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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is the successful second attempt the original Claw needed. Intel’s Lunar Lake hardware, Arc 140V graphics, 32GB of memory, a larger 8-inch display, an 80Wh battery, revised controls, and better cooling turn it into a credible premium Windows gaming handheld. But it is not the automatic choice for everyone: its approximately $899 review-era price, nearly 1.75-pound weight, glossy IPS panel, and remaining Windows friction make it a specialist recommendation.
Buy it when the large 16:10 screen, 32GB RAM, Windows compatibility, and high-power performance matter more than value or OLED contrast. Skip it for a lighter device, a simpler console-like experience, or the best performance per dollar.
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What is the MSI Claw 8 AI+?
The Claw 8 AI+ is an 8-inch Windows 11 gaming handheld built around Intel’s Core Ultra 7 258V “Lunar Lake” processor and integrated Arc 140V graphics. The reviewed A2VM-family configuration combines the processor with 32GB of onboard LPDDR5x memory, an 80Wh battery, two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4-capable ports, microSD expansion, and a 1920×1200, 120Hz IPS touchscreen.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsPublished reviews generally evaluated it around $899, but that is a launch/review-era figure rather than a verified September 2026 street price. Current buyers should check the exact retailer listing, configuration, stock status, warranty terms, and return policy before ordering. MSI’s product information is available on the official Claw 8 AI+ page.
#1 Best Overall
- AI-Powered Performance: Harness the capabilities of the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor to effortlessly manage demanding tasks. Extend your productivity with the most powerful and reliable performance on the go.
- Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
- Perfection Through Anthropometry: As a handheld device, Claw has achieved the optimal balance between its grip and weight. We have meticulously polished various design details, from the curvature that fits the palm, to the finger grip positions and trigger force.
- Best-in-Class Battery Life: Unlock exceptional gaming endurance with our breakthrough battery capacity. It's where efficient power meets robust performance—more game, less charge.
- 8-inch Smoothness Ready: Dive into the ultimate gaming experience with our 8-inch premium 120Hz gaming display, with exceptional color reproduction and smooth action.
What changed from the original MSI Claw?
The first MSI Claw was held back by poor game performance, heat, software problems, weak-feeling controls, and disappointing battery behavior. The Claw 8 AI+ addresses those issues with a substantially different platform and a more mature design. Laptop Mag described the result as a major turnaround, while Notebookcheck found its test chassis stable and free of creaking.
- New platform: Core Ultra 7 258V Lunar Lake replaces the original Claw’s Meteor Lake hardware.
- New graphics: Intel Arc 140V integrated graphics deliver a much more credible gaming experience, although performance remains driver- and game-dependent.
- More memory: 32GB of onboard LPDDR5x helps modern games, multitasking, emulation, and desktop use. It is not user-upgradeable.
- Larger screen: The 8-inch 16:10 panel is a meaningful upgrade for RPG interfaces, MMOs, strategy games, and general Windows tasks.
- Larger battery: The 80Wh pack provides useful endurance headroom, but high-power gaming can still empty it in roughly two to three hours.
- Reworked cooling: MSI’s Cooler Boost Hyper Flow design and relocated vents reduce the chance of blocking airflow with the hands.
- Revised controls: The sticks, triggers, bumpers, and rear buttons are improved, with Hall-effect sticks and triggers helping durability and resistance to drift.
- Connectivity: Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4/USB4-class functionality support charging, displays, docks, and accessories.
- More stable software: Drivers and MSI’s handheld controls are considerably less compromised than on the first-generation model, though Windows itself remains Windows.
Design, build quality, and ergonomics
The Claw 8 AI+ uses large controller-like grips that widen around the palms. That shape gives the device a more substantial, console-style hold than a flat mini-laptop, and the revised controls are among its strongest physical improvements. Laptop Mag praised the ergonomics and clickier controls. Notebookcheck reported good chassis stability without creaking in its review unit.
