MSI Claw Hits $1,800, With Potential for Even Higher Prices
▼ Summary
– The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus PC gaming handheld is priced at $1,800, far exceeding the hoped-for $1,500 mark.
– The device includes an Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, with high memory and storage costs driving the price.
– MSI marketing lead Andy Chu acknowledges that rising component costs make it a tough year for Intel and OEMs like MSI.
– Chu suggests that the Steam Deck’s price has also increased, making the Claw’s high price more comparable.
– Chu advises buying the Claw now, as he expects further price hikes based on his observations.
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus was unveiled just weeks ago with a speculated price tag that many hoped would fall under $1,500. Instead, the handheld’s official cost has landed at $1,800, a figure that roughly matches the combined price of a Steam Deck and an ROG Ally X. That kind of sticker shock makes it a niche purchase for only the most dedicated,or wealthiest,gaming enthusiasts.
Under the hood, the device packs Intel’s new Arc G3 Extreme processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. Skyrocketing costs for memory and storage are key drivers behind the steep price. But the Claw also comes with a large display, robust cooling fans, and a sleek, ergonomic chassis loaded with premium features. Some industry watchers are already calling it “the absolute peak of the handheld market.” If that’s true, it also marks the current peak of the PC gaming handheld price curve.
The big question is how many units MSI actually plans to produce,and who will be willing to buy them. MSI product marketing lead Andy Chu acknowledges the economic headwinds but offers little comfort. “Yes, I will say, it’s a really difficult year for Intel and especially the OEM like us,” he told FRVR (via VGC). “Because we also need to take those cost hike[s] for those key components like memory and also storage.”
Chu continued, drawing a comparison to Valve’s popular handheld. “Maybe in the past, for example, Steam Deck is really approachable in terms of the price, so maybe I didn’t need to think too much while getting one. But, as you can see, Steam Deck also costs a lot right now. So I say it’s good timing to take a look at what kind of the true potential or the capability of this new handheld can provide us.”
Rather than promising future price drops, Chu’s sales pitch leans into the grim reality of the market: buy now before it gets worse. “I would say there’s much room for another price hike,” he added, “at least from my own observation.”
It’s a sobering message from the person tasked with generating hype for a cutting-edge portable gaming device. “But unfortunately, I think the situation, the result is what you see right here,” Chu said. “So, I would say, yes, it will be a tough year for us and for the gamers.”
If only the outlook for 2027 didn’t seem even more daunting.
(Source: Kotaku)
