MSI Launches New Handheld Consoles: Claw 7/8 AI+ Featuring Intel Ultra 7 258V Processor

The gaming handheld market is quickly entering a phase where high specifications are key. Not long after the release of the MSI Claw A1M gaming handheld, MSI has unveiled upgraded models: the MSI Claw 7 AI+ and MSI Claw 8 AI+.

Both new handhelds are equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, 32GB of memory, and a replaceable 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. The 7 AI+ and 8 AI+ are essentially identical in specifications, with the main differences being screen size and battery capacity.

Key Specifications of the MSI Claw 7/8 AI+ Handhelds:

• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
• Memory: 32GB LPDDR5x-8533
• Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
• Graphics: Intel Arc 140 Integrated GPU
• Display: 7-inch FHD and 8-inch FHD, 160Hz refresh rate with variable refresh rate support
• Audio: Dual 2W speakers, supporting DTS and high-resolution audio
• Sensors: 6-axis IMU + vibration motor
• Wireless Connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
• Ports: TB4/DP/USB-C PD 3.0 x 2, microSD slot, 3.5mm jack, fingerprint sensor power button
• Battery: 54.5Wh and 80Wh 6-cell lithium polymer battery
• Dimensions: 290*117*21.2mm、299*126*21.4mm
• Weight: 675g and 795g
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

The MSI Claw A1M featured an AMD chip, as did the gaming handhelds from Lenovo and ASUS, making MSI's switch to Intel processors for these new models a notable differentiation.

As for retail prices, MSI has not yet announced them nor the release date. However, Amazon's pre-order page shows the MSI Claw 8 AI+ priced at $at$799 (equipped with a 512GB SSD instead of 1TB, differing from MSI's specification sheet, suggesting it might not be comprehensive).