme chip is designed to deliver high performance while maintaining efficiency, making it an ideal choice for a handheld gaming device.
Ergonomic Design: Comfort Meets Style
MSI has paid close attention to the ergonomics of the Claw 8 EX AI+. The device features two extended grips on the sides, which are large and well-contoured to distribute the weight evenly. This design choice makes the device comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions.
The Claw 8 EX AI+ comes in a striking void purple color, which adds a touch of style to its functional design. The grips also feature hall-effect triggers and sticks, as well as a highly responsive D-pad. These features ensure that the device is not only comfortable but also highly responsive to the player’s inputs.
Display and Battery Life
The Claw 8 EX AI+ boasts an 8-inch, 120 Hz display with a variable refresh rate. The screen is not flush between the grips, jutting out slightly below them, which is a unique design choice. Despite this, the display is crisp and responsive, making it ideal for gaming.
The device is equipped with an 80 WHr battery, the same size as found in the Asus ROG Ally X. While the battery life is still being tested, the efficient Panther Lake architecture suggests that it should provide several hours of gaming on a single charge.
Specifications and Pricing
The Claw 8 EX AI+ comes with up to 32GB of RAM and a single M.2 2280 SSD slot for storage. While MSI has not yet announced specific release dates or pricing, an early listing on Best Buy suggested that a version with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage could be priced at $1,699.99.
It’s important to note that pricing and availability are still subject to change. The device is expected to hit the market on June 23, and more details will likely be revealed as the launch date approaches.
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is shaping up to be a formidable contender in the handheld gaming market. With its powerful Intel Arc G3 Extreme chip, ergonomic design, and impressive display, it offers a compelling package for gamers on the go. As more information becomes available, we’ll get a better sense of how this device stacks up against the competition.
