MSI Claw 8 AI+ Review

The Claw 8 AI+ is the device that turned Intel from a handheld afterthought into a serious contender. Launched in January 2025 at 899, it runs the Lunar Lake Core Ultra 7 258V with Arc 140V graphics, 32GB of memory and a 1TB SSD behind an 8 inch 1920 by 1200 120Hz touchscreen, all fed by a large 80Wh battery. Where MSI's clumsy first Claw stumbled, this one lands cleanly.

The performance surprised almost everyone. It averages around 60 frames in many games at native resolution, at times close to double what comparable AMD handhelds manage in the same titles, and its battery life is the best in the class by a comfortable margin. The build feels solid, the grips are comfortable over long sessions, and because it is a full Windows PC it reaches every storefront without compromise.

It is not flawless. It is still Windows on a handheld, so there are occasional driver quirks, and the U.S. price drifted toward 1000 after launch on tariffs. But at its original 899 it was the most complete handheld of the year and the one to beat on efficiency. For players who want strong speed and long stamina without constantly babysitting settings, it remains an easy recommendation.