MSI has officially announced the Claw 8 AI Plus, a significant upgrade to its handheld gaming PC lineup. Set to launch in September, this new device addresses many of the criticisms of its predecessor while introducing cutting-edge technology.
Key Features
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Intel Lunar Lake Processor: The Claw 8 AI Plus will be powered by Intel's next-generation Lunar Lake chips, promising up to 50% more GPU performance than the previous Meteor Lake processors.
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Larger Display: Upgrading from the original 7-inch screen, the new model sports an 8-inch Full HD touchscreen with variable refresh rate (VRR) support up to 120Hz.
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Massive Battery: MSI has equipped the Claw 8 AI Plus with an 80Wh battery, matching the recently announced Asus ROG Ally X for the largest capacity in a handheld gaming PC.
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Improved Connectivity: The device will feature two USB-C ports, with one supporting Thunderbolt 4 capabilities.
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Enhanced Controls: MSI claims to have improved the tactile feel of the LB/RB buttons, addressing a common complaint about the original Claw.
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| This graph illustrates the performance versus power of the new Intel Lunar Lake processor, highlighting its improvements over previous models |
Design and Availability
While full details are still under wraps, early glimpses at Computex 2024 reveal a redesigned chassis with a two-tone color scheme. The Claw 8 AI Plus will also include an M.2 2280 slot for longer SSDs, offering potential for storage upgrades.
MSI plans to release more information about the Claw 8 AI Plus as we approach its September launch date. The company is clearly aiming to compete more effectively in the growing handheld PC gaming market, learning from the lukewarm reception of its first attempt.
It's worth noting that MSI is also releasing a limited-edition Fallout-themed version of the original Claw, featuring Meteor Lake processors. However, with the significant upgrades coming to the Claw 8 AI Plus, the appeal of this special edition may be limited to die-hard fans of the franchise.
As the handheld PC gaming space becomes increasingly competitive, it will be interesting to see how the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus stacks up against offerings from Asus, Valve, and other manufacturers when it hits the market later this year.
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| This is the Fallout edition of the original MSI Claw, showing the distinctive design that appeals to franchise fans while highlighting the enhancements in the new Claw 8 AI Plus |