MSI Claw 8 AI+ Review: A Powerhouse Handheld Gaming PC in 2025

Introduction

The handheld gaming PC market is heating up in 2025, and MSI is making waves with the MSI Claw 8 AI+. This upgraded successor to the original MSI Claw promises better performance, a larger display, and improved battery life. But does it stack up against heavyweights like the Steam Deck OLED and ASUS ROG Ally X? In this MSI Claw 8 AI+ review, we'll dive into its specs, performance, design, and more to help you decide if it's the ultimate handheld gaming device for you.

MSI Claw 8 AI+ Sale on Amazon

MSI Claw 8 AI+ Specs: What's Under the Hood?

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is packed with cutting-edge hardware, making it a standout contender in the handheld gaming space:

Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (Lunar Lake series) with Intel Arc 140V graphics
Display: 8-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 120Hz, touchscreen, 100% sRGB
Battery: 80Whr, delivering 4+ hours of gameplay in Endurance Mode
RAM & Storage: 32GB LPDDR5x, 1TB NVMe SSD
Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, Micro SD
Extras: Hall Effect sticks/triggers, RGB lighting, MSI Center M software

Priced at $899, it's a premium option, but its specs suggest it's built for serious gamers who want top-tier performance on the go.

Design and Ergonomics: Bigger and Bolder

The Claw 8 AI+ sports an 8-inch display-larger than the 7-inch screens on the ASUS ROG Ally X and Steam Deck-offering a more immersive experience. Its two-tone, desert-inspired design is eye-catching, and features like RGB-lit analog sticks and a fingerprint power button add flair.

However, at 1.75 pounds and measuring 11.77 x 4.96 x 0.94 inches, it's heavier and bulkier than some rivals. While the ergonomic grips and drift-free Hall Effect controls are a plus, users with smaller hands might find it less comfortable for long sessions. MSI also offers a lighter Claw 7 AI+ variant for those prioritizing portability.

Performance: How Does It Play?

Powered by Intel's Core Ultra 7 258V and Intel XeSS upscaling, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ delivers solid gaming performance. Here's how it handles popular titles:

Final Fantasy XIV: 40-50 FPS (Standard, 1080p)
Baldur's Gate III: Smooth on High/Medium settings
Cyberpunk 2077: Playable on Medium with XeSS
Black Myth: Wukong: 30 FPS (Medium)

The Cooler Boost HyperFlow cooling system keeps thermals in check, with temperatures peaking at 96.6°F during intense sessions-cooler than the original Claw and Lenovo Legion Go. Battery life shines, too, with 4:21 hours in Endurance Mode and over 28 hours for 1080p video playback.

That said, occasional software glitches (like reverting to desktop controls) have been reported. MSI is expected to iron these out with updates, but it's a reminder that Windows-based handhelds can be less polished than SteamOS alternatives.

MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs. Competitors

How does it stack up against the competition?

Steam Deck OLED ($549): Cheaper and lighter, but lacks Windows compatibility for some games.
ASUS ROG Ally X ($799): More affordable, with a 7-inch screen and AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, though the Claw edges out 5-7 FPS in some tests.
Lenovo Legion Go ($699): Heavier and cheaper, with a different form factor but less battery efficiency.

The Claw's $899 price tag and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports give it an edge for power users, but its weight and cost might push budget gamers toward alternatives.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Large, vibrant 8-inch 120Hz display
Strong performance for AAA titles
Excellent battery life (4+ hours gaming)
Premium features like Thunderbolt 4 and Hall Effect controls

Cons:

Heavier than competitors (1.75 lbs)
Pricey at $899
Minor software bugs (fixable with updates)
May feel bulky for smaller hands

Who Should Buy the MSI Claw 8 AI+?

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is perfect for hardcore gamers who want a big screen, robust performance, and Windows versatility. Its Copilot+ AI features and Xbox Game Pass trial (one month, region-dependent) are bonuses for enthusiasts. However, if you're on a budget or prefer a lighter device, the Steam Deck or ROG Ally X might be better fits.

Final Verdict

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a redemption story for MSI, fixing many flaws of its predecessor with a powerful, feature-rich handheld. It's not perfect-its size and price won't suit everyone-but for gamers craving a premium portable experience in 2025, it's a top-tier choice. Expect software updates to polish the rough edges, making it an even stronger contender.