Tag: Claw 8 AI+

  • New MSI Claw 8: Battery Life & Gaming Performance Details

    New MSI Claw 8: Battery Life & Gaming Performance Details

    Key Takeaway

    – MSI has not officially announced its Claw 8 EX AI+ gaming handheld but has teased a Glacier Blue version of the existing Claw 8 AI+.
    – Hands-on images from Mobile 01 show the Claw 8 EX AI+ retains an 8-inch 1200p/120Hz VRR display and the same I/O as its predecessor.
    – The new handheld reportedly achieves ~80 FPS average in Forza Horizon 6 using multi-frame generation on battery, though graphics settings were undisclosed.
    – It offers up to 4 hours of gaming battery life (similar to the Claw 8 AI+ in Endurance Mode), but does not improve comfort or grip over the current model.
    – MSI will not reveal pricing or availability for the Claw 8 EX AI+ during Computex 2026.


    Next Handheld Teased Quietly

    MSI isn’t making a big public announcement regarding its newest gaming handheld just yet. Instead, the company continues to tease another color variant of an existing product. The Glacier Blue version of the Claw 8 AI+ have been shown on MSI’s global website for more then a month now. This is just a visual refresh of the 8-inch device that we looked at in 2025, which currently cost around $1,881 on Amazon.

    Details Emerge About New Model

    Even without an official statement, different sources are starting to fill in the missing info about the upcoming Claw 8 EX AI+ (CG3EM). To recap, Intel already confirmed the existence of this handheld on May 28. Around that same time, some promotional photos leaked showing what the device looks like. Now, Mobile 01 has published some hands-on shots of the Claw 8 EX AI+ that was on show before Computex 2026. These images give us a clearer picture of the design.

    Performance and Design Observations

    Reportedly, the new Claw 8 EX AI+ is said to achieve about an 80 FPS average in Forza Horizon 6. This is accomplished using multi-frame generation technology while running on battery power. However, Mobile 01 never actually revealed what graphics settings were used for this test. The website also remarked that this new handheld is not much more comfortable or grippy compared to the existing Claw 8 AI+, despite the addition of some controller-style grips that should have improved handling.

    Same Display and Battery Claims

    Setting that minor complaint aside, the images that were shared reiterate that the Claw 8 EX AI+ keeps the exact same I/O as its predecessor. It also retains the same 8-inch display with 1200p resolution and a 120 Hz VRR panel. According to MSI’s own marketing material, the new handheld will be able to last up to 4 hours when you are gaming. For reference, MSI makes the exact same claim about the Claw 8 AI+ as well, but that is only true when operating in Endurance Mode.

    • From the coverage provided by Mobile 01, MSI will not be revealing any pricing information.
    • They also will not be announcing availability for the Claw 8 EX AI+ during the Computex 2026 event.


    Sources

  • MSI Launches Claw 8 AI+ Glacier Blue and Polar Void Editions

    MSI Launches Claw 8 AI+ Glacier Blue and Polar Void Editions

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI unveiled new devices during CES 2026, including updates to the Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld.
    2. The Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ are powered by Intel’s Lunar Lake technology.
    3. The refreshed Claw 8 AI+ will feature a Glacier Blue Edition, primarily a cosmetic update.
    4. Previous editions like the Polar Tempest included significant upgrades, suggesting potential enhancements for the Glacier Blue Edition.
    5. MSI is also showcasing the Polar Void Edition, which is not expected to launch fully at this time.


    Earlier today, MSI unveiled multiple new devices during its CES 2026 presentation. The company also hinted at updated versions of its well-liked Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld. For reference, the Claw 8 AI+ was launched at the same time as the smaller Claw 7 AI+ (currently priced at $959.99 on Amazon).

    Current Offerings

    Currently, these two models are among the few gaming handhelds powered by Intel’s Lunar Lake, along with the OneXPlayer X1 Air. It seems that the next versions using Panther Lake technology are still some time away from hitting the market. Meanwhile, MSI has opted to refresh the Claw 8 AI+ with a Glacier Blue Edition. As seen in the image above, this Glacier Blue Edition might just be another cosmetic update like the previous Polar Tempest Edition.

    Potential Upgrades

    MSI differentiated the Polar Tempest Edition from the original Sandstorm model by including a 2 TB SSD. Therefore, we wouldn’t be shocked if MSI has similar enhancements planned for the Glacier Blue Edition. While the Glacier Blue Edition is on the way, MSI is also showcasing the Polar Void Edition at CES 2026. Sadly, this version is not expected to make a complete market debut at this time.

    Source:
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  • MSI Claw Boosts Performance with Latest Intel Driver Update

    MSI Claw Boosts Performance with Latest Intel Driver Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI launched the Polar Tempest Edition of the Claw 8 AI+ with enhanced storage and a new color choice.
    2. The new Intel Graphics Driver 32.0.101.6734 targets integrated graphics for 11th to 14th Gen Core processors, boosting performance for gaming handhelds.
    3. Key improvements include power management optimization for Intel Core Ultra 200V gaming handhelds, improving efficiency and frame pacing.
    4. Early reports indicate significant gaming performance boosts for Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+ at around 17 W power levels.
    5. The older Meteor Lake-based Claw 7 A1M will not receive the performance improvements from this driver update.


