The wait is almost over for handheld gaming enthusiasts: MSI has announced that its new 8-inch gaming handheld, the Claw 8 AI+, will officially ship on January 15, 2025. This high-performance device, along with its 7-inch sibling, the Claw 7 AI+, is set to rival the likes of the Steam Deck OLED and Asus ROG Ally X in the increasingly competitive handheld gaming PC market.
Following weeks of conflicting reports regarding launch dates, MSI’s official store has now clarified the timeline for the highly anticipated devices. Both models will debut simultaneously in the United States, with global availability details still under wraps.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ promises cutting-edge performance, powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 7 285V APU and integrated Intel Arc 140V graphics. With 32GB of RAM and a stunning 1200p, 120Hz display, the handheld is designed to deliver smooth 1080p gaming performance. Early benchmarks shared by MSI suggest that the Claw 8 AI+ achieves a 20% performance boost over the Asus ROG Ally X, positioning it as one of the most powerful handheld gaming devices on the market.
The 8-inch display of the Claw 8 AI+ is complemented by its compact sibling, the Claw 7 AI+, which features a 7-inch screen and a similar hardware configuration. Both devices run on Windows, offering broad compatibility with PC gaming libraries and versatility for productivity tasks, though final reviews will determine how well they perform under real-world conditions.
The Claw 8 AI+ represents MSI’s second attempt at dominating the handheld gaming space. The first-generation MSI Claw received mixed reviews due to issues with build quality and software optimization. However, MSI seems to have taken these criticisms to heart, with early impressions of the Claw 8 AI+ showing significant improvements in both design and performance.
MSI has been working to position the Claw 8 AI+ as a premium option in the handheld gaming market. Its combination of high-end hardware, sleek design, and competitive benchmarks has generated optimism among gamers, especially those seeking a viable alternative to the Steam Deck OLED or ROG Ally X.
With devices like the Steam Deck reshaping the landscape of handheld gaming, MSI is stepping into a booming market. Gamers are increasingly drawn to portable PC gaming devices that offer the freedom to play AAA titles on the go without sacrificing performance. The Claw 8 AI+ appears to cater directly to this audience, boasting top-tier specs and a premium gaming experience.
The January 15 launch date marks a pivotal moment for MSI. While the U.S. will see the handheld first, global release plans remain unclear. If MSI can deliver on its promises, the Claw 8 AI+ could establish itself as a serious competitor, especially for gamers seeking higher performance and visual fidelity in their handheld devices.
