Saif Ali Tai
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is MSI’s second attempt at a handheld, and it fixes the glaring issues of the original. Moving to Intel’s Lunar Lake architecture brings much-needed efficiency and performance gains, but it comes at a steep $799 price point. While the 8-inch 120Hz display is a massive upgrade over the 7-inch panel on the first model, the software experience remains frustratingly inconsistent. If you want a Windows handheld, this is better, but it isn’t perfect.
📋 In This Article
Performance and Battery Life Improvements
The biggest shift here is the Intel Core Ultra 200V series chip. In my testing, the Claw 8 AI+ handles Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p medium settings much better than its predecessor, hitting a consistent 45-50 FPS. The battery life, which was the Achilles’ heel of the original, has jumped from roughly 60 minutes to nearly 2.5 hours of moderate gaming. This is a 150% improvement in endurance, which finally makes the device usable for travel. However, it still runs hotter than the ASUS ROG Ally X, often hitting 85 degrees Celsius during extended sessions. MSI clearly prioritized raw throughput over thermal management, which is a choice that affects long-term comfort while holding the unit.
Lunar Lake Benchmarks
In Cinebench 2024, the chip scores about 15% higher than the previous Meteor Lake variant. It handles background tasks much better, meaning you can have Discord and a browser open while gaming without the system hitching. It’s a genuine step forward for Intel in the handheld space.
Design and Ergonomics: The 8-Inch Shift
The jump to an 8-inch screen is the physical highlight of the MSI Claw 8 AI+. The bezels are thinner, and the colors on the IPS panel are vibrant, covering 100% of the sRGB gamut. Weighing in at 720 grams, it feels substantial, though it is noticeably heavier than the Steam Deck OLED. The Hall Effect joysticks are smooth and haven’t shown any drift after two weeks of heavy use. I do have a complaint about the shoulder buttons—they feel mushy and lack the tactile click I expect at this price point. Compared to the $799 ASUS ROG Ally X, the build quality feels slightly more plasticky and less refined.
Button Feel and Layout
The ABXY buttons are responsive, but the D-pad feels loose. If you play fighting games or retro platformers, you will definitely notice the lack of precision. It’s fine for casual play, but not for competitive titles.
Software Struggles: Windows 11 Still Bites
Despite the hardware upgrades, MSI Center M is still a chore. It’s supposed to be a centralized launcher, but it frequently crashes or fails to recognize installed games from Xbox Game Pass. Windows 11 is simply not designed for a small screen, and even with the improved interface, you will eventually have to pull up the virtual keyboard or use the touchscreen to navigate menus. Unlike SteamOS on the Steam Deck, which feels like a console, the Claw 8 AI+ feels like a laptop that someone shoved into a controller casing. It works, but it requires constant tinkering to keep things running smoothly.
Launcher Reliability
The launcher updates are slow. I spent at least 20 minutes updating firmware just to get the controller overlay to show up correctly in Starfield. It is a persistent headache that ruins the plug-and-play experience.
Value Proposition vs. Competition
At $799, the Claw 8 AI+ is in a tough spot. The ASUS ROG Ally X offers a better software suite and superior battery life for the same price. The Steam Deck OLED is cheaper and offers a vastly better user experience for anyone who doesn’t need native Windows support. Unless you are specifically tied to the Intel ecosystem for work or specific compatibility needs, it is hard to justify buying this over the competition. You are paying for the MSI brand and the novelty of an 8-inch screen, but you are compromising on the overall polish that makes handheld gaming fun.
Comparison Table
Against the ROG Ally X, the Claw 8 AI+ has a slightly better display size but loses on battery capacity (80Wh vs 53Wh). The power gap is undeniable.
⭐ Pro Tips
- Always update your Intel Graphics drivers directly from the Intel website instead of waiting for MSI’s slow software updates.
- Save $50 by buying an open-box model from Best Buy, as many users return these after finding Windows too difficult to manage.
- Disable Windows ‘Core Isolation’ in settings to get a 5-8% boost in frame rates on most AAA titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MSI Claw 8 AI+ worth it?
At $799, it is hard to recommend. It is a major improvement over the first version, but the ASUS ROG Ally X provides a much more stable and polished experience for the same price.
Is MSI Claw 8 AI+ better than Steam Deck?
No. The Steam Deck is more user-friendly, has better battery life, and costs significantly less. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is only better if you absolutely need Windows for specific game compatibility or work.
How much does the MSI Claw 8 AI+ cost?
The base model launched at $799 USD. You can occasionally find them on sale for $749, but the MSRP remains firmly at the $799 price point for the current release.
Final Thoughts
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ proves that MSI listened to feedback, but they haven’t solved the fundamental issues with Windows-based handhelds. It is a decent piece of hardware that is held back by mediocre software and high pricing. If you want a Windows handheld, get the ROG Ally X. If you want a great gaming experience, stick with the Steam Deck OLED. Don’t buy the hype—buy the device that actually works.
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