MSI Claw 8 AI+ Review: A Remarkable Comeback

If I mentioned that “The Claw” is experiencing a revival, would your mind immediately conjure images of the Inspector Gadget antagonist or MSI’s recently released handheld device? Gizmodo and numerous other reviewers criticized the MSI Claw A1M model for its unimpressive performance and controls that fell short when compared to other handheld PCs on the market. However, in my opinion, its most significant flaw was its price point. The previous 7-inch model commanded a hefty $800, which is the same amount you would currently spend on our top recommendation for the best Windows-based handheld, the Asus ROG Ally X. So, how does the newly introduced, larger, and more expensive MSI Claw 8 AI+ measure up?

To start, the Claw 8 AI+ comes with a price tag of $900. It must now prove its value as one of the priciest gaming handhelds from a recognized PC OEM. For this increased cost, the Claw now features a larger 8-inch display (matching the $750 Lenovo Legion Go), a completely overhauled design, and a state-of-the-art chip, the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V. In comparison to the previous Core Ultra 7 155H, the new Intel Arc 140V graphics offer a significant performance boost. Enhancing the experience further is the Claw 8’s robust 80 Whr battery capacity, comparable to the Ally X, alongside 32GB of RAM. While it still demands a considerable investment, especially when you consider that the Steam Deck OLED is priced $250 lower than the new Claw, offering the same 1 TB SSD storage.

Intel’s Lunar Lake chips provide the added advantage of superior battery efficiency compared to many other x86 CPUs available today. During our testing, the 258V demonstrated the ability to achieve higher framerates at 30 TDP in comparison to the widely used AMD Z1 Extreme chip found in many 2024 gaming handhelds. The performance disparity will be more noticeable in certain games than others. If you’re on the hunt for the most powerful handheld boasting a large screen, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ certainly stands as a strong contender. However, alternatives like the OneXPlayer Onexfly F1 Pro, which features up to a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, are available if you’re willing to invest upwards of $1,600 or $1,700 in a handheld device. At some point, one must question the reasonable price range for handheld PCs.

If you prefer larger ergonomics, be aware that the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is only a few updates away from achieving its full potential as a solid handheld. The Center M software has been revamped from its previous iteration, making it significantly easier to access your games and modify user scenarios compared to before. Unfortunately, the system often defaults to desktop controls, neglecting all the controller’s buttons. Occasionally, it may require a quick restart for the device to recognize it is a handheld.

I possess average-sized hands, yet the Claw’s design feels excessively large, akin to its namesake. If I were purchasing a handheld for someone with larger hands, such as my father, I would certainly consider the Claw 8 first. For those aiming to maximize every frame from their handheld gaming experience, the Claw is certainly capable of delivering. However, how long the MSI Claw maintains its leading position in the market could depend heavily on how upcoming APUs in 2025 evolve. Regardless, the Claw has indeed been redeemed; however, like all compelling anti-heroes, it still exhibits some rough edges.

The Claw 8 AI+ is currently available for preorder, with shipping set to begin on January 15, 2025.

Explore the Design and Control Features of the MSI Claw 8 AI+

The initial impression of the Claw 8 is that it is undeniably heavy and somewhat thick for a handheld device. You may want to build up your forearm strength, as the Claw 8 weighs in at 795 grams or 1.75 pounds. While this may not seem excessive initially, holding it for extended periods can quickly become a workout. This device embodies solid gaming potential, yet during lengthy gaming sessions while relaxing on the couch, I often found myself needing to rest it on my lap. This is where the redesigned ridges on the back edge of the device prove beneficial. The previous version had a design flaw where fingers tended to rest on the rear vents, a problem that has been resolved with the Claw 8. The back buttons are now flatter and provide a more tactile click compared to the previous iteration.

The triggers on the Claw 8 have been designed to feel more authentic compared to those found on the Ally or Steam Deck. However, due to the size of the handles, reaching around to grip them can become slightly uncomfortable during intense shooter gameplay. Conversely, the left and right bumper buttons have been significantly improved over those on the original Claw. MSI has re-engineered the shoulder buttons to press downwards instead of inwards, enhancing the experience in games such as Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, where rapid button pressing is essential for melee attacks.

The face buttons are now more rounded than those on the Ally X, but thankfully MSI has retained the RGB lighting behind the A, B, X, and Y buttons. Additionally, the d-pad has been notably enhanced, making it much easier to navigate without taking your eyes off the screen. The overall control experience is a mixed bag; while I appreciate the feel of the Hall effect thumbsticks and most buttons, the spacing between controls feels excessive for my fingers.

Not only have the controls been revamped, but the Center M software—integral for enhancing the Windows 11 handheld experience—has also received a significant upgrade. It now features a cleaner interface, providing quick access to popular launchers and a new settings menu that allows for on-the-fly adjustments to power settings, keyboard, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Moreover, the new menus seamlessly integrate Xbox Game Bar and Xbox Social, enriching the gaming experience.