The trade-off is portability. At approximately 1.75 pounds (793–795 grams), it is heavy for a handheld. The larger body can distribute its weight comfortably across the hands, but long sessions may still become tiring. Tom’s Guide noted that resting the elbows on a chair or table can become necessary. Smaller-handed users should pay particular attention to grip reach and rear-button placement.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Vent placement is better considered than on the original Claw, and the larger chassis gives MSI more room for cooling hardware. Laptop Mag measured a gaming surface temperature of about 96.6°F in its test, though results vary with ambient temperature, power mode, workload, and where the device is measured.
The port selection is practical for a PC handheld: two USB-C ports, microSD, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Docking it at a desk is realistic, but a powered USB-C dock or hub adds cost and another piece of equipment.
The 8-inch display is the Claw’s clearest differentiator
The 8-inch, 1920×1200 IPS touchscreen is larger than the 7-inch-class panels used by many rivals. Its 16:10 aspect ratio provides extra vertical space for menus, maps, inventory screens, MMO interfaces, strategy games, and ordinary desktop work.
The panel runs at 120Hz and supports variable refresh according to Notebookcheck. That can make scrolling and supported games feel smoother, but it is not a promise of 120 frames per second in demanding games. Many modern AAA titles will require lower settings, upscaling, or a reduced resolution.
Laptop Mag measured approximately 473 nits, 113.6% sRGB coverage, 80.4% DCI-P3 coverage, and a color-accuracy Delta E of 0.32. Those are strong results for a portable IPS panel, and the display should look vibrant indoors or in shade.
Rank #2
![EXCaliberPC [2025] MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM-001US (Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, 8' FHD+ 120Hz, Windows 11) Gaming Handheld](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413pN5OZb5L._SL160_.jpg)
- Display: 8" FHD+ (1920x1200) 120Hz 100% sRGB IPS-level Touch Screen
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7-258V 8 Cores (2.2GHz-4.8GHz, 12MB Intel Smart Cache)
- Graphics Card: Intel Arc Graphics 140V
- RAM: 32GB (Onboard) LPDDR5x-8533MHz | Hard Drive: 1TB NVMe SSD Gen4x4 2230
- OS: Microsoft Windows 11 Home | Warranty: 1-Year MSI USA Warranty Parts & Labor (include 1 Year Global Warranty) + Lifetime Tech Support from EXCaliberPC
It is still an IPS screen, not OLED. The Steam Deck OLED offers deeper blacks and more striking contrast, and its tested brightness was approximately 597 nits in Laptop Mag’s comparison. The Claw’s glossy surface can also reflect outdoor light despite its good brightness.
Gaming performance: a real improvement, with conditions
The Claw 8 AI+ is genuinely faster than the original Claw and can outperform close AMD-based rivals in many games. Tom’s Guide characterized it as roughly 10–15% faster than comparable AMD handhelds in many modern AAA titles. Laptop Mag’s gaming tests also generally favored the Claw 8 over the ROG Ally X.
Those results are not universal. Power mode, resolution, preset, upscaling technology, driver version, BIOS version, game patches, and MSI Center M settings can materially alter frame rates and frame pacing. Laptop Mag’s Geekbench 6 result was 10,917, below the ROG Ally X’s 11,255 but above the Legion Go’s 9,857 and the Steam Deck OLED’s 4,542 in that test set. That is a useful reminder that a graphics advantage does not mean the Claw wins every CPU benchmark.
Reported game results
Laptop Mag recorded approximately 30 fps in Assassin’s Creed Mirage at 1080p, 28.8 fps in Borderlands 3 at 1080p, 31.3 fps in DiRT 5 at 1080p, and 25 fps in Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1080p. These are review-lab results, not guaranteed current performance; Intel driver updates and game patches may change them.