    MSI has unveiled an updated version of the Claw 8 AI+, introducing enhanced storage and a new color choice. The Polar Tempest Edition will match the performance of the existing Claw 8 AI+, but its launch is paired with new drivers specifically designed to boost performance for gaming handhelds.

    Driver Update Focus

    The new Intel Graphics Driver 32.0.101.6734 is aimed at integrated graphics within 11th to 14th Gen Core processors, including the newer Arrow Lake, Lunar Lake, and Meteor Lake processors in the Core Ultra series. Additionally, this update is claimed to enhance the performance of Arc and Iris Xe graphics cards across multiple areas.

    Key Improvements

    The standout feature of this month’s driver release from Intel is the ‘power management optimisation’ for Intel Core Ultra 200V gaming handheld devices, which currently includes the Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+. Both devices should now provide better frame pacing and operate more efficiently in lower power modes compared to previous driver versions.

    Performance Boost

    Early reports suggest that Graphics Driver 32.0.101.6734 greatly enhances gaming performance on the Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+ when running at power levels around 17 W. Sadly, this means that the older Meteor Lake-based Claw 7 A1M (currently priced at $454 – used on Amazon) won’t see these improvements. For more technical details, refer to Intel’s release notes for Graphics Driver 32.0.101.6734 and check their website.

    Source:
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  • MSI Claw 8 Pre-Orders Now Open in the UK – Release Date Inside

    MSI Claw 8 Pre-Orders Now Open in the UK – Release Date Inside

    MSI has been offering the Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+ for slightly more than a month now, but this is specifically in the US market. These two models are priced at $799.99 and $899.99, respectively. However, availability is still quite limited; currently, only the new 7-inch version can be found for purchase.

    New Pre-orders in the UK

    In the UK, MSI has started taking pre-orders for their new 8-inch console, but it is exclusively available at Currys for now. The complete retail price for this device has been set at £899, which includes 32 GB of RAM and a generous 1 TB of storage. Additionally, Currys has announced that shipping for the device will commence on February 11, which is nearly three months after it first appeared in the US market.

    Claw 7 AI+ Absence

    Interestingly, MSI has not shown any signs of introducing the more affordable Claw 7 AI+ A2VM in the UK. A search on the company’s official website only brings up the Claw 8 AI+ A2VM along with the original Claw 7 AV1M. To give a bit more detail, the Claw 8 AI+ features the following specifications:

    Source:
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  • MSI Claw 8 AI+ Launches at $100 Over Asus ROG Ally X Price

    MSI Claw 8 AI+ Launches at $100 Over Asus ROG Ally X Price

    Hardly any time has gone by since the Claw 8 AI+ was recognized on CES’ website as a CES 2025 Innovation Award Honoree. It seemed like MSI was gearing up to launch their new gaming handheld early in 2025. But two retailers have hinted that this might not be true.

    Pricing and Availability

    Amazon US and Excaliber PC have both listed the 8-inch gaming handheld at a price of $899, with a full launch expected next month. Even though the Claw 8 AI+ is currently out of stock on Amazon, you can still pre-order it at Excaliber PC, which includes the following specifications:

    Specifications Details

    As reported by VideoCardz, there will be a Core Ultra 7 256V model featuring 16 GB of RAM. However, there hasn’t been any confirmation about this yet. Nevertheless, all versions of the Claw 8 AI+ will measure 299 x 123 x 24 mm and have a weight of 794 g. This means that MSI’s new gaming handheld is significantly larger and heavier compared to the Asus ROG Ally X. In contrast, the newly released Claw 7 AI+ (currently priced at $799 on Amazon) is quite the opposite.


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  • MSI Claw 8 AI+ Launches with Bigger Battery than Asus ROG Ally

    MSI Claw 8 AI+ Launches with Bigger Battery than Asus ROG Ally

    A few months have gone by since MSI last talked about the possibility of releasing its second gaming handheld. For some background, the company introduced the Claw 8 AI+ featuring Intel Lunar Lake processors during Computex 2024 in June. Later, in September at IFA 2024, MSI presented the same device and made the following announcement:

    More Details at IFA 2024

    During IFA 2024, MSI will share more information about the Claw 8 AI+. This fresh gaming handheld running Windows 11 will be a new addition to the Claw series, expected to arrive in early 2025. The Claw 8 AI+ is powered by the new Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor, promising a notable boost in AI capabilities.

    Confirmation Still Pending

    However, MSI has yet to specify an exact launch date. Additionally, most of the technical details remain uncertain. Recently, CES has shed some light on not just the potential timing for the Claw 8 AI+’s full unveiling, but also its enhanced battery specs.

    The Claw 8 AI+ has been recognized as a CES 2025 Innovation Award Honoree. Thus, it looks like a January 2025 launch could be possible, though this might not directly correlate with its official release date. Furthermore, CES has disclosed that the Claw 8 AI+ will feature an 8-inch screen paired with an 82 Wh battery, which is 2 Wh more than the battery found in the ROG Ally X.

    Battery Comparisons

    In contrast, the current MSI Claw includes a 53 Wh battery (priced at $471.18 on Amazon). This new 82 Wh battery is expected to enable the Claw 8 AI+ to deliver more than 4 hours of gameplay on triple-A games. Still, it might be wise to hold off on making any conclusions until independent reviews are available.

    Source: Link,Link


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