Tag: MSI Claw 8 AI+

  • Lunar Lake MSI Claw Handhelds Now Available at Higher Prices

    Lunar Lake MSI Claw Handhelds Now Available at Higher Prices

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lenovo Legion Go S has seen a $50 price increase, while MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ have increased by $100.
    2. Claw 7 AI+ is now priced at $899.99 (up from $799.99) and Claw 8 AI+ at $999.99 (up from $899.99).
    3. Price increases are primarily observed in the US and have not been reflected in other regions.
    4. Some retailers, like Best Buy, have not updated their listings, showing even higher prices than original MSRPs.
    5. Lenovo states the price increase for Legion Go S is determined by retailers, not an official price hike from the company.

    While computers and smartphones have been exempt from the recent US tariffs, a few manufacturers have already taken action. Specifically, in the realm of gaming handhelds, the Lenovo Legion Go S has recently seen a price increase of $50, and MSI has also raised the prices of its Lunar Lake-powered MSI Claw gaming handhelds.

    Price Changes Observed

    According to Windows Central, both the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ have experienced a quiet $100 price increase. More specifically, the Claw 7 AI+ is now priced at $899.99 on the official US store, up from its original MSRP of $799.99, while the Claw 8 AI+ is now listed at $999.99 instead of $899.99.

    Regional Differences

    Windows Central also points out that these increases have not been reflected in other regions, suggesting that the silent price raises are indeed a direct response to the new US tariffs. It’s uncertain if the recent exemption for smartphones and computers will cause the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ to revert back to their original prices.

    Retailer Responses

    Another important point is that some retailers have not yet updated their listings. For instance, Best Buy still shows the Claw 7 AI+ at $829, which is already a higher price than the original MSRP.

    As for the Lenovo Legion Go S, Lenovo informed Windows Central that the $50 price increase is determined by the retailers. This indicates that Lenovo has not officially raised the price of the gaming handheld itself, and it remains to be seen how retailers will react to this development.

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  • MSI Launches Polar Tempest Edition of Claw 8 AI+ Just Months After Release

    MSI Launches Polar Tempest Edition of Claw 8 AI+ Just Months After Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI launched the Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest Edition with new white panels and increased storage from 1 TB to 2 TB, priced at $999 before taxes.
    2. The Polar Tempest Edition features an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor and 32 GB of RAM, promising better performance than competitors like the ROG Ally X.
    3. The new model is expected to lag behind more powerful alternatives powered by the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370.
    4. Currently, the Polar Tempest Edition is limited to the US market, with no confirmed plans for release in other regions.
    5. The shipping for the Polar Tempest Edition is set to begin on July 15.

    The MSI Claw 8 AI+ has been available for several months now, having first appeared late last year with the smaller Claw 7 AI+. However, MSI only started to ship the 8-inch gaming handheld in various markets, such as Europe and the UK, by mid-February.

    New Variant Launched

    In a recent move, MSI has introduced a refreshed version of the Claw 8 AI+, named the Polar Tempest Edition. This new model, which will start shipping on July 15, features white panels instead of the retro-style ones found on the original version. Additionally, MSI has increased the storage capacity from 1 TB to 2 TB, adding a $100 extra charge, bringing the total price to $999 before taxes.

    Performance Specs

    The Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest Edition is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor and 32 GB of RAM. This means the device is expected to outperform competing handhelds like the ROG Ally X, which use the Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip. Nonetheless, it will still lag behind alternatives powered by the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, such as the GPD Pocket 4 and OneXFly F1 Pro, which is currently priced at $1,439 on Amazon.

    Availability Concerns

    Currently, it appears that MSI has limited the Polar Tempest Edition’s availability to the US. The company has not provided any updates on whether this model will be launched in other regions in the future. Given the release timeline for the original Claw 8 AI+, it may take several months before the Polar Tempest Edition is released globally.

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    MSI Launches Polar Tempest Edition of Claw 8 AI+ Just Months After ReleaseMSI Launches Polar Tempest Edition of Claw 8 AI+ Just Months After Release
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  • MSI Claw 8 AI+ Gaming Handheld: Strong Hardware, Software Gaps

    MSI Claw 8 AI+ Gaming Handheld: Strong Hardware, Software Gaps

    Key Takeaways

    1. Processor Upgrade: The Claw 8 AI+ features a new Intel Lunar Lake processor, enhancing efficiency while providing impressive gaming performance despite lower power limits compared to the original model.

    2. Improved Efficiency and Noise: The new model operates at a lower power draw (37/30 watts) while achieving 25% better performance than its predecessor, and it has reduced fan noise during use.

    3. Design and Display Enhancements: The Claw 8 AI+ has a larger 8-inch IPS display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, offering a more immersive gaming experience, though it’s heavier than competitors like the ROG Ally X.