In practical terms, the Claw 8 AI+ is best understood as a 720p-to-1080p, medium-settings handheld targeting roughly 30–45 fps in demanding games. That is a sensible goal rather than a limitation of the hardware alone.
| Workload | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Indie games and older AAA titles | Usually comfortable at high settings, with good potential for higher frame rates. |
| Esports games | Playable at higher frame rates with tuned settings, depending on the title and resolution. |
| RPGs and MMOs | A strong fit for the large display; Final Fantasy XIV reportedly ran around 40–50 fps at 1080p on Standard Laptop settings. |
| Baldur’s Gate 3 | Smooth at High in some testing, with Medium the safer choice for consistency. |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Playable with careful tuning, Intel XeSS, reduced settings, and realistic frame-rate expectations. |
| New AAA games at native 1920×1200 | Often too demanding for high settings or a locked 60 fps. |
| Ray tracing and Ultra presets | Poor use of the handheld’s limited power budget; expect major compromises. |
In short, the Claw 8 AI+ has a meaningful performance advantage in the right games and power profiles, but it is not a native-1200p, 60-fps machine for every new release.
Battery life and performance modes
The 80Wh battery is one of the Claw 8 AI+’s biggest hardware advantages, but battery life depends heavily on power consumption and brightness. Laptop Mag reported these results:
| Mode | Approximate result | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| 30W Manual | 2 hours 22 minutes | Maximum performance in demanding games |
| AI Engine | 3 hours 6 minutes | Mixed use and automatic power management |
| Endurance | 4 hours 21 minutes at 150 nits | Indie games, streaming, and lighter workloads |
Laptop Mag’s test used PCMark 10 gaming conditions, while Tom’s Guide reported 2 hours 22 minutes in its continuous web-surfing test and found the ROG Ally X lasted about 40 minutes longer in that particular comparison. These figures are not contradictory: they used different workloads and test methods.
Rank #3
- High-Performance Computing: Harness the power of the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor to effortlessly handle demanding tasks. Enjoy reliable, high-performance computing wherever you go.
- Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
- Perfection Through Anthropometry: As a handheld device, Claw has achieved the optimal balance between its grip and weight. We have meticulously polished various design details, from the curvature that fits the palm, to the finger grip positions and trigger force.
- Best-in-Class Battery Life: Unlock exceptional gaming endurance with our breakthrough battery capacity. It's where efficient power meets robust performance—more game, less charge.
- 8-inch Smoothness Ready: Dive into the ultimate gaming experience with our 8-inch premium 120Hz gaming display, with exceptional color reproduction and smooth action.
MSI Center M reports AI Engine, Manual, and Endurance options. Laptop Mag listed Manual settings of 30W, 17W, and 8W. Higher settings increase performance, heat, fan noise, and battery drain; Endurance mode extends runtime by reducing performance.
The honest expectation is approximately two to three hours of demanding gaming at high power, with longer sessions possible in lighter games or reduced-power modes. “Four-plus hours” is a favorable endurance-mode result, not a typical promise for modern AAA gaming.
Windows 11 and MSI Center M
The Claw 8 AI+ is a Windows 11 Home PC with a handheld launcher layered on top. MSI Center M provides a controller-friendly library and quick access to performance profiles, allowing many installed games to be launched without repeatedly navigating the desktop.
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That helps after setup, but it does not eliminate Windows handheld friction. Installing games, signing into launchers, handling updates, changing controller mappings, and dealing with overlays may still require touch targets and desktop menus that were not designed for a gamepad. Tom’s Guide continued to find Windows 11 frustrating on a touchscreen, while Laptop Mag found MSI Center M useful for bypassing much of the desktop once games were installed.
Windows compatibility is a major advantage for Game Pass PC, non-Steam launchers, mods, and games that do not work cleanly on SteamOS. It is also the reason the Claw feels less console-like than a Steam Deck. Buyers should treat driver updates and performance-profile tuning as part of ownership, not as optional extras.
Are the “AI+” features useful for gaming?
Not especially. “AI+” primarily identifies the Lunar Lake platform’s Copilot+ PC capabilities. Laptop Mag noted support for features such as Microsoft CoCreate and Live Captions, along with Intel AI Playground tools.
These capabilities may be useful for general Windows tasks, but they do not transform game performance or resolve the Claw’s central buying questions. Choose this handheld for its graphics performance, 32GB memory, display, battery, controls, and price—not for the AI branding.
