This new MSI Claw model, which will launch soon after the original, upgrades to Intel’s upcoming AI-ready processor platform and includes some other design boosts.
Steam Deck-style Windows handhelds are having a moment in the gaming industry, and MSI has doubled down on its Claw device with a fresh model featuring Intel’s next-generation AI-ready processors.
At Computex 2024, MSI showed off the new Claw 8 AI+, which will run on Intel’s upcoming “Lunar Lake” AI platform. This new model also includes several hardware and design improvements based on user feedback, including a new 8-inch screen.
We were able to get a closer look at the Claw 8 AI+ ourselves on the show floor, though it remained behind glass, so we were unable to play or test any performance. You can see our video of the device above and read on for a list of the changes.Behold the Claw…Again
The original MSI Claw only launched this past spring—our review was published just last month. A follow-up device coming out this soon may cut short the original device’s sales tail while also potentially frustrating those who purchased it. You expect eventual obsolescence on PCs and most gaming hardware, but ideally, it’s not made to come so soon.
We were lukewarm on the Claw in our review, primarly citing glitchy software and performance issues that made the experience less than seamless. It has a decent base, though, with a comfortable design and, of course, the ability to run Windows 11 entirely.