    4. User-Replaceable Storage and Better Battery: It includes a user-replaceable M.2 2230 SSD and a larger 80 Wh battery, allowing up to 3.5 hours of gameplay in energy-efficient mode.

    5. Pricing Challenges: Priced at $899.99, the Claw 8 AI+ may face competition from more affordable options like the Steam Deck, despite its advanced features and performance.

    When MSI introduced the original Claw gaming handheld last year, its choice of processor raised eyebrows. Unlike most other brands, it opted for an Intel Meteor Lake processor, which is known to need more power than AMD chips to function properly. In its highest setting, the processor could draw up to 43 watts continuously. While this amount of power is impressive for a cooling system to manage in such a small device, it contradicts the goal of creating an energy-efficient product. Moreover, the fans were almost always on and tended to be quite noisy during gaming sessions.

    New Processor for a New Generation

    For its latest model, the Claw 8 AI+, MSI has continued to rely on Intel processors, now featuring a Lunar Lake processor aimed at enhancing efficiency. Although the performance of the processor itself is somewhat lower when compared to previous models, the integrated GPU offers commendable performance even with reduced power limits, resulting in overall gaming capabilities that are quite impressive. During our gaming trials, the new Claw 8 AI+ outperformed the original Claw by 25% while operating at 37/30 watts compared to the earlier 45/43 watts. Additionally, its gaming performance surpasses that of the ROG Ally X, which uses an older AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Zen 4), by about 10%. While the GPD Pocket 4 with the latest Zen 5 SoC is a bit faster, it comes at a much higher price point and isn’t designed specifically for gaming.

    Efficiency and Noise Management

    Thanks to its enhanced efficiency, the Claw 8 AI+ achieves higher performance without increasing fan noise, which has actually decreased overall. However, during testing, we observed that the fan speed often fluctuated between two settings despite a stable thermal design power (TDP), which can be a bit irritating. These variations were also present in the slower AI mode, albeit at a lower intensity. This leads to some confusion regarding the device’s energy profiles, as the AI engine produced notably weaker results in our tests. There are three manual TDP settings (8, 17, and 30 watts), making it hard to find a true manual mode. While the device’s software is generally good, it still experiences some lags and lacks the extensive features compared to Asus’ Armoury Crate SE software. MSI needs to address these areas and optimize fan performance.

    Design and Display

    In addition to the processor, the new casing and larger screen make a significant impact. Compared to the ROG Ally X, the Claw 8 AI+ is noticeably larger and about 100 grams heavier. Still, it feels comfortable to hold, especially for those accustomed to the ROG Ally X, and the 8-inch display is quite a bit bigger. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference whether one favors a larger screen or a more compact design. The screen remains an IPS panel with 500-nit brightness, 120 Hz refresh rate, and variable refresh rate (VRR), making it suitable for gaming, even though its response times are slightly inferior to the older model.

    Storage and Battery Life

    The compact M.2 2230 SSD is user-replaceable, and MSI has also included a larger 80 Wh battery (up from 53 Wh), which allows for extended usage times. The duration of gameplay varies depending on the performance mode chosen. In the fastest mode, our testing lasted around 1 hour and 45 minutes, while using the AI engine (at 17 watts) extended playtime to approximately 3.5 hours.

    Pricing Concerns

    One significant concern is its price tag of $899.99. While we believe this price is justified given the hardware offered, it may deter many potential customers. The Steam Deck has gained popularity not only for its user-friendly Steam OS but also due to its more affordable price point, and the original ROG Ally continues to sell well. Whether the new Claw 8 AI+ will find success despite its strong performance remains uncertain.

    MSI Claw 8 AI+ Gaming Handheld: Strong Hardware, Software GapsMSI Claw 8 AI+ Gaming Handheld: Strong Hardware, Software GapsMSI Claw 8 AI+ Gaming Handheld: Strong Hardware, Software Gaps
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  • MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs ROG Ally X: Lunar Lake APU Boosts Performance

    MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs ROG Ally X: Lunar Lake APU Boosts Performance

    In our assessment of the MSI Claw 8 handheld gaming device, we determined that the first-generation Claw 8 was “not worthy of our recommendation.” A significant factor in this judgment was the Meteor Lake Core Ultra 7 155H, which not only lagged behind the Ryzen Z1 Extreme present in the Rog Ally but also showed inefficiency.

    Improvements in the New Model

    Seven months later, we now have a glimpse into the enhancements that MSI has made with the second-generation MSI Claw 8. Dubbed the “Claw 8 AI+,” this handheld console is powered by the Core Ultra 7 258V, Intel’s latest Lunar Lake APU, and features a next-gen Xe2 Arc 140V iGPU. According to tests conducted by Dave2D, the Lunar Lake chip enables the MSI Claw 8 AI+ to finally compete effectively with the Asus Rog Ally X in terms of both performance and battery longevity.