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Asus ROG Ally X
The ROG Ally X is the closest mainstream rival. The Claw 8 AI+ offers a larger display, 32GB RAM, and potentially stronger graphics performance in several reviewed games. The Ally X uses an established AMD platform and performed better in Tom’s Guide’s web-surfing battery test; it may also be the better value when discounted.
Rank #4
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258V – AI-Powered Efficiency: Next-gen Series 2 processor delivers 50% better GPU performance and 40% higher efficiency. 47 NPU TOPS accelerate local AI tasks – from Copilot+ to real-time game optimization.
- 8" 120Hz VRR Touch Display: FHD+ IPS screen with 500 nits sunlight readability. 16:10 golden ratio and VRR support eliminate tearing. Perfect for AAA gaming, streaming, or productivity on the go.
- 80Whr Battery + Fast Charge: Massive 80Whr capacity beats most handhelds. Fast charge gets you back in action quickly. Game longer, worry less – whether on a flight or a long commute.
- Revolutionary Intraflow Cooling: Redesigned airflow keeps internal components cool, preventing thermal throttling. Hall Effect analog sticks and triggers offer drift-free, microscopic precision – built to last.
- Unlimited Expansion: Connect external GPU for desktop-class graphics, dual 4K displays, or high-speed storage. Wi-Fi 7 delivers 5.8 Gbps and 2ms latency – lag-free cloud gaming and downloads.
Choose the Claw for screen size and reviewed gaming performance. Choose the Ally X for AMD ecosystem familiarity, a more compact format, and a lower price when available.
See Asus’s official ROG Ally X page for current specifications.
Steam Deck OLED
The Steam Deck OLED is the better fit for Steam-focused buyers who value a simple console-like interface, OLED contrast, and strong value. The Claw 8 AI+ is more suitable for Windows-only launchers, Game Pass PC, demanding PC workloads, and buyers who want a larger 16:10 screen and 32GB memory.
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The Steam Deck OLED is not simply a slower version of the Claw; it is a different ownership experience. Compare Valve’s official Steam Deck OLED information before deciding whether Windows compatibility is worth the extra cost and complexity.
Lenovo Legion Go
The Legion Go offers a large, high-resolution display and distinctive detachable controllers on the original model. It can appeal to buyers who value screen size or flexible controls. The Claw 8 AI+ has a more integrated controller shape and a less sprawling handheld design, while its Intel Arc platform gives it a different performance profile.
Choose based on price, controller preference, and whether detachable controls matter. Lenovo’s official Legion Go page is the place to verify the exact model, since the family includes different configurations.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Configuration warning: verify the storage before buying
Published reviews do not agree on the storage capacity. Laptop Mag’s article identifies a 1TB review model, but its specification table appears to list 2TB. Notebookcheck tested a 512GB unit. These differences may reflect regional SKUs, review samples, or a table error.
Do not assume every Claw 8 AI+ has the same SSD. Before ordering, verify:
Best Value
![EXCaliberPC [2026] MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM-024US (Intel Arc G3 Extreme, 32GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, 8' FHD+ 120Hz, Windows 11) Gaming Handheld - Void Purple](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31BDKS8mQhL._SL160_.jpg)
- Display: 8" FHD+ (1920x1200) 120Hz 100% sRGB IPS-level Touch Screen
- Processor: Intel Arc G3 Extreme 14 Cores (1.5GHz-4.7GHz, 12MB Intel Smart Cache)
- Graphics Card: Intel Arc GPU B390
- RAM: 32GB (Onboard) LPDDR5x-8533MHz | Hard Drive: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
- OS: Microsoft Windows 11 Home | Warranty: 1-Year MSI USA Warranty Parts & Labor (include 1 Year Global Warranty) + Lifetime Tech Support from EXCaliberPC
- the complete model number and regional suffix;
- the internal SSD capacity;
- whether the memory is 32GB onboard;
- the included charger and regional plug;
- warranty coverage in your country;
- the retailer’s return policy.
