MSI unveils Claw 8 EX AI Plus gaming handheld
▼ Summary
– MSI unveiled the Claw 8 EX AI Plus, the “world’s first” handheld with the Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor featuring Xe3 GPU cores.
– The device includes a single NVME M.2 SSD slot and supports up to 32GB of dual-channel LPDDR5x memory; price and launch date are unannounced.
– It has an eight-inch 1920 x 1200 touchscreen running at up to 120Hz, a redesigned chassis with updated grips, and Hall effect triggers and sticks.
– MSI added a high-end linear motor for faster haptic feedback and improved power efficiency, though battery life was not specified.
– The only announced color is “Void Purple,” and MSI’s previous handheld had poor gaming performance.
Just ahead of the Computex 2026 show, MSI has taken the wraps off its latest handheld gaming PC, the Claw 8 EX AI Plus. This new model marks a significant shift, replacing the previous Intel Lunar Lake mobile chip with a specialized handheld processor. According to MSI, the Claw 8 EX AI Plus is the “world’s first” device to feature the newly announced Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor, which packs an array of Xe3 GPU cores designed for running modern games.
It is worth noting that other gaming handhelds, such as the Acer Predator Atlas 8 and the OneXPlayer 3, are also expected to launch with these same chips. However, MSI appears to be leading the pack to market. The device includes a single NVME M.2 SSD slot for storage and supports up to 32GB of dual-channel LPDDR5x memory, though specific RAM configurations have not yet been confirmed. MSI has also remained silent on the official launch date and pricing. For context, the previous MSI Claw 8 AI Plus debuted last year at a $1,000 price point.
What is confirmed is the display: an eight-inch 1920 x 1200 touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate. The chassis has been redesigned with updated grips intended to improve comfort during extended play sessions. The device also features Hall effect triggers and sticks for more precise input. MSI has introduced a new high-end linear motor to deliver faster and more responsive haptic feedback, alongside claims of “improved power efficiency.” Battery life specifics, however, have not been disclosed.
The handheld will be available in a single color option, which MSI calls “Void Purple.” Real-world gaming performance remains to be seen, but given MSI’s rocky first attempt at a powerful handheld, the bar for improvement is set high.
(Source: The Verge)