    Performance in Gaming Tests

    When conducting gaming tests at 17 W with graphics set to 1080p/low, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ either matches or surpasses the performance of both the Asus Rog Ally X and the Lenovo Legion Go in games like Ghost of Tsushima (33 FPS) and Black Myth: Wukong (23 FPS). Notably, the Claw 8 AI+ outperforms the Rog Ally X in Cyberpunk 2077 by 9% (48 vs 44 FPS), by 19.5% in Red Dead Redemption 2 (49 vs 41 FPS), and a remarkable 46% in F1 23 (51 vs 35 FPS).

    Enhancements with FSR/XeSS

    Additionally, using FSR/XeSS improves the low frame rates in demanding titles like Black Myth: Wukong, allowing the Claw 8 AI+ to achieve 51 FPS. Cyberpunk 2077 also sees an increase to 60 FPS with image reconstruction turned on.

    Under a 30 W load, maintaining the same resolution, graphics, and FSR/XeSS settings, all three handheld devices see slight performance enhancements. For example, Claw 8 AI+, Rog Ally X, and the Legion Go can run Black Myth: Wukong at approximately 60 FPS. The Claw 8 AI+ also edges out the competition slightly in Ghost of Tsushima and Baldur’s Gate 3.

    Battery Life Comparison

    In terms of battery longevity, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and the Rog Ally X have similar performance. Both systems are equipped with a large 80 Wh battery, allowing for extended use under light load. For instance, the Claw 8 AI+ can last 14 hours and 29 minutes while streaming YouTube, whereas the Rog Ally X manages 15 hours and 17 minutes.

    Moreover, the Claw 8 AI+ not only competes well but also lasts longer than the Rog Ally X during gameplay. While playing Cyberpunk 2077, the Claw 8 AI+ lasts an additional 19 minutes. However, the Rog Ally X takes the lead when it comes to Street Fighter 6.

    Pricing and Value

    Overall, MSI has successfully narrowed the performance gap that previously existed between its portable console and the Asus Rog Ally. However, the Claw 8 AI+ comes at a much higher price, which might be a significant drawback for handheld gamers at this time.

    While the MSI Claw 8 AI+ features a large 8-inch IPS display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 32 GB of LPDDR5x-8533 memory, the $899 price tag is quite steep when compared to its rivals. Currently, you can purchase the Lenovo Legion Go with 16 GB of RAM and a 144 Hz display for only $549.99 on Amazon. The Rog Ally with Ryzen Z1 Extreme and 2 TB of storage costs $749.99, while the Rog Ally X is available for $799 with 24 GB of RAM.

    Until MSI lowers the price, which is likely to happen eventually, it’s tough to recommend the Claw 8 AI+ despite its impressive capabilities.

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  • MSI Claw 8 AI+ Handheld: 20% Faster Than ROG Ally X

    MSI Claw 8 AI+ Handheld: 20% Faster Than ROG Ally X

    In the tough world of gaming handhelds, MSI discovered that some risks don’t pay off. Their last handheld, the Claw, received harsh criticism and struggled to compete against devices like the ROG Ally. However, with the new Lunar Lake-powered Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+, things seem to be looking up for the company.

    Promising Performance

    As per the official slides from ETA Prime, the outlook for MSI is bright. The Claw 8 reportedly outperforms the ROG Ally X, which runs on the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, by about 20% at 17 watts with lower graphics settings and XeSS/FSR activated. This result is no surprise since the Arc 140V integrated GPU is indeed much quicker than the old Radeon 780M in the Ryzen Z1 Extreme. Nevertheless, with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme expected to debut at CES 2025, MSI’s edge might be temporary, especially since the Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+ won’t hit the market until the end of this month.

    Upgraded Features

    The Claw 8 AI+ comes with several impressive upgrades compared to the ROG Ally X, such as a bigger 8-inch 1080p display, faster Wi-Fi 7, and up to 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory, plus dual Thunderbolt 4 ports. The price for the Core Ultra 7 258V model stands at $899, which is $100 higher than the Ally X. Now, everyone’s waiting to see if Asus will step up with a refreshed version of the ROG Ally X, and with CES 2025 just around the corner, the answer will be revealed soon.

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  • MSI Reveals Launch Dates and Prices for Lunar Lake Claw Handhelds

    MSI Reveals Launch Dates and Prices for Lunar Lake Claw Handhelds

    MSI has recently unveiled the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ gaming handhelds. While the announcement initially did not specify the availability of these devices powered by Lunar Lake, MSI has since shared through a post on X that the official launch date is December 26.

