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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