The original MSI Claw was a rare misfire for the veteran gaming brand, plagued by glitchy software and overshadowed by rivals on price. Now, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ represents a comprehensive overhaul, replacing the internals with a new Intel Lunar Lake processor, a larger 8in screen, an 80Wh battery, and AI optimisation for power and performance.
After several weeks of use, the revamped handheld proves powerful, often outperforming its closest rivals, with genuinely impressive battery life for a Windows device. However, at 795g, it is notably chunky, though the ergonomic handles remain comfortable during long sessions. The beige-grey finish with customisable RGB lighting adds a retro-gamer aesthetic, but the build quality feels plasticky for the price, with shoulder buttons and thumbsticks that lack a premium feel and a poorly tuned haptics motor that can buzz noisily.
The 8in display is a key selling point, offering a 1920x1200 resolution that suits the hardware, with bright colours and 120Hz variable refresh rates. Yet for £899, the absence of OLED technology is a compromise, especially when the cheaper Steam Deck OLED delivers a superior image. The Claw 8 AI+ runs Windows, booting to a desktop by default, but includes the Center M gaming overlay to mimic a console experience. While nicely designed, the custom interface is buggy and slow to respond.
Connectivity is robust with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an easily accessible 1TB NVMe SSD for upgrades. Overall, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a powerful contender in the handheld gaming PC market, but its high price and build quality compromises mean it faces stiff competition from cheaper alternatives like the Steam Deck OLED.