This matters because modern PC games can consume tens or hundreds of gigabytes, and the onboard RAM cannot be upgraded. The microSD reader provides expansion, but a memory card will not necessarily match the loading performance of the internal SSD.
Who should buy the MSI Claw 8 AI+?
Buy it if:
- You specifically want the largest screen in this comparison group.
- You play MMOs, RPGs, strategy games, or interface-heavy titles.
- You need Windows compatibility for Game Pass PC, mods, launchers, or anti-cheat games.
- 32GB RAM matters for multitasking, emulation, or future-proofing.
- You are comfortable adjusting TDP, upscaling, resolution, and graphics settings.
- You find it at a meaningful discount from the approximately $899 review-era price.
Skip it if:
- Price-to-performance is your top priority.
- You prefer an OLED display and deeper contrast.
- You want a lightweight handheld for long sessions.
- You want SteamOS-like simplicity instead of Windows maintenance.
- You expect modern AAA games to run at native 1920×1200, High or Ultra settings, and a locked 60 fps.
- You need guaranteed stock, clear SKU identification, or an easy return process and cannot verify those details.
Useful accessories
A powered USB-C dock or hub makes sense if you intend to use the Claw as a desktop PC with a monitor, keyboard, mouse, Ethernet, and external storage. Laptop Mag specifically suggested a laptop dock or USB-C hub for this scenario. Avoid assuming that the cheapest unpowered hub can charge the handheld, drive a display, and run several peripherals reliably at once. Official accessory sources include Anker, Belkin, and Kensington.
A microSD card is a practical way to expand a large game library because the Claw includes a card reader. Check sustained performance and capacity rather than assuming every card behaves like an SSD. Samsung’s memory-card range and SanDisk’s official cards are sensible places to compare compatible options.
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A protective case and screen protector are also reasonable purchases for a heavy, glossy touchscreen device at this price. They protect against travel damage and scratches but do not improve performance. Verify compatibility carefully: Claw 7 and Claw 8 cases are not necessarily interchangeable. Potential official accessory sources include Tomtoc and Spigen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MSI Claw 8 AI+ worth buying?
It is worth buying at a discount if you want an 8-inch display, 32GB RAM, Windows compatibility, and strong high-power performance. It is less compelling at the approximately $899 review-era price if value, OLED contrast, light weight, or simple software matters more.
Is the MSI Claw 8 AI+ faster than the ROG Ally X?
In several reviewed games, yes: Laptop Mag generally favored the Claw 8, and Tom’s Guide estimated a roughly 10–15% advantage in many modern AAA titles. The result varies by game, driver, resolution, power mode, and settings; the ROG Ally X led in Laptop Mag’s Geekbench 6 comparison and Tom’s Guide’s web-browsing battery test.
How long does the Claw 8 AI+ battery last?
Laptop Mag measured 2 hours 22 minutes at 30W, 3 hours 6 minutes in AI Engine mode, and 4 hours 21 minutes in Endurance mode at 150 nits. Expect roughly two to three hours for demanding high-power gaming, not four hours in every workload.
Does the Claw 8 AI+ have an OLED display?
No. It has an 8-inch, 1920×1200, 120Hz IPS touchscreen with VRR. It is larger and bright, but the Steam Deck OLED has stronger black levels and contrast.
How much storage does the MSI Claw 8 AI+ have?
Storage varies by SKU or published review sample. Coverage identifies 512GB, 1TB, and an apparent 2TB listing. Verify the exact model number and retailer specification before purchase.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a genuine recovery from MSI’s disappointing first Claw. Its large display, 32GB memory, improved Intel graphics, revised controls, cooling, and 80Wh battery make it a capable premium Windows handheld. It is not the universal winner because its weight, Windows friction, IPS panel, configuration confusion, and review-era $899 price weaken its value. Buy it for the screen and high-end Windows experience—preferably on sale. Otherwise, compare the ROG Ally X for value, the Steam Deck OLED for simplicity and display quality, and the Legion Go for its large-screen and detachable-control design.
