MSI Claw 8 AI+ is up for pre-order!
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the handheld gaming PC market, you’ve likely noticed the rapid evolution happening in this space. While Valve’s Steam Deck may have kickstarted the modern handheld PC gaming revolution, competitors have been quick to follow with increasingly powerful alternatives. Among these, MSI’s latest offering stands out as a particularly compelling option for Filipino gamers looking for a premium portable gaming experience.
The Next Evolution in Handheld Gaming
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ promises a huge leap from its predecessor, addressing many of the criticisms that plagued the original MSI Claw while introducing several innovative features that set it apart from competitors. Available for pre-order now at ₱59,995 from MSI Concept Stores at Cyberzone nationwide, as well as retailers like Accent Hub, Complink, Datablitz, Game One Tech Store, PC Express, Silicon Valley, and Villman, this device is positioning itself as the premium option for on-the-go gaming.
Powerful Specs in a Portable Package
At the heart of the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is Intel’s cutting-edge Core Ultra 7 258V processor (Series 2), featuring up to 47 NPU TOPS (119 total AI TOPS). This is paired with Intel Arc 140V graphics and an impressive 32GB of LPDDR5x-8533 RAM, making it one of the most powerful handheld gaming PCs currently available.
The device features an 8-inch FHD+ (1920×1200) touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, ensuring smooth visuals for your gaming sessions. With 500 nits of brightness, the screen remains visible even in brighter environments.
Storage comes in the form of a 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD, providing plenty of space for your game library with fast load times. The device also includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to carry even more games with you.
Design That Stands Out
Unlike many other gaming handhelds that opt for a more traditional look, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ features a distinctive “Sandstorm” color scheme inspired by wind-sculpted desert rocks. This unique aesthetic helps it stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
The ergonomic design has been carefully crafted to accommodate various hand sizes, making it comfortable to hold during extended gaming sessions. At 795 grams, it’s not the lightest handheld on the market, but the well-balanced weight distribution helps mitigate any potential discomfort.
MSI has also made significant improvements to the controls, with redesigned hall-effect analog sticks, a refined D-pad, and improved triggers that offer better tactile feedback. RGB lighting around the joysticks adds a touch of customizable flair to the device.
Cooling and Battery Life
One of the most impressive aspects of the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is its thermal management system. The device employs MSI’s Cooler Boost HyperFlow technology, featuring a dual-fan, dual-heat pipe system that efficiently dissipates heat during intense gaming sessions.
Battery life has been significantly improved over the original MSI Claw, with the Claw 8 AI+ featuring a substantial 80Whr battery. This larger capacity, combined with the efficiency of Intel’s Lunar Lake architecture, promises extended gaming sessions away from a power outlet.
Performance That Impresses
Early hands-on impressions suggest that the MSI Claw 8 AI+ delivers impressive performance. MSI claims that when running at 17W (for better battery life), the device outperforms competitors like the ROG Ally X by an average of 20% in terms of FPS, with some games seeing peak FPS improvements of up to 113%. You can check out our video about MSI’s latest device below.
Show Video: MSI Claw 8 AI+: A Better and Faster Intel-Powered Handheld Gaming Device
Even more impressively, MSI states that the Claw 8 AI+ at 17W can outperform the ROG Ally X at its full 30W turbo mode by an average of 7%, while also offering 44% longer battery life. If these claims hold true in real-world usage, the Claw 8 AI+ could set a new standard for efficiency in handheld gaming PCs.
Connectivity and Features
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ comes equipped with modern connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. It features two Thunderbolt 4 ports that support DisplayPort and Power Delivery 3.0, allowing you to connect external displays or peripherals.
Audio is handled by dual 2W speakers with DTS sound effects and Hi-Res Audio support. A fingerprint reader integrated into the power button provides an added layer of security.
As a Copilot+ PC, the device also includes various AI features, such as Microsoft CoCreate and Live Captions, as well as access to Intel’s AI Playground.
Pre-order Benefits Worth Considering
If you’re thinking about picking up the MSI Claw 8 AI+, now is an excellent time to do so. Pre-orders are available from February 1 to February 28, 2025, and come with some attractive bonuses.
Pre-order customers will receive a ₱2,500 SM Voucher and a Diablo IV game bundle that includes the Vessel of Hatred DLC. Additionally, the first ten pre-orders will receive either an MSI Gaming Jacket or a Big Lucky Dragon Doll measuring 15 inches.
Is It Worth the Investment?
At ₱59,995, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ represents a significant investment — especially if you’re an avid handheld gaming fan like us. However, when you consider the high-end specifications, improved design, and enhanced performance compared to its competitors, it’s a compelling option for serious gamers who want the best portable gaming experience available.
The combination of Intel’s latest processor technology, a generous amount of RAM, a large battery, and thoughtful design improvements addresses many of the pain points that users experienced with previous handheld gaming PCs. If you’re in the market for a premium device that can handle modern AAA games on the go, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ should definitely be on your radar.
With pre-orders now open at MSI Concept Stores in SM Cyberzone nationwide and at retailers like Accent Hub, Complink, Datablitz, Game One Tech Store, PC Express, Silicon Valley, and Villman, now is the perfect time to secure your unit and take advantage of the pre-order bonuses before they’re gone.
Whether you’re a casual gamer looking to play your favorite titles on the go or a hardcore enthusiast who wants the best performance possible in a portable form factor, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ offers a compelling package that’s worth considering as your next gaming device.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
