MSI’s new Claw gaming handhelds have Lunar Lake processors and nondescript ‘AI’ powers

MSI has two new versions of the MSI Claw after the original landed with a thud earlier this year. The company’s $900 MSI Claw 8 AI+ and $800 Claw 7 AI+ have Lunar Lake Intel processing, better battery life and quality-of-life improvements like redesigned sticks, bumpers and triggers.

The previous model launched “a touch late and a bit too pricey,” according to Engadget’s Sam Rutherford in our review. He said its performance was underwhelming compared to cheaper rivals, its software was too clunky, and it was plagued by an overabundance of optimization updates (presumably because MSI scrambled to fix its long list of problems). We haven’t handled the new models, but their switch to Intel’s latest Core Ultra 7 processor should lead to better performance and lower power consumption — two of the biggest marks against the A1M.

The Claw 8 AI+ has an 8-inch (1,920 x 1,200) display, and the Claw 7 AI+ has a 7-inch (1,920 x 1,080) one. Both devices support a 120Hz refresh rate. However, they’re LCD panels; you still won’t find an OLED option here, like in <a class="colorbox" data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" …read more