The integration with Xbox could be a game-changer for those who frequently switch between Xbox and PC platforms, but I’m particularly intrigued by the potential for additional widgets from the built-in widget store in the future. This upgrade represents a significant leap from previous versions, yet I have encountered several issues where the device defaults to PC controls and fails to recognize face buttons. This seems to occur whenever I inadvertently tap the screen, which is a distinct possibility with an 8-inch display. I’ve also faced sporadic glitches with Center M that rendered it unusable, necessitating a restart of the program.

These glitches are likely to be addressed in future updates, highlighting the extra effort required to make Windows handhelds truly functional. There’s a reason the Steam Deck has garnered such popularity; Asus and Lenovo have established a robust head start, and both companies’ software ecosystems effectively allow users to engage with their games while bypassing the Windows desktop. MSI is making strides in this direction but still requires additional refinement.

Unleashing Performance Potential: MSI Claw 8 AI+ Review

MSI is counting on the Claw 8 to achieve high benchmarks to validate its steep price, and in that regard, the handheld certainly delivers. When compared to the Claw A1M, the new device surpasses its predecessor by nearly 700 points in 3D Mark Time Spy and about 800 points in 3D Mark Steel Nomad tests. While plugged in and operating at maximum 30W TDP, the ROG Ally X scores 3,538 on Time Spy with the latest updates, whereas the Claw 8 achieved an impressive 4,437.

However, these benchmarks take a backseat to the real-world gaming performance. In benchmarks for Cyberpunk 2077, using settings from the Steam Deck and either Intel XeSS or AMD FSR, the Claw 8 managed to achieve 52 FPS while running at the Ally’s highest resolution of 1920 by 1080. Although the Claw’s maximum resolution is 1920 by 1200, the performance difference is negligible. The Claw 8 also performed better than the Ally X in titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, achieving 5 to 10 more FPS under identical settings.

When it comes to genuine in-game performance, the distinctions between handhelds begin to blur. You can expect solid performance across standard 2D action titles; for example, Hades II looks stunning on the Claw’s expansive 8-inch display. However, modern 3D titles can vary significantly. Remedy’s Control, when played on medium settings, yields around 30 to 35 FPS in large arena scenarios. Baldur’s Gate III, on high settings, can manage 30 to 40 FPS in Act I, but you might need to lower graphics settings for smoother framerates in the bustling city of Act III.

While I did not have the opportunity to extensively test a wide range of titles on MSI’s latest handheld, my tests yielded a mixed bag of results. Unfortunately, you may find it challenging to run demanding new titles like Indiana Jones: The Great Circle above 30 FPS on the Claw 8, even with reduced resolution settings. Additionally, you should consider that you may sacrifice portability for high-performance gaming. For instance, Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 will run just above 30 FPS on low settings at maximum resolution. That performance is closely comparable to what the Ally X can deliver.

These framerates highlight the need to manage expectations when it comes to handheld PCs. Sometimes, that extra power can make a significant difference, while other times, the absence of a discrete GPU limits performance. The Claw’s $900 price tag is already dangerously close to that of a decent budget gaming laptop. When not plugged in, the system operates at around 30 W of CPU power while consuming a total of 45 W to cool the fans. While gameplay may still be satisfactory, the fans will inevitably impact battery life.

Assessing Battery Life and Efficiency of the MSI Claw 8 AI+

In addition to the advanced Intel chip, the Claw 8 boasts an impressive 80 Whr battery and supports 64W charging via dual Thunderbolt 4 ports. This battery capacity is on par with the Ally X. The Intel Lunar Lake architecture has demonstrated commendable power efficiency, and MSI claims users can expect approximately four hours of battery life during “extended use.” However, anyone with experience using handheld devices understands that actual battery life varies significantly depending on the games being played.

During my gameplay session of Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, I played off the charger, maintaining 30W power consumption for just over an hour and a half before the battery dipped to 10%. This duration is relatively impressive for a demanding game. However, streaming these titles to your handheld may yield better framerates and extend battery life beyond the four-hour mark, based on my experience.

Continuing my gaming journey with Metaphor: Refantazio, which I’ve been thoroughly enjoying on my Steam Deck OLED for several months, the Claw 8 managed to last three hours on its automated “AI engine” mode before requiring a recharge. In contrast, I typically achieve around two hours on the same game with lower graphics settings on Valve’s handheld.

Even with the larger display, the Claw 8 manages to compete well with the Ally X’s battery performance. Just remember that having an 80 Whr battery capacity doesn’t guarantee double the battery life compared to devices with a 40 Whr battery, especially when trying to maximize performance from this compact gaming platform.

Experience Visual and Audio Quality: MSI Claw 8 AI+ Review