Are You Getting MSI’s Claw 7 & Claw 8 AI+: Intel Lunar Lake Gaming Handhelds? First Look Hands On
Portable gaming has never been more competitive, and MSI is stepping into the ring with its revamped Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+. These handhelds promise serious upgrades over their predecessors, but how do they hold up against the heavyweights like the Steam Deck OLED, Lenovo Legion Go, and ASUS ROG Ally? Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways
What’s New with the Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+?
MSI listened to feedback and brought the following upgrades to its handhelds:
Intel Lunar Lake processors: Promising better FPS and power efficiency.
Improved battery life:
Claw 7: 54.5-watt-hour battery.
Claw 8: 80-watt-hour battery for extended sessions.
Enhanced controls: Hall effect sticks and triggers, plus a better D-pad.
Connectivity: Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports for external GPUs or displays.
Claw 8’s SSD slot: Quick storage upgrades for serious gamers.
Quick Specs Overview
Claw 7 AI+:
Display: 7-inch LCD, 1920x1080 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate.
Battery: 54.5-watt-hour.
Price: $799.
Claw 8 AI+:
Display: 8-inch LCD, 1920x1200 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate.
Battery: 80-watt-hour.
Extras: SSD slot for expandable storage.
Price: $899.
How Do They Compare to Competitors?
Here’s how MSI’s latest handhelds stack up against the competition:
Claw 7 AI+ vs. Steam Deck OLED:
The Claw 7 wins on RAM (32GB vs. 16GB) and refresh rate but misses out on OLED visuals.Claw 8 AI+ vs. ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme:
The Claw 8’s bigger battery and SSD slot make it stand out, but the Ally’s OLED screen could sway display lovers.Against Lenovo Legion Go:
While the Legion Go offers a larger 8.8-inch display and detachable controllers, it’s bulkier than MSI’s sleeker design.
Performance and Cooling
MSI promises 113% higher peak FPS and 20% better average FPS compared to competitors, thanks to Intel Lunar Lake and built-in XeSS upscaling tech.
Cooler Boost HyperFlow is another upgrade, designed to keep temperatures down during intense gaming sessions. While the noise levels remain a question mark, it’s a promising feature for sustained performance.
The AI+ Factor: Game-Changing or Gimmick?
MSI’s AI+ branding highlights XeSS upscaling, which enhances game resolution and frame rates. While it’s a nice feature, it’s hardly unique—most competitors already offer similar tech. The AI label might feel more like marketing hype than a revolutionary upgrade.
Should You Preorder?
Here’s the bottom line:
If you’re new to handheld gaming or looking for Intel’s latest chip, the Claw 8 AI+ is the better pick with its larger battery and SSD slot.
If you already own a Steam Deck OLED or ASUS ROG Ally, hold off until reviews confirm MSI’s claims.
What’s your take? Do MSI’s Claw handhelds live up to the hype? Let me know!
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