    Pre-order and Launch Dates

    This December 26 date applies specifically to pre-orders in the US. The company has also informed that both the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ will actually be available in stores starting January 15, 2025. Along with the launch dates, MSI has revealed the pricing for these two models.

    Pricing Details

    The Claw 7 AI+ will retail for $799, while the Claw 8 AI+ is priced at $899. Key differences between these two models include screen size, battery capacity, and connectivity options. MSI had earlier mentioned that both handhelds would feature the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, but now suggests that the Claw 8 AI+ might also come in a variant with the Ultra 7 256V.

    Variants and Performance

    This lower-tier version of the handheld could be cheaper than the higher-end model since the Core Ultra 7 256V is equipped with 16 GB of RAM compared to the 32 GB in the other. Additionally, the official MSI Claw 7 AI+ page mentions it will offer “up to Core Ultra 7 258V,” indicating the potential for other Lunar Lake configurations as well.

    Both setups are expected to deliver superior performance compared to the previous MSI Claw model. It will be exciting to see how these new gaming handhelds stack up against competitors like the upcoming Ryzen Z2 Extreme. If you’re interested in more information about MSI’s latest handhelds, feel free to check out our earlier reports.

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  • MSI Unveils Fallout-Themed Claw 8 AI+ with Intel Lunar Lake CPU

    MSI Unveils Fallout-Themed Claw 8 AI+ with Intel Lunar Lake CPU

    MSI has made an exciting announcement at Computex, revealing its partnership with renowned gaming company Bethesda to produce a new Fallout-themed gaming console called the MSI Claw. Additionally, MSI introduced the MSI Claw 8 AI+, which also boasts Fallout-inspired design elements.

    MSI Claw 8 AI+ Console Details

    The console's design draws inspiration from the game's Vaults, the Pip-Boys worn by Vault dwellers, and robots, making it a must-have for Fallout enthusiasts. This launch coincides with the popular TV adaptation of Fallout, rekindling interest in the franchise.

    The hardware of the console has undergone several upgrades. While it retains the D-pad, XYAB buttons, joysticks, and hall effect triggers, it now features a larger 8-inch FHD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and 500 nits brightness. The screen fully covers the sRGB color gamut.

    The Intel Meteor Lake Core Ultra 7 155H CPU has been replaced by Intel’s forthcoming Lunar Lake CPU. The console also boasts a robust "Cooler Boost Hyperflow" cooling system, which uses two fans and two heat pipes. According to Tom’s Hardware, the device will also feature a more substantial 80 Whr battery, up from the original 53Whr, and will include two Thunderbolt 4 ports.

    MSI Claw Fallout 4 Limited Edition

    MSI is also set to launch a Fallout-themed Claw A1M console. Essentially, the Fallout 4 Limited Edition console will be a skin for the existing A1M console.

    Regarding specifications, it will feature an Intel Core Ultra 5 135H or Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage. The display is 7 inches in size with an FHD resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The console includes a Thunderbolt 4 port, a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and stereo speakers.

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  • MSI Claw 8 AI+: First Gaming Handheld with Lunar Lake Core Ultra

    MSI Claw 8 AI+: First Gaming Handheld with Lunar Lake Core Ultra

    MSI Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld is rumored to feature a larger 8″ display and the Intel Core Ultra 200 Lunar Lake chip. Additionally, it reportedly will have improved battery life according to the leak.

    Enhanced AI Performance

    The Claw 8 AI+ is expected to deliver over ten times the AI performance of its predecessor, the Claw A1M. Tipster @momomo_us revealed this information on X (formerly Twitter), also mentioning that the new handheld will include a Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port, enhanced LB/RB buttons, and a lighter AC power adapter.

    Special Edition Collaboration

    MSI has apparently teamed up with Bethesda to create a Fallout-themed special edition of the MSI Claw. This edition is said to come with a slightly smaller 7″ FHD display and feature a design inspired by the vault, Pip-Boy, and other elements from the Fallout series. It's unclear if this will be a rebranded version of the existing MSI Claw A1M or a variant of the Claw 8 AI+.

    Upcoming Release

    The Lunar Lake series chip might debut in Q3 2024. The Claw AI+ with this new chip is anticipated to be a formidable rival to the ROG Alley X, which is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and sports a smaller 7″ display.

    MSI has incorporated the term AI in the product name, suggesting potential advantages in gaming performance. The forthcoming Core Ultra 200 chipset is projected to deliver over 100 TOPS in AI performance, a significant leap from the AI capabilities of the current Meteor Lake series chips in the Claw A1M.

    The GPU in the Core Ultra 200 series will likely feature the new Battlemage GPU architecture, expected to enhance the gaming experience compared to the current generation.

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