Yes—the MSI Claw is out now, but there is no single device with that name. The Claw 8 AI+ is MSI’s mainstream Intel handheld; the newer Claw 8 EX AI+ is its premium performance model. The older Claw A1M and AMD-based Claw A8 are different products, with different hardware and pricing. In the US, prices seen on August 18, 2026, ranged from $1,149 for an out-of-stock Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest listing to $1,799 for the Claw 8 EX AI+ at MSI’s store.
Which MSI Claw models are available?
MSI uses “Claw” for a family of Windows handheld PCs, not one fixed configuration. Check the model name and SKU before comparing prices or specifications.
- Claw A1M: The original 2024-generation Intel handheld, with a 7-inch display and older Core Ultra Series 1 hardware. It is now mainly a used, refurbished, or remaining-inventory option. MSI Claw A1M specifications.
- Claw 7 AI+: A smaller refreshed model announced alongside the 8 AI+. MSI described both as available in its announcement; availability and configuration depend on market. MSI availability announcement.
- Claw 8 AI+ A2VM: The established 8-inch Intel model, built around Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2 hardware. The Polar Tempest Edition is a white special edition in this family, but confirm the exact SKU because specifications and bundles can vary.
- Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM: The newer, higher-priced flagship, with Intel Arc G3 Extreme hardware. MSI announced it at Computex in June 2026; retail review coverage appeared by July. The evidence available does not establish an exact official US launch day. MSI’s Computex announcement.
- Claw A8: A separate AMD-based model, not another name for the Intel Claw 8 AI+. Its availability and price should be checked for the buyer’s region.
As of August 18, 2026, the A1M is an older product; the 8 AI+ is an established retail model; and the 8 EX AI+ had reached retail channels, although a listing does not guarantee current stock. Prices and availability differ by retailer, SKU, and country.
How much does the MSI Claw cost?
These are US store or retailer price signals seen on August 18, 2026, not guaranteed prices. Tax and shipping may be extra, and stock can change.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
| Model and configuration | Price seen | What the listing means |
|---|---|---|
| Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest Edition, 1TB | $1,149 | MSI US store listing; marked out of stock when checked. |
| Claw 8 AI+ A2VM, standard 1TB listing | $1,299.99 | MSI US store price signal. The store page also showed $1,299.99 for one 2TB listing; this is not necessarily a universal MSRP. |
| Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM-024US, 1TB/32GB | $1,799 | MSI US store listing. Tom’s Hardware reported a Newegg listing at about $1,699 in June 2026. |
| Claw A1M | Not stated | Remaining-stock and refurbished prices depend on the retailer, configuration, and condition. |
MSI US Claw 8 AI+ listing and MSI US Claw 8 EX AI+ listing. The reported retailer price is covered by Tom’s Hardware.
Claw 8 AI+ A2VM specifications
The following describes the A2VM family and the US configuration information in MSI’s listings; a specific SKU may differ. The Polar Tempest edition is part of this family, not the EX model.
| Component | Claw 8 AI+ A2VM |
|---|---|
| Processor | Up to Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2; US store configuration: Core Ultra 7 258V |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel Arc 140V |
| Display | 8-inch touchscreen, 1920×1200 (16:10), IPS-level; 48–120Hz variable refresh rate. US listings identify a 120Hz panel with 100% sRGB. |
| Memory | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533, soldered/on-package; not user-upgradable |
| Storage | One M.2 2230 PCIe Gen4 NVMe slot; configurations include 1TB and 2TB |
| Battery | 80Wh |
| Wireless | Killer Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 on the listed US configuration |
| Ports and expansion | Two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports with DisplayPort and power delivery; microSD card reader |
| Controls | Hall-effect sticks and triggers, HD haptics, macro buttons, RGB face buttons |
| Operating system and adapter | Windows 11 Home; 65W USB-C PD adapter |
| Weight and warranty | About 1.75 lb for the listed Polar Tempest SKU; one-year limited warranty on MSI US store listing |
MSI notes specifications may vary by model, country, and final SKU. Check the A2VM specifications and the listing for the exact unit before buying. In particular, its M.2 2230 drive is a different size from the EX model’s M.2 2280 SSD.
Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM-024US specifications
The EX is not simply a faster configuration of the A2VM: it has a different platform, storage form factor, wireless specification, and card reader. The figures below refer to MSI’s US CG3EM-024US listing.
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- 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.
| Component | Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM-024US |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Arc G3 Extreme, listed at 1.5–4.6GHz |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel Arc graphics, B390 platform with 12 Xe cores |
| Display | 8-inch touchscreen, 1920×1200 (16:10), 120Hz VRR, IPS-level, 100% sRGB, up to 500 nits |
| Memory | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533, soldered |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 2280 SSD |
| Battery | 80Wh |
| Wireless | Intel Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 |
| Ports and expansion | Two Thunderbolt 4 ports; microSD Express card reader |
| Operating system and weight | Windows 11 Home; about 1.73 lb |
| Color and controls | Void Purple; Hall-effect sticks and triggers, redesigned controller-like grip, macro keys |
| Included launch accessories | MSI Claw Travel Case III, keychain, grip caps, and 8-inch tempered-glass screen protector, according to MSI’s product page |
See the US SKU listing and MSI product page. Accessories and specifications may vary by region or sales bundle.
