MSI Claw 8 AI+ Review: A Massive Upgrade Over The Original

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is MSI’s second attempt at a handheld, and it actually works. Powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 200V series ‘Lunar Lake’ chip, this $799 device finally delivers the efficiency and frame rates that the original Claw completely lacked. While the first model was a buggy, power-hungry disaster, this iteration feels like a proper competitor to the ROG Ally X. If you are looking for a Windows-based handheld that doesn’t die in 60 minutes, this is finally a serious contender.

Specs, Performance, and Lunar Lake

The jump to the Lunar Lake architecture is the only reason this device exists. I’m seeing a 30% improvement in power efficiency compared to the Meteor Lake silicon in the first Claw. MSI paired this with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which is standard now for demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077. In my testing, I hit a stable 45-50 FPS at 1080p on medium settings. That is a massive leap from the stuttering mess I dealt with at launch. The 8-inch 120Hz display is bright and responsive, though I still think the ROG Ally X feels slightly better in the hands. The software experience has also improved, though MSI Center M still feels like an overlay rather than a native console experience. It works, but it isn’t polished.

Why the Lunar Lake chip matters

Intel’s new chip architecture prioritizes low-power throughput. For a handheld, this means you get more gaming time without the fan spinning at 6000 RPM. I averaged about 2.5 hours of play on a charge, which is a night-and-day difference from the 70 minutes I got on the original Claw. It finally feels like a portable machine rather than a tethered desktop.

Design and Ergonomics: The Claw 8 Feel

MSI stuck to the same chassis design, which is a bit of a bummer. It’s bulky. At 8 inches, this thing is significantly larger than the Steam Deck OLED. The triggers are decent, but the Hall effect joysticks are the real win here. They feel precise and shouldn’t drift after six months of use. I appreciate the inclusion of an extra USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, which makes docking it to a 4K monitor actually useful. However, the device is heavy. If you have smaller hands, you will notice the weight after about 45 minutes of play. It’s a solid build, but it lacks the refined ergonomics that Valve perfected with the Steam Deck.

Hall effect joysticks are now mandatory

I refuse to recommend any handheld in 2026 that lacks Hall effect sticks. MSI finally got the memo. The resistance is smooth, and the dead zones are negligible. If you play competitive shooters, you will notice the difference immediately compared to the older, cheaper pots used in the original launch.

Software: The Windows Handheld Struggle

Let’s be honest: Windows 11 on a handheld is still a chore. MSI has improved their ‘MSI Center M’ launcher, but it still feels like they are fighting Microsoft’s UI. Updates are frequent, and I had to spend two hours updating drivers out of the box just to get the GPU to recognize some games correctly. Once you are in a game, it’s fine. But trying to navigate the desktop to fix a resolution bug is frustrating. If you want a ‘console’ experience, buy a Steam Deck or a Switch. If you want a pocket PC that can run Game Pass and Epic Games Store simultaneously, the Claw 8 AI+ handles the chaos well enough.

The Game Pass experience

Since this is a Windows machine, Xbox Game Pass integration is native. You don’t need workarounds like you do on SteamOS. Downloading and playing titles like Forza Horizon 5 is seamless. Just don’t expect the same ‘sleep/resume’ magic that you get on a dedicated console.

Verdict: Is it worth the $799 price tag?

At $799, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is priced right against the ROG Ally X. The question is whether you value the Intel chip over the AMD Z2 Extreme found in other devices. If you need specific Intel-only features or prefer the MSI design language, it’s a solid buy. If you just want the best performance-per-dollar, the ROG Ally X remains the king of the Windows handheld hill. I’m happy MSI didn’t give up, but they are still playing catch-up to Valve. It’s a good device, but wait for a sale if you aren’t in a rush to upgrade your current handheld.

Comparing to the competition

The Steam Deck OLED is still cheaper at $549 and offers a better screen. The ROG Ally X is more ergonomic. The Claw 8 AI+ sits in the middle, offering a great Intel-based alternative for those who don’t want to deal with Linux-based workarounds for certain anti-cheat games.

⭐ Pro Tips

• Always update your Intel GPU drivers directly from the Intel website instead of waiting for MSI’s slow software updates.
• Save $50 by checking open-box stock at Best Buy; many people return these because they can’t handle Windows.
• Do not calibrate the joysticks in the Windows settings; use the MSI Center M utility to avoid software conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ proves that MSI learned from their mistakes. It is a functional, powerful, and efficient handheld that finally competes in the current market. If you are a Windows power user who wants a portable machine for Game Pass, this is a great pick. If you want a plug-and-play console, stick with the Steam Deck. Either way, keep an eye on firmware updates, as they will define the long-term viability of this hardware.