MSI Claw 8 EX AI+: Next-Gen Intel-Powered Gaming Handheld Surfaces in Europe

MSI’s Claw series of gaming handhelds has undergone a significant transformation since its initial release. The original Intel-powered Claw 8 A1M faced criticism for its high price and underwhelming performance. However, recent iterations—featuring both AMD and Intel chipsets—have earned a reputation for delivering solid gaming experiences. Now, a new model has emerged, signaling MSI’s continued commitment to innovation in the handheld gaming market.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Spotted with Intel Arc G3 Extreme

An Italian retailer, Ollo Store, has listed the upcoming MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ at a price of €1,599. This marks a €300 increase over the current Claw 8 AI+ A2VM with identical memory and storage configurations. The price hike suggests notable hardware upgrades, most prominently the inclusion of Intel’s latest Arc G3 Extreme processor.

Key Specifications and Hardware Upgrades

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is set to feature Intel’s Arc G3 Extreme CPU, a 14-core processor structured with 2 Performance cores, 8 Efficient cores, and 4 Low Power Efficient cores. Graphics performance will be handled by the integrated Intel Arc B380 GPU, equipped with 12 Xe3 cores running at 2.3 GHz. While the B380’s core clocks are 200 MHz lower than the flagship B390, users can expect performance levels close to those seen in the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H, as demonstrated in recent benchmarks.

Beyond the new processor, the Claw 8 EX AI+ maintains MSI’s high standards for gaming handhelds. It comes with 32 GB of RAM, an 8-inch 16:10 IPS display boasting 500 nits of brightness and 100% sRGB color coverage, and an 80 WHr battery for extended play sessions. Connectivity is future-proofed with Wi-Fi 7 support, and a carrying case is included for added portability.

What to Expect from the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

The introduction of the Arc G3 Extreme CPU and Arc B380 GPU positions the Claw 8 EX AI+ as a compelling option for gamers seeking high performance in a portable form factor. While the price is notably higher than previous models, the hardware improvements may justify the premium for enthusiasts looking for cutting-edge handheld gaming technology.