How much faster is the Claw 8 EX AI+?
PC Gamer’s review found the EX ahead of the previous Claw 8 AI+ in the cited tests. These are reviewer results under particular resolutions, presets, upscaling, power modes, and software versions—not promised frame rates or a guarantee of the same improvement in every game.
| PC Gamer test | Claw 8 EX AI+ | Previous Claw 8 AI+ |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon Zero Dawn, 1080p Original | 61 fps average | 48 fps average |
| Metro Exodus Enhanced, 1080p High | 41 fps | 25 fps |
| Cyberpunk 2077, 1080p Medium with upscaling | 73 fps | 48 fps |
| F1 24, 1080p Medium with upscaling | 124 fps | 85 fps |
Those results make the EX the performance pick among the cited MSI models, but the extra speed has to be weighed against its $1,699–$1,799 observed US price versus the AI+ listings at $1,149–$1,299.99. Actual performance also depends on drivers, game support, power mode, thermals, and whether a game benefits from XeSS or other upscaling. PC Gamer’s Claw 8 EX AI+ review and testing.
What battery life should you expect?
The 80Wh battery is substantial for a handheld, but it does not translate into a fixed gaming runtime. Screen brightness, wireless use, power mode, and the game’s workload all matter.
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- 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.
- MSI’s video-playback claim: MSI reports more than 28 hours for the Claw 8 AI+ in a controlled 1080p video playback test using a low-power configuration. It is not a gaming result; MSI says runtime varies with brightness, wireless settings, power mode, memory, storage, and workload. MSI Claw 8 AI+ overview.
- PC Gamer’s EX gaming test: The reviewer measured 153 minutes in its default PCMark 10 gaming test and 308 minutes in Endurance mode.
- Specific game result: PC Gamer also reported Intel’s Team Fortress 2 measurement of roughly 11–12 hours. That result is tied to that game and test condition; it should not be treated as expected endurance in demanding modern games.
See PC Gamer’s review for the EX test context.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does MSI’s software and connectivity work?
The Claw models run Windows 11 Home, so they can use Windows PC game stores and launchers, but Windows handheld controls and updates are less console-like than a dedicated handheld operating system. MSI Center M provides a handheld-oriented interface, quick settings, control modes, and macro-key configuration. The AI Engine can automatically adjust certain system settings.
The Claw 8 EX AI+ adds Xbox Mode. Game Pass access is not a permanent hardware feature: the standard A2VM page lists a one-month PC Game Pass offer, while the A1M specification page lists a two-month Xbox Game Pass Essential bundle. Offers vary by SKU and region, so check the exact sales listing. MSI App Player support for Android games is also available on relevant Claw models.
Both 8-inch Intel models list two Thunderbolt 4 ports, useful for high-speed peripherals, display output, and compatible docks. The A2VM uses a microSD reader and M.2 2230 SSD slot; the EX lists microSD Express and an M.2 2280 SSD. Memory is soldered on both, so choose the needed RAM configuration at purchase.
Which MSI Claw should you buy?
Choose the Claw 8 EX AI+ for maximum performance
Pick the EX if frame rates in demanding games matter more than price, and you are comfortable spending around $1,699–$1,799 before tax or any extras. Its stronger graphics platform, 8-inch VRR screen, 80Wh battery, and controller-style grip suit buyers who want a high-end portable Windows PC. It is a premium niche rather than the default value choice.
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- Exposure: 8" FHD (1920 x 1200), Touchscreen, 120Hz Refresh Rate, 100% sRGB (Typical), 500 Nits (Typical), VRR, IPS Level Panel
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme
- Hall effect analog activators and sticks built to last with microscopic precision
- RAM: 24GB (Onboard) LPDDR5x-8533MHz | Hard Drive: 1TB NVMe Gen4x4 2230 SSD
- Revolutionary Cooler Boost HyperFlow technology redirects airflow to internal cooling components.
Choose the Claw 8 AI+ for the more balanced purchase
The A2VM gives you an 8-inch 1920×1200 display, 80Wh battery, Hall-effect controls, and Windows flexibility for less than the EX at the observed prices. It is the more sensible MSI option for indie games, older AAA titles, emulation, streaming, and moderate-power play—especially when discounted. The $1,149 Polar Tempest listing was out of stock when checked, so do not assume that price is currently purchasable.
Consider the A1M only at a substantial discount
The A1M’s 7-inch screen, 53Wh battery, and older Intel hardware make it a weaker long-term buy beside the newer models. It can make sense as a low-cost refurbished or clearance device if you accept more driver upkeep and verify battery condition, return terms, exact configuration, and warranty.
Look at the Claw A8 if you want MSI’s AMD option
The AMD-based A8 is a distinct alternative for shoppers comparing platforms within MSI’s lineup. It is not the Claw 8 AI+ or EX; check current regional specifications and availability before choosing it.
Consider other handhelds if Windows or price is the issue
The Steam Deck OLED is a better fit for buyers who prioritize a more console-like SteamOS experience and lower pricing, though Windows-only launchers and games with incompatible anti-cheat can be limiting. The ASUS ROG Ally X is another Windows handheld to compare for software support and battery capacity. The Lenovo Legion Go favors a larger display and detachable-controller design over compactness. Current prices for these alternatives are not established here, so compare live regional listings rather than assuming the MSI price gap.
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Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
