MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Review: Stunning Performance, But the Price Is Hard to Swallow

TechRadar called the device "the most eye-watering thing I’ve seen since the solar eclipse," highlighting its stunning power and vibrant display. The Claw 8 EX AI+ is the first handheld gaming console to feature Intel's Arc G3 Extreme chipset, which includes the Arc B390 GPU and 32GB RAM. In benchmark tests, it outperformed the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X by 35% to 76% in 3D Mark tests, and it delivered smooth frame rates on demanding games such as Doom: The Dark Ages and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, both running at a solid 60fps.

The review praised the 8-inch, 120Hz display for its rich colors, as well as the Hall effect thumbsticks and triggers for their responsiveness and durability. The console weighs 786g and features a laser-etched grip, although the grip reportedly caused sweaty hands during use.

However, TechRadar noted a major drawback: the price. The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ costs $1,799.99 / £1,399.99 / AU$2,849, which is more than any other gaming handheld to date and comparable to many midrange gaming laptops. The review argued that while the console offers excellent ergonomics and a compact form factor, its high cost may alienate gamers who could get better performance from a similarly priced laptop.

TechRadar also mentioned some software issues, including a buggy MSI Center M layer and a lack of mouse controls. Despite these flaws, the review concluded that the Claw 8 EX AI+ is a fantastic handheld that stretches expectations of what such devices can do, but its price makes it difficult to recommend.

The device launched on June 23, 2026, and is available now.