MSI's New Claw 8 EX AI Handheld Gaming PC Offers Major Performance Boosts
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
MSI has released the +MSI Claw 8 EX AI, a handheld gaming console featuring Intel's new Arc G3 Extreme chip, which significantly boosts performance and power efficiency. The device offers up to 40% better performance than its predecessor and extended battery life, though its screen lacks HDR support. Despite ergonomic improvements, the console's design and high price, around $1,800 internationally and 7,000 NIS in Israel, may limit its market reach.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- MSI's new Claw 8 EX AI handheld gaming console features Intel's Arc G3 Extreme chip for improved performance.
- The console offers up to 40% better performance and enhanced power efficiency compared to the previous model.
- Gaming sessions can last up to four hours on lighter titles due to improved battery life.
- The device retains an 8-inch IPS display but lacks HDR support and higher refresh rates.
- Ergonomic enhancements improve grip, but the console's size impacts portability.
- The +MSI Claw 8 EX AI is priced at approximately $1,800 internationally and 7,000 NIS in Israel.
MSI has launched an upgraded version of its handheld gaming console, the +MSI Claw 8 EX AI, featuring Intel's new flagship Arc G3 Extreme chip. This upgrade promises significant improvements in performance and power efficiency compared to its predecessor, which used Intel's Lunar Lake processor. The new chip, based on the Panther Lake architecture, offers a notable leap over previous generations, especially in a market where many competitors still rely on AMD's Ryzen chips.
Despite the processor upgrade, the console retains its 8-inch IPS display, 80Wh battery, dual USB-C ports, headphone jack, and microSD card slot. The storage remains at 1TB, though the drive is now faster. However, the screen does not support HDR and lacks the higher refresh rates or OLED technology found on some competing devices.
MSI has made ergonomic adjustments, widening the grip for better comfort, though it's still not as comfortable as some rivals. The design includes a protruding lower screen bezel, and the current purple color option is not universally appealing. The console weighs 785 grams, only slightly less than the previous model, and its larger size impacts portability, requiring a bigger carrying case.
Performance tests show the Claw EX achieving approximately 40% better performance, and in some games, over 70% improvement, compared to the previous model. This enhanced efficiency allows for longer gaming sessions, with up to four hours of play on lighter games at maximum settings. Even when pushing demanding titles like Hogwarts Legacy and Cyberpunk 2077, performance saw a 30-40% increase. The console can now reach a maximum power output of 35 watts, up from 30 watts, though the performance gains beyond 30 watts are minimal.
The +MSI Claw 8 EX AI is priced at approximately $1,800 internationally and around 7,000 NIS in Israel, a significant increase attributed partly to the current memory chip shortage. While the device offers impressive performance and battery life, its high price point may limit its market appeal, keeping it a niche product.