– Intel’s Arc G3/G3 Extreme for handhelds with 2 P-cores, 8 E-cores and 4 LP E-cores, replacing Lunar Lake-based Claw 8 AI+ line.
– Initial partner handhelds: Acer Predator Atlas 8, MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, OneXPlayer; MSI’s Claw 8 EX AI+ imagery shows ROG Xbox Ally-style grips and revised front speakers.
– Claw 8 EX AI+ specs/leaks: 8-inch IPS 1920×1200 @120 Hz, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, 80 Wh battery; expected Computex 2026 debut and pricing around €1,599 (~$1,550).
Overview of the Announced Arc G3 Series
Intel introduced its Arc G3 and Arc G3 Extreme processors on May 28, aiming at PC gaming handhelds. The pair come with Arc B370 and Arc B390 graphics, and include 2 P-cores, 8 E-cores and 4 LP E-cores. In essence, the Arc G3 family is set to replace existing Lunar Lake handhelds, like the Claw 8 AI+ that we examined in 2025, which carried a curr. $1,881 price on Amazon.
Key Claims From Intel
During the announcement, Intel stated that handheld designs from top partners would roll out in the coming months, starting with Acer’s Predator Atlas 8, MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, and OneXPlayer. The company framed these devices as the first wave in a broader ecosystem shift toward Arc-powered handheld gaming.
Current Status of Partner Devices
To date, Acer and OneXPlayer have publicly shown the Predator Atlas 8 and the OneXPlayer 3. MSI has kept quiet about the Claw 8 EX AI+. Nevertheless, recent online leaks have revealed renders and details about MSI’s next 8-inch handheld, pointing to a refreshed form factor and updated internals.
Design Cues and Ergonomics
The leaked visuals indicate the Claw 8 EX AI+ adopts ROG Xbox Ally-like controller grips, potentially offering a more comfortable grip in long gaming sessions than earlier MSI 8-inch models, whose ergonomics have drawn mixed feedback. The device also appears to feature relocated front-facing speakers, while maintaining the familiar button layout seen in prior MSI Claw releases.
Display and Hardware Specs
Based on the leaks, the Claw 8 EX AI+ is expected to use the same 8-inch IPS display as the Claw AI+ 8 and the Claw A8, delivering 1,920 x 1,200 resolution at 120 Hz. In terms of memory and storage, MSI’s subsequent handheld is rumored to ship with 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and an 80 Wh battery, matching contemporary portable gaming expectations.
Pricing and Debut Timeline
Pricing for the Claw 8 EX AI+ is anticipated to reach around €1,599, roughly $1,550 before tax, should the leaks hold true and taxes are factored in. The device’s official unveiling is expected at Computex 2026 in Taipei, scheduled from June 2 to June 5, aligning with the broader rollout of Intel’s Arc G3 